Chapter 8

John bellowed, "You oblivious prick! Why did I have to bring you into this world?! You're so self-righteous and self-important! There's really no hope for you!

"I wasn't bothered to discipline you despite your usual antics, but your mom's life is at stake! I had to call in so many favors with the White family just to find out about Mr. York, only for you to ruin your mother's only hope, you bastard! I-I'll kill you!!!"

He was so furious that he was cursing Lucas endlessly and even himself, but he could not care less.

Soon, Lucas' face was left swollen from all the slapping.

He did not even dare to argue now, as he could finally see that John really meant to kill him.

Resisting John now would mean a worse beating.

Even so, his grief was also overflowing and could erupt right then.

He might have been obnoxious since he was a child, but he had never been beaten up so horribly like now—worst of all, it was his father who usually spoiled him so much.

Naturally, he would not dare to hate his own father, and all that hatred was therefore directed at Ted.

The way Lucas saw it, he would not be beaten up this badly if not for Ted.

So it was all Ted's fault!

Eventually, John was panting as he reclined against his seat, having tired himself out.

Still, he was glaring at Lucas as he asked wearily, "Put aside all your pride—not even I get to be proud around him. Whatever gives you the right, mutt?

"Forget how masterful Mr. York is in medicine or how our family needs him right now—do you think we can afford to upset the White family? Easton quakes with every move they make, and if they respect Ted York, do you think we can afford to disrespect him?!

"Moreover, I've heard from the White family that Mr. York is rumored to be well-connected with the Cash family. I don't know why Mr. York is hiding his real identity, but that's the bigwigs' own issue. Do you really think we get to have a say?

"Forget the Cash family—we can't even afford to get on the wrong side of the White family. And we're still counting on Mr. York to save your mother… So no matter how self-important you are, don't joke around with your mother's life."

The White family and the Cash family—even to an impudent playboy like Lucas, those names left him thunderstruck.

The White family were basically the kings of Easton and top three among all of Easton's factions.

The Cash family were even more superior than the White family—even if the base of their power was not in the southeast, there still were not many in the region who dared to disrespect them. In fact, over recent years, the Cash family's influence was growing steadily in the southeastern states.

The Grahams certainly did not compare with any of that, but was Ted really connected with these people?

One way or the other, Lucas refused to believe that—if it was true, would Ted have caved in to his threats?

In the end, one could never wake a man when he was just pretending to sleep.

All Lucas believed was what he thought, and not what others told him.

And John could certainly tell from his face that he did not, but what could he do?

There was no beating more sense into the brat now, or he might die… though that was acceptable if it saved his wife's life.

But they had yet to meet Ted.

As such, John growled, "Remember. You can just pretend, but when you see Mr. York, kneel and apologize however you should. I'll give it to you straight right now—insult him at all again, and I'll disown you. It would be as if I had never had a son, and even if I'm not killing you, I'll be throwing you into a prison where you'll fend for yourself.

"If you don't believe me, then just try me."

Lucas did not actually believe his father, but he was afraid nonetheless.

He knew that when pushed too far, John would really disown him.

"I got it, Dad. I'll grovel before him as long as he saves Mom," he muttered.

John sighed—whether Lucas was sincere or not, he was finally changing his attitude.

"I know you're still upset and you doubt me, but there's this rumor… you might not have heard it before, but when I learned that Ted York is a miracle healer, I more or less understood the reasons behind many things.

"You know that his wife is Luna, and that her company Lunacorp rocketed to the status of a billion-dollar company in just a couple of years. Even if she's a genius in business, how much can she do? And is it really as simple as it looks?

"Just take a careful look into their path to success, and you'll see that they've managed to pick up more than a handful of quick, profitable projects. That means that they have the support of someone very important—hell, an idiot who receives the same backing would reach where they are now too.

"And that backing has the Cash family's fingerprints all over it. Over the last five years, Jimmy Cash has visited Easton frequently and secretly. Add that to the rumors saying that Mr. York is close with the Cash family, and it's clear in hindsight why the Cash family would help Luna.

"So do you get it now, you mutt?!"

All the details left Lucas' stomach churning, but at that point, his grief toward Ted could well be ingrained in his bones.

He certainly wanted to argue—what if it was Luna whom the Cash family had taken a liking to? That could happen too!

But at this point, he was afraid to even breathe a word.

Just then, John snorted. "We're arriving soon. Now remember—only apologize and take any punishment coming your way. Your mother's life is on the line… And yours too. Also, if someone else is there with Mr. York, you'd better not expose his real identity. We can't afford the consequences."

Lucas nodded, once again afraid to argue.

And amid their exchange, their car arrived outside the villa.

John took a deep breath and alighted on his own first without bringing Lucas along.

Still, before he could ring the doorbell, the door opened, and John was left stunned by the sight that greeted him.

It could not be helped either, as he found himself staring at a woman with a clear palm print on her cheek, as well as a younger man with a broken arm, whose face was also clearly scalded.

Who would not be stunned?

Then, Ted appeared before him, frowning slightly. "Looking for someone?"

John had no idea who the woman and the younger man were, but he understood that he must never expose Ted's true identity.

Smiling, he promptly nodded at Ted. "Mr. York, I presume? How do you do? I'm John Graham, the person who previously had an appointment. Are you at ease to speak at the moment? It seems that my wretched son had ventured off his own and ended up insulting you. That was why I've brought him here to apologize."

John Graham? Wretched son? Apologize?

Could it be Lucas Graham?

Ted nodded as he quickly understood.

If anything, John was at once earnest and knew his place and could not have been more different from his son.

It begged the question—how did such a shrewd father have such an idiot for a son?

Nonetheless, Ted did not have the time for this. "Save it—there was no misunderstanding. I'm sure your son would've told you what I said before, so don't worry… I'll be visiting the latest by tonight!"

His expression was nonchalant as if he said that all the time, but that only left John pained and paranoid.

T-This was a threat!

Only his stupid son—that bleating fool—thought that Ted was agreeing to make a house call!