They Poisoned My Father, So I Bankrupted Their Billion-Dollar Empire

Chapter 12: Desperate Measures

Jack sat in his truck in the hospital parking lot, staring at the neon sign of a "Quick Cash Title Loan" store across the street.

He did the math. His truck was worth maybe $4,000. He needed $250,000. He was looking at predatory lending rates of 300% APR, and it still wouldn't be enough. He slammed his fist against the steering wheel, tears stinging his eyes.

He was about to start the engine and drive through the storefront when a silver sedan pulled up beside him. The window rolled down.

It was Elena.

"Don't do it," she said, eyeing the loan store. "That's exactly what they want. They want you desperate. They want you to make a mistake."

"They cancelled the surgery, Elena," Jack choked out. "She doesn't have time for a lawsuit."

Elena stepped out of her car. She looked immaculate in her suit, a stark contrast to Jack’s grime. She pulled out her phone and tapped the screen.

"I just wired the retainer fee I usually charge corporate clients directly to the hospital," she said calmly. "It's a non-refundable wire transfer. Your mom gets the surgery."

Jack stared at her, stunned. "That’s... that’s a quarter million dollars. Why?"

Elena put her sunglasses back on. "Because Thorne thinks he can starve us out. Now," she looked at Jack with steel in her eyes, "he made it personal."