Chapter 3

When I woke up, I found myself in a hospital bed. The nurse saw I was awake and couldn't help but complain to me. "You're finally awake! You wouldn't believe how 'exciting' it was while you were unconscious. A group of people brought you here, demanding we wake you up by any means necessary so you'd 'cough up' that fifty thousand dollars. The hospital staff thought they were causing a disturbance and kicked them out. Who exactly are those people, to treat you like that?"

My heart felt like it was being pricked by countless needles, yet I replied calmly. "They're my family."

The nurse gasped in shock. "No way! They looked like they wanted you dead." Realizing she'd spoken out of turn, she quickly covered her mouth, watching my reaction.

I didn't say anything, just quietly made a call. "Hello, Mr. Evans? I'd like to claim Aunt Eleanor's inheritance according to her will, to be used entirely for my leukemia treatment."

I arrived at Mr. Evans's law firm, only to find Robert, Gary, and Brenda already there. Brenda was the first to look at me with disdain. "Well, look who's got good intel, knowing we're here today to discuss Aunt Eleanor's estate. Too late, though. We asked a lawyer. Without a will, the estate is split equally among her siblings. Your share? Go ask Robert for it."

Robert's tone was dismissive. "Ava, out of a million, our family would only get a little over three hundred thousand. It's barely enough for your initial surgery, and after that, we'd be out of resources. Don't bother with this anymore. Consider the fifty thousand Eleanor gave you before she died as a goodwill gesture from our three families. Live well, eat well, and consider your life complete."

Seeing me silent, Brenda walked up to me and handed me a bright red invitation. "Oh, by the way, Daniel is getting married. You should really try to stay alive to attend the wedding, you know."

I opened it and saw it was for a famous five-star hotel in town. Daniel's fiancée was a rich girl. To ensure Daniel married well, Gary and Brenda were pulling out all the stops, sparing no expense for the wedding, just to keep up appearances.

I didn't expect them to lend me money for my treatment. But why were they still trying to steal my life-saving money? Angrily, I tore the invitation to shreds and threw it on the floor.

Brenda cursed loudly. "Ava, don't be so ungrateful!"

I shrugged. "Just following your lead. Didn't you rip up the will too?"

Mr. Evans came out to greet me. "Ms. Sterling, hello."

I stated my purpose. "Hello, Mr. Evans. I'm here to inherit Aunt Eleanor's entire estate according to her last wishes."

The moment I finished speaking, they burst into laughter. Sharon laughed, calling me presumptuous. "Are you crazy from your illness? What will?"

Robert, clearly embarrassed by me, explained to Mr. Evans. "I apologize. My daughter is ill, and her mind isn't quite right. Please don't listen to her nonsense. And don't accept any money from her; she has no income and can't afford legal fees."

I still didn't understand why Robert was so determined to prevent me from inheriting Aunt Eleanor's entire estate. "Dad, Aunt Eleanor's will clearly states all her money is mine. If I don't get cured, my money would eventually be yours. Why did you still tear up the will to split it with the others? Wouldn't you get less that way?"

Robert stammered for a long time, finally retorting with a flushed face. "I'm doing this for the good of the family! You can't be so selfish."

Since Robert wouldn't tell me the truth, I had no desire to engage with him. I pulled out the paper copy of Aunt Eleanor's will and scanned the room. "I have Aunt Eleanor's will, and all the money belongs to me."