chapter 4

"Dr. Lane, I'm really sorry, but this place is so huge, I've been walking around for ages and can't find my way. Would you mind coming out to meet me?"

"Sure, just stay where you are. I'll be right there."

After hanging up, I didn't stay put like Dr. Lane had asked. Instead, I pulled out my phone and started snapping pictures.

At a private hospital like this, the people who came here were either rich or influential.

Since Zayden had arranged this check-up for me, he probably wasn't worried I'd suspect anything.

After all, in a few days, I'd be dead.

Right now, I was just curious about one thing—After all the lies and tricks he'd played on me over the years, what was he really after?

While I had some guesses based on my line of work, I had no solid evidence.

"Hey, what's a poor slob like you doing here?"

As I reached the entrance of a lavish building, a security guard stopped me.

"Sorry, I have an appointment with a doctor, but this place is so huge, I got lost."

The guard gave me a once-over and sneered, "Hurry up and leave. People like you don't belong here. The hospital's in Block B."

I flashed him a smile and winked.

"Why's this place so different from the others? Who's staying here?"

As I spoke, I casually pulled out a few hundred bucks from my bag and slipped it into his pocket.

"Ahem…"

The guard discreetly adjusted his pocket and pulled me aside.

"The owner's last name is Garcia. Got it?"

"Garcia? You mean Philip Garcia, the richest guy in town?"

"Well…"

The guard gestured to my bag, dragging out the words.

I got the hint, slipped the rest of the cash into his hand.

"It's not Mr. Garcia, it's his daughter, Eileen Garcia."

"What? Why would the daughter of the richest guy be living in a hospital?"

The guard raised his chin, looking pleased with himself.

"You came to the right person. Eileen, she…"

"Hey, Matilda! What are you doing here? I've been looking for you everywhere!"

Just as I was about to ask something, Dr. Lane suddenly appeared behind me.

I awkwardly turned around and gave him an apologetic look.

"Dr. Lane, sorry. I've never seen a place this big before. I thought I'd explore a bit, and somehow ended up here."

Before Dr. Lane could say anything, I quickly grabbed his arm and started walking back.

"Come on, it's getting late. Let's just get the check-up done."

To avoid raising any suspicion, I had to keep up the act a little longer.

Luckily, I managed to play it cool, and Dr. Lane didn't seem suspicious. He just reminded me not to wander off next time.

I nodded obediently.

After a few turns, he led me to a room that looked like an operating theater.