The Billionaire's Fatal Secret

02

Chapter 2

Lisa’s POV

The hospital administrator handed me Kendra's latest bill, and I stared at the amount for several seconds before looking up at her. "I had already spoken with the billing department yesterday. They told me they were going to give me an extension."

She had handled our account for months, so she already knew our situation. "We already gave you an extension, Ms. Walker."

"I know, and I'm asking for another one." I tried to keep my voice calm because getting angry wouldn't change anything. "I can make another payment next week. I just need more time."

She opened Kendra's file and reviewed the documents. "Your sister's expenses have continued to increase. Her treatment requires regular laboratory tests, medication, consultations, and monitoring. Her condition is stable at the moment, but that doesn't mean the expenses will stop."

"I understand that, but I'm doing everything I can. Can’t you see?"

"I know."

"No, I don't think you do. I've already emptied my savings account. I've borrowed money from people who could barely afford to lend it. I've taken every extra shift I can get, and I've sold almost everything valuable that my parents left behind. There isn't much more I can do."

Mrs. Collins didn't interrupt.

I took a breath before continuing. "I'll make another payment next week. It won't be much, but I'll pay something."

"How much?"

I gave her the amount I could afford.

She looked at me for a moment before answering. "Ms. Walker, that isn't enough to make a significant difference to the balance."

"I know it's not enough, but it's what I have."

"Ms. Walker, the hospital has already extended the deadline several times. But we're reaching the point where another extension may not be possible."

I leaned forward, trying to keep my voice calm. "My sister is nineteen years old. She's waiting for a kidney transplant. You can't expect me to produce thousands of dollars every time another bill appears when I've already told you that I don't have it."

"No one is asking you to produce money you don't have."

"That's exactly what you're asking me to do."

Mrs. Collins sighed. "We're trying to work with you."

"Then work with me. Please. Give me another extension."

She looked down at Kendra's file again before speaking. "I can request another short extension, but I need you to understand that there is a larger issue. The estimated cost of Kendra's transplant, hospitalization, medication, and post-operative care is expected to exceed two million dollars."

My expression hardened. "I'll find it," I said.

The administrator looked at me carefully. "Do you have a plan?"

"I'll find a way."

"Ms. Walker—"

"I said I'll find a way." My voice came out harshly. I lowered my eyes for a moment and took a breath before continuing. "I'm working two jobs. I've applied for medical assistance. I've contacted charities, foundations, and every organization that might help. I'm doing everything I can. I just need the hospital to give me enough time."

Mrs. Collins nodded reluctantly. "I'll speak with billing and request a short extension."

"Thank you."

"But I need to be honest with you. An extension won't solve the problem. Kendra's transplant is urgent, and her current treatment is only stabilizing her condition. She needs the transplant."

I closed my eyes for a moment before forcing myself to calm down. "I'm sorry."

She nodded. "I know you're under a lot of pressure."

My parents had died in an accident years ago, leaving Kendra and me to figure out how to survive without them. I had barely learned how to take care of myself before I became responsible for another person.

"I'll find the money," I repeated.

Mrs. Collins nodded reluctantly. "I'll speak to billing about giving you a short extension."

"Thank you."

I gathered the documents from the desk and stood. I had nothing else to say because I had already told her everything I could. I had no secret savings account, wealthy relative, or investment that I could suddenly use to pay the bill. I had only my income and the determination to keep Kendra alive.

The moment I stepped into the hallway, I pulled out my phone and checked my bank account again.

There wasn't enough.

I opened my messages and looked through the people I had already contacted. Some had replied that they were sorry. Others hadn't replied at all. A few had offered small amounts.

I couldn't blame them. I had already asked too much from too many people.

I walked toward Kendra's room and found her awake when I entered. Her eyes immediately went to the papers in my hand.

"Another bill?"

I put the documents into my bag. "Don't worry about it."

"Lisa—"

"Don't worry about it. I don't want you worrying about anything else.”

I sat beside her bed.

Kendra studied my face for a moment. "You didn't sleep again."

"I slept." I reached over and adjusted her blanket. "You should focus on getting better."

“Lisa,” she called. "I hate watching you do this."

"Do what?"

"Work all the time. Borrow money. Beg people for help. That you barely have time to sleep anymore."

I sat beside her. "None of that matters. You know what matters to me? You're getting better."

"What if I don't?"

I didn't answer immediately.

"You will," I finally said. "You're getting the transplant. You're going to recover, and eventually, we're going to look back at all of this and be proud of you for fighting."

She smiled back, but I could see the sadness behind it.

Kendra needed me to be strong, and I needed her to believe that there was still a future waiting for us. So I stood and kissed her forehead.

Get some rest," I told her. "I'll come back later."

"Where are you going?"

"Work."

"You've already worked today."

"I have another shift."

"Lisa, you can't keep doing this. You need to rest."

“I will… after all of this.”

"Promise?"

"Promise."

I left her room and headed toward the elevator, already thinking about where I could find another source of money.

I was halfway through the hallway when someone from the hospital administration approached me. "Ms. Walker?"

I turned. It was Mrs. Collins.

"I was looking for you."

"Did something happen?"

"No."

"Then what is it?"

Mrs. Collins glanced at the folder before looking back at me. "I spoke with the foundation. And they reviewed Kendra's case."

I frowned. "What organization?"

"The Blackwood Foundation."

Blackwood Industries was one of the largest corporations in the country, and their foundation funded hospitals, charities, and medical programs.

But I don’t remember contacting them.

"Why would they want information about Kendra?"

"I don't know. They want her medical records, treatment history, financial situation, and the estimated cost of her transplant."

I stared at her, confused. "Did they say why?"

"No. They want to speak with you."

"About Kendra? Who wants to speak with me?"

"Someone from the Blackwood Foundation."

Mrs. Collins handed me the folder.

Inside was a letter with the Blackwood Foundation's name printed at the top. I read the first few lines, but they didn't explain why they were interested in Kendra or what they wanted from me.

"They requested a private meeting," Mrs. Collins said.

"When?"

"They didn't give me a specific time. They said someone would contact you directly."

I looked down at the letter again.

"Did they say anything else?"

Mrs. Collins shook her head. "Only that they want to discuss Kendra's case with you personally."

I closed the folder. "Thank you."

I couldn't understand why a foundation owned by one of the richest families in the country would suddenly care about my sister.