Maria’s heart raced. Speaking up could cost her everything—her job, her reputation, maybe worse. But watching Lily struggle for breath gave her a courage she didn’t know she possessed.
The next morning, Jonathan sat with lawyers, already discussing inheritance and legal protections, skirting around the word funeral.
Maria stepped forward, shaking.
“Sir… I know someone. He helped my brother when no one else would. He doesn’t promise miracles, but he gets results.”
Jonathan exploded.
“Get out! Don’t insult me with folk healers and frauds!”
Maria fled in tears—but she didn’t stop believing.
Three days later, Lily collapsed during another respiratory crisis. Her skin turned gray, her heartbeat slowed, and the doctors panicked. Jonathan screamed at them, watching death creep closer.
“There has to be a way,” he whispered.
And then he remembered Maria’s eyes—afraid, but honest.
“Maria… is that doctor still alive?”
She nodded.
“But he won’t trust you. He despises wealthy men. They destroyed his career.”
Jonathan clenched his fists, realizing his fortune had become a curse.
“Please,” he said softly. “Help me save my daughter.”
That word had never come so hard.