Chapter 3: A Total Fraud

Words : 1755 Updated : Jul 24th, 2025

Half an hour later, at Bewell Hospital. As the finest private hospital in Floriaville, it boasted top-notch medical facilities and the best doctors. Naturally, the costs were exorbitant. "We're spending almost ten thousand a day-it's basically highway robbery! And the worst part? They still can't cure him." "A few days ago, we hired this so-called 'Miracle Doctor from Jorkville,' Elias. Mom and I sold everything we could and borrowed from everyone we knew-barely scraped together a hundred thousand." "Elias wrote Dad a prescription and swore up and down it would cure him. But then yesterday, Dad's condition suddenly got worse-they even issued a critical notice..." As Mila spoke, she couldn't hold back her tears, her fists clenched in anger. It was obvious she didn't trust the hospital, especially that so-called miracle doctor-she thought he was a total fraud. But she had no proof, and Bewell Hospital was way too well-connected for regular people like them to mess with. "I get it, don't worry. Now that I'm home, Dad's gonna be okay," Levi said, giving his sister a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Mila didn't know what her brother could possibly do, but for some reason, she just trusted him. Maybe it was because of what Levi did at the night market earlier-it had really blown her away. After three years apart, it felt like her brother had become a totally different person. "Hey, did you really help catch fugitives and save people in prison?" Mila asked, curiosity in her voice. "Of course it's true. You'll see for yourself soon," Levi replied, calm as ever. Even though Dad had been given a critical notice, as long as he was still breathing, Levi was sure he could save him. As they talked, the siblings took the elevator up to the fifth floor. Seeing their dad, Cyrus Casson, barely hanging on in bed, and their mom, Mavis Fairburn, crying her eyes out beside him, Levi felt like his heart was being ripped apart. His parents weren't even old enough to retire, but their hair was already turning gray. Three years apart had aged them like thirty. Their happy family had fallen apart ever since Levi went to prison. Levi was eaten up by guilt. If only he'd kept his cool three years ago and just gotten his sister out, maybe none of this would've happened. "When you're weak, you have to keep your cool when things go wrong. But once you're strong, it's everyone else who needs to worry," Levi mused. Luckily, it wasn't too late-Levi still had a shot at making things right for his family. "Dad, Mom, I'm home," Levi said as he pushed open the door, his eyes red. "Levi!" His mom, Mavis, who'd been slumped by the bed, suddenly jumped up-only to feel dizzy. Levi caught her just in time. "Mom, are you alright? Please don't scare me!" Mila's face went pale. If anything happened to their mom now, with their dad already in critical condition, Mila just couldn't take it. "Don't worry, Mom's just worn out. She just needs some rest," Levi said gently. Hearing this, Mila finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Levi, how are you out before your sentence was up? You didn't break out, did you?" Mavis asked anxiously after regaining her composure. "Of course not. I got out early for good behavior. I'll explain everything later-right now, I need to help Dad," Levi replied. "What? You can heal people?" Mavis was taken aback. When did her son gain such abilities? Levi didn't have time to explain. His father's condition was dire. If he had returned a day or two later, he might not have seen him again. The man sat by the bed, holding his father's hand, and channeled a bit of his true energy into him. Cyrus finally had the strength to speak. "I never thought I'd see my son again. I'm content! I was strict with you before, but it was for your own good. Because you're different from us, you're not an ordinary person, in fact, you..." Cyrus knew his time was short and wanted to reveal his secret when the door suddenly opened. Shepherd Webberlye, the attending physician, entered with two nurses. "Cyrus, good news! Elias has developed a new medicine that has a high chance of curing your illness. You need to gather thirty thousand dollars quickly, or it might be too late," Shepherd said with a smile. "Is there really hope for my husband's illness?" Mavis, who had been in despair, saw a glimmer of hope. Shepherd nodded. "Alright, I'll find a way to raise the money. Even if I have to sell a kidney, I'll come up with those thirty thousand dollars!" Mavis declared with determination. Shepherd was even more pleased with Mavis's response. "Wait, Mom, you don't need to gather the money," Levi said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Why not? Do you have the money?" Mavis regretted asking immediately. How could her son, just out of prison, have any money? The question was like rubbing salt into Levi's wounds. Levi shook his head with a faint smile. "I don't have money, but I can heal Dad's illness myself. We don't need to beg anyone." "You can heal him? Levi, you shouldn't make such claims lightly. Elias has been practicing for forty years and is renowned in Jorkville. Even he isn't completely confident," Mavis said. "Bro, I actually want to believe everything you say is true, that you've learned some medical skills, but we can't gamble with Dad's life right now," Mila said worriedly. Levi had never lied to them, but with Cyrus's life at stake, they couldn't afford to be careless. Even though Mila doubted the hospital's medical skills and fees, she had no choice but to believe. To save their father, she was even willing to sell one of her kidneys! "I'm not lying. I really can heal Dad. If you don't believe me, I'll prove it now," Levi said as he pulled out a set of silver needles from his pocket. Shepherd, watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but sneer. "If our hospital records are correct, you're Cyrus's son, Levi, and you're a former convict, right?" "So what?" Levi frowned, displeased. Once someone goes to prison, they can never shake off the stigma. They'll be labeled a convict everywhere, unable to find a job. Fortunately, with Levi's current skills, he didn't need to rely on others. "It seems you wasted your time in prison. You couldn't even kick the habit of boasting," Shepherd mocked. "Who's boasting, you or me? You know full well. If you can't cure my dad, don't brag here. That so-called miracle doctor is nothing but a fraud!" Levi retorted coldly. "How dare you insult Elias! You're not leaving here today!" Shepherd shouted, enraged.

Chapter 3: A Total Fraud

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