Chapter 12 The Director's Ultimatum

Maya stopped in front of the director's office. She released a heavy sigh and adjusted her lab coat, trying to push away the fear that had been building inside her.

Being summoned personally by the hospital director was never something to take lightly. She knew people didn't simply walk into Reginald Thorpe's office without a reason. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her courage and knocked on the door.

"Come in"

The response came almost immediately. Maya pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The luxurious arrangement of the office caught her attention for only a second before she quickly shifted her focus to the man sitting behind the large desk.

Reginald Thorpe was watching her every movement.

"Have a seat," he instructed, pointing toward the chair opposite him.

Maya walked forward and sat down carefully. She twisted her fingers together nervously before looking at him.

"Good afternoon, sir. I'm Maya, the intern you asked to see. I hope there isn't any problem, sir"

Reginald studied her nervous expression and the slight trembling in her voice.

A faint smile appeared on his face. He enjoyed seeing people become uncomfortable in his presence. Fear made them easier to control.

"Oh, there is a reason I asked you to come," he said calmly.

"The hospital authority has given instructions to discharge some patients. Why are you trying to interfere with the process?"

Maya immediately shook her head, "No, sir. They are not just sending my mother home"

"They are forcing me to sign the discharge papers"

Her voice became emotional, "This is ridiculous and unacceptable. My mother is still unconscious after her failed brain surgery. She hasn't even received the proper treatment she needs yet"

Reginald's expression changed. Her attempt to act as if she didn't understand the situation irritated him. With anger flashing in his eyes, he slammed his fist onto the table.

"Ridiculous?", his voice became colder.

"Do you know how that sounds coming from someone who has accumulated almost six months of unpaid hospital bills?"

He leaned back slightly, "You must think this hospital is a charity home, Miss Maya"

"Perhaps you can explain to me what exactly is ridiculous about this situation"

Maya lowered her head, "I... I know we have a lot of debt to pay, sir"

"But please give me some time. I will find a way to gather the money"

She looked at him desperately, "My mother is the only family I have left. Please don't do this to her"

Reginald's expression remained emotionless, "Gather the money?"

"With what?"

"This hospital requires money to function properly. The equipment, the medication, and the workers all need to be paid"

"If every patient refuses to settle their bills, do you think this hospital will continue to exist?"

He shook his head, "We are not here to babysit patients who have turned this hospital into their permanent home"

"Prepare to take your mother out of this hospital, and stop creating unnecessary trouble"

By this point, tears had already filled Maya's eyes. Her voice had become weak after all the pleading she had done earlier.

Slowly, she stood up from her seat, then she moved around the desk and knelt beside him.

Rubbing her hands together, she begged, "I beg you, sir. Please give me more time"

"I will find a way to pay everything"

"My mother is the only family I have left. Please don't allow her to die"

She looked helpless on the floor, but Reginald's heart remained cold. Instead of sympathy, he felt satisfaction seeing her desperation.

"It's simple," he said calmly. "Either you settle the payment before today ends..."

"...or you take your mother out of this hospital"

Maya's tears fell faster, "I can't raise that amount today"

"Please help me extend the deadline. I promise I won't disappoint you"

She hesitated before asking, "Is there anything I can do to change your mind, sir?"

"As long as my mother's treatment continues, I'm willing to do anything"

Reginald slowly tilted his head, "Anything?"

His lips curved slightly, "Are you sure?"

Maya clenched her hands, "Yes, sir"

"I'm ready to do anything if it will help my mother"

Reginald leaned back in his chair, "Alright then. Get yourself up from the floor"

"Go inside the restroom and clean your face, then come back for a serious discussion"

"You promised you would do anything, so I need you to be in the right state of mind"

"You have five minutes. Hurry"

"Okay, sir. Thank you, sir". Maya wiped her tears, stood up, and walked into the restroom.

The moment the door closed, Reginald's expression changed. A dark smile appeared on his face.

"It's time to infiltrate Chairman Boss's household"

"I need to know how that spoiled brat obtained Marcus's father's house"

"The Code of Vitalis must be hidden somewhere inside that place"

His eyes narrowed, "Once I recover that book, I will make Ethan Voss pay for humiliating me"

He leaned back comfortably, "This is the perfect opportunity to use this miserable intern"

"After she completes her mission, her mother will be thrown out of this hospital like a beggar"

A quiet laugh escaped his lips, "Hope isn't lost yet"

A few minutes later, Maya returned to the office.

Reginald looked at her, "Let's go straight to business"

"I need you to become more than just Ethan Voss's intern"

"I need you to become his caregiver. This will give you enough time to execute the plan I have for you"

Maya frowned in confusion, "The plan? What plan?"

"Besides, Ethan Voss doesn't need a caregiver. He can move freely on his own. He doesn't look like someone I can babysit"

Reginald's expression hardened, "I suggest you remain quiet until I finish explaining"

"Do you understand?"

Maya immediately lowered her head, "Yes, sir"

"Good. I will give you a particular medicine. You will put it into his drink"

"It will weaken his immune system. He will have no choice but to depend on you"

"He recently acquired a dilapidated house in a remote village"

"Whenever he plans to go there, find a way to follow him"

"I want you to recover something for me"

“What's that?”, Maya

He paused, "A book"

Maya stared at him in confusion, "A book. What does the house Ethan acquired have to do with your book?"

"Also, isn't it illegal to poison the billionaire's son? I don't even have access to his food or drinks. How am I supposed to do that?"

Reginald's expression darkened, "Are you really this foolish?"

"I cannot tell you every detail of the operation. Use your own methods"

He continued, "Seduce him if necessary. Do whatever you need to make him take the medicine, and stop questioning me"

"The house belonged to my nephew, Marcus, who is currently in a coma. I need to recover that book before Ethan decides to destroy the place"

"You know how these rich kids behave"

Maya remained confused, "But sir...I still don't understand"

"Ethan isn't someone who can easily be controlled by a woman. And if your nephew owned the house, shouldn't his belongings have already been taken?"

She swallowed nervously, "I'm also afraid of poisoning the president's son. What if something goes wrong?"

Reginald stood up angrily. His patience was running out.

"It's like you've forgotten that I decide what happens to your mother lying on that hospital bed"

"Stop questioning me!"

Maya felt hurt when he mentioned her mother, but she forced herself to remain calm, "Okay, sir"

"Good. I will send someone to give you the medicine later"

"I will also send you a picture of the book. Whatever you do, don't get caught. If Ethan or his parents become suspicious, report to me immediately"

He went back to his seat, "Your mother's condition will be stabilized for now, but her treatment will not continue until you bring me that book"

Maya's eyes widened, "What? My mother's condition is getting worse and he needs treatment as soon as possible"

"Please have mercy, sir"

Reginald looked at her without emotion, "Then your mother's life is in your hands. The faster you complete the task, the better for her"

"Remember this…If you fail to bring me the book within one month, your mother will be removed from this hospital"

"The choice is yours"

He pointed toward the door, "Leave! And close the door behind you"