Chapter 107

"Daniela, I'm begging you, get here as fast as you can!Things could take a very dark turn if you don't!"Caiden's desperate plea crackled through the phone line.

The attending doctor had rarely encountered such raw vulnerability-a father who seemed shattered, unsure of where to turn.

Once the call ended, Caiden dabbed at his eyes,briefly masking his sorrow before facing the doctor."My daughter will be here shortly."

He then dialed his home number again, seeking some comfort or update.

Silence greeted him-no response.

Annoyed and anxious, he switched tactics and called Joyce.Over the years,he had indulged her every whim,sparing no expense for her happiness.

Now, amidst the turmoil, he expected her to rise to the occasion.

After all, it was Katrina who had entangled themin this disaster.

Moreover,he needed Joyce to bring a substantial sum of money. In his haste to reach the hospital, he had managed only to bring five hundred dollars.

The phone rang several times before Joyce picked up.

"Joyce, I'm at the hospital. We need fifty thousand dollars. Ronald requires surgery, and Wyatt and Mom need to be hospitalized immediately."

On the other end, Joyce sighed dramatically,her tone laced with exasperation. "Dad, Mom has the safe key,so I can't access the money. I'm not going to that hospital. It's full of sickness and bacteria, and as someone who's pregnant, I'd think my health would be a priority!"

A fresh wave of helplessness swept over Caiden.

After a brief pause, Joyce went on, "Dad, you really should come home too. Mom's incredibly upset.There's little you can help there. It's probably best to employ a nurse-they'll mnanage everything far more effectively than you. Plus, Mom blames the entire ordeal on them, insisting it's none of our concern." Initially, Joyce had felt a twinge of anxiety when the chaos erupted.

However, as the minutes passed without any police involvement, her womy dissipated, giving way toindifference

Caiden felt a deep ache in his chest as he absorbedher dismissive tone

Over the years, he had lavished Joyce with affectionand gifts, often at the expense of Daniela, whoreceived scant attention from him.

Now, in his time of need, Daniela rushed to his aidafter just a simple call Joyce, conversely, offerednothing but weak justifications.

Stop talking like that, Joyce," Caiden retorted sharplyThey're still family, and tuming our backs on them iscruel. Or do you enjoy watching them struggle fortheir lives?"

Sprawled on the couch, an apple in hand. Joyce rolledher eyes and huffed, "That's their dilemma. not mine.If it's help you need, go to Daniela. She's always readyto play the martyr."

Caiden's fingers dug into his phone, his face growingalarmingly pale, as if all the blood had vanished.

Before he could utter another word, Joyce ended thecall abruptly.

A profound sorrow enveloped him This was the family he had cherished for over a decade.

Left with no alternatives, Caiden hastily summoned a taxi to take him home.

Upon his arrival, finding Katrina absent, he reluctantly turned to Joyce to request financial help.

With a touch of reluctance in her voice, Joyce stated,"Fine,but consider this a loan. You're going to have to repay me-with interest. Family or not, money is money."

She then proceeded to transfer ten thousand dollars to him.

As he confirmed the transaction, Caiden inadvertently saw the balance in her account-a startling number of zeros trailing behind.

He had been providing Katrina and Joyce a lavish monthly allowance, which accumulated to over a million dollars a year.

Yet now, at his timne of need, one had vanished, and the other grudgingly handed over merely a fraction of her wealth.

Caiden felt a profound sense of poverty wash over him. On his somber journey back to the hospital, he mused bitterly that depending on Joyce had been a futile hope all along.

Upon his arrival, he found Daniela already waiting.

As the hospital staff delineated the steep expenses involved, Caiden, who had previously never been troubled by financial concerns, shut his eyes in bitter disappointment.

Peyton, overwhelmed by the sum mentioned,dissolved into tears. "We can't pay for the treatment.Just let me go already."

Seeing the distress filling the room, Daniela stepped outside to the doctor and inquired, "Can you tell me exactly what the situation is?"

After piecing everything together, she made a brief phone call. Returning to Caiden, she announced, "A top-notch surgeon will oversee the surgery. He's reviewed the scans and sees no significant concerns.He arrives tonight, will rest tomorrow morning,and is scheduled for the procedure in the afternoon."

Ronald's shoulders dropped as he exhaled deeply, a visible weight lifted by the news.

"Wyatt and Peyton don't have any major problems-they just require proper care," Daniela stated, her voice unwavering. "Unless there's anything else, I'll take my leave now."

As she strode towards the exit, Caiden tagged along behind her, his steps uncertain. "Thank you."

Pausing by her car, Daniela faced him with a stern expression. "The financials are your responsibility.They never showed me consideration, so why should I bear the cost? You'll manage, I'm certain. Besides,this hospital belongs to a friend of mine. I've already discussed it with them. You have five days to arrange the payment."

With those final words, she slid into her car and drove away.

The clock struck 1 a.m., and a gentle rain began to patter against the pavement.

Outside the hospital, Caiden stood rooted to the spot,overwhelmed by a sudden surge of regret. His hands flew to his face as tears escaped, mourning the years lost and the estrangement that had grown between them.

How had it come to this?

How had he allowed the little girl who once called him "Daddy" to become so estranged?

Inside the hospital room, Peyton's eyes burned with anger as he confronted Caiden. "You're the reason Daniela's done with us! She doesn't give a damn about this family anymore, and it's all thanks to you!"