Chapter 5

Ruby fell to the floor from Laura's slap. Her cheek burned with pain, and her tears could not stop falling.

"Why did you hit me, Grandma?"

Ruby looked at Laura fearfully and pitifully.

"Because a bastard like you deserves to be hit."

Laura was mad just because Ruby looked similar to Evan. She clenched her teeth and said, "Your father is dead. Sean will be your father now, understand?"

"My father isn't dead. He isn't! Mr. Waterson isn't my father!"

Ruby started crying as she hugged Quinn's leg. "Mom, I want Dad. Take me to see Dad."

"Little bastard, stop wanting to see that good-for-nothing! I'll beat you till you come to your senses." Laura rolled up her sleeve and went toward Ruby viciously.

"Please don't! Don't hit me, Grandma!" Ruby turned pale from fright and quickly hid behind Quinn.

"What are you doing, Mom?"

Quinn shielded Ruby behind her. "You should go after Evan if you hate him. It has nothing to do with Ruby. She's still young. How can you hit her?"

"Looking at her reminds me of that ungrateful scumbag, Evan!"

Laura pointed at Ruby. "I'm warning you, little bastard. If you dare talk about looking for Evan again, I'll kick you out and leave you out there to eat rubbish for your meals. Also, you're not allowed to have dinner tonight!"

"Stop it, Mom! Whatever Evan did has nothing to do with Ruby."

Quinn carried Ruby into the room and wiped away Ruby's tears. "Alright, Ruby. Be good and stop crying. Your grandma didn't do that on purpose."

Ruby pouted. "Where did Dad go, Mom? Didn't he say he'll be back soon? Why did he lie to me?"

"Your father won't be back, Ruby. Sean will be your father now."

There was a complicated look on Quinn's face.

"Mr. Waterson isn't my father."

Ruby started to cry again. "I want Dad. I want my dad."

"That's enough. Stop crying!" Quinn berated her impatiently. "Your dad doesn't want you anymore!"

This scared Ruby into silence. She quietly lowered her head to sob as her shoulders shuddered from crying. It hurt Quinn to see Ruby that way. She was her daughter, after all.

"Stop crying, Ruby. This is my fault. I shouldn't have yelled at you."

Quinn pulled Ruby into her arms for a hug. "I need to go out to attend to some things. Stay in your room to play and wait for me to come home."

She then walked out of the room and closed the door behind her. Quinn took out her phone to make a call.

"Monkey, I need your help with something. I'll pay you a hundred grand for it."

…

Sky Peak Manor was Harken Bay's most luxurious villa district and belonged to the Nolans as their branch in Harken Bay. The outer walls were covered in wire meshes, and there were ten guards on watch at the gates.

As their car entered, Evan spotted many bodyguards doing their rounds. Security was very tight.

Deidre explained the situation to Evan, "Mr. Carlton, these precautions were set up to prevent news of this strange disease from spreading. We were forced to arrange so many men on deck."

Evan nodded and said nothing.

"How about having a meal first, Mr. Carlton? I'll take you to see the patients after that," Deidre said.

"It's fine. Saving lives comes first."

"Come with me."

Deidre led Evan inside. The building in front of them was surrounded by dozens of bodyguards. Many doctors in white robes were coming in and out of the building as well.

"The patients are in there, Mr. Carlton."

Deidre and Evan were about to go inside when an old man in a white doctor's robe came walking out.

"You're back, Miss Nolan."

"How's the situation, Dr. Keen?"

"It's very bad!"

Reuben Keen looked grim. "I've carried out every treatment I can think of, but the patients are still in bad shape. I haven't been able to figure out the root of it. I've been in the medical field for years, and I've never seen such a strange illness."

"It's been hard on you, Dr. Keen. You should take some rest first."

Deidre looked at Evan. "Come with me to see the patients, Mr. Carlton. You're my last hope."

Evan nodded and followed Deidre into the building.

"Wait!" Reuben suddenly stopped them and questioned, "Who is he, Miss Nolan?"

"He's the doctor my father told me to get. His name is Evan Carlton," Deidre replied.

"This man is a doctor?"

Reuben glanced at Evan up and down. Evan looked ordinary, so Reuben immediately gave him a condescending look. "Miss Nolan, it's not that I'm looking down on him, but he's so young. Do you think he's reliable?"

Deidre raised an eyebrow. "Dr. Keen, Mr. Carlton was recommended by my father. There won't be a problem."

"I know that you're eager to save the patients, but you can't be rash when it comes to medical conditions."

There was a cold look on Reuben's face. "I know he's a conman from the looks of him. He's trying to con the Nolans out of their money!"

Deidre's expression changed slightly. "Dr. Keen, be careful with your words. Mr. Carlton isn't a conman, he's—"

"Miss Nolan, I'm not being arrogant here, but even I can't cure these patients. No one in Harken Bay is better skilled than I am in the medical field."

Reuben interrupted Deidre and looked at Evan with disdain. "How long have you been practicing medicine to call yourself a doctor, young man? You're no better than the interns working under me. I know what you're planning. I'm warning you right now to stop your dirty plans.

"Otherwise, I won't let you off so easily."