Chapter 11: Like Father, Like Son
990 Words
Darius Blackwood was no fool; he immediately perceived Professor Smith's true intentions upon seeing the greed in his eyes.
However, the miraculous medical skills that cured the Mayor and his own immunity to poisons were secrets he could not easily divulge.
Thus, Darius coolly responded, "I'm sorry, but the details of the treatment are confidential."
"Not willing to disclose?"
Professor Smith's eyes sparkled, even more convinced that Darius held a secret cure for the infectious disease.
"Then I'm afraid, according to the regulations of Echo Ridge General Hospital, you must be quarantined here for a month!"
Thinking he could outsmart Darius, Professor Smith smirked disdainfully.
With his influential connections at Echo Ridge General Hospital, a month would be ample time to extract all of Darius's secrets and use them to gain fame in the medical community.
This blatant harassment instantly chilled Darius's demeanor.
"And if I insist on leaving?"
Darius's piercing gaze made Professor Smith involuntarily shudder.
However, seeing that Ethan Fairfax, standing nearby, had no intention of intervening, Professor Smith steeled his resolve and shouted, "Then I must follow the rules and regulations!"
"Guards, seize him!" In no time, a swarm of Echo Ridge General Hospital's security personnel rushed over.
The lead security officer, clearly recognizing Professor Smith, approached with a fawning expression.
"What's the matter, Professor Smith?"
"Detain this potential source of infection. We at Echo Ridge General Hospital must ensure the safety of Silverpine City's citizens," Professor Smith commanded, feigning righteousness.
"Such selfishness! You won't be leaving Echo Ridge General Hospital today. Take him down!" With a wave of the security chief's hand, the group swiftly surrounded Darius.
Brielle Sanders was beside herself with worry.
"It must be because Darius cured my father that these people are jealous!"
"Isabella Fairfax, why won't you speak up for him? Just a word from you, and Professor Smith wouldn't dare lay a hand on Darius!"
"Why should I? These men are hardly a warm-up for him. Why would I need to help?" Isabella Fairfax scoffed disdainfully.
As Brielle anxiously watched, Darius suddenly made his move.
He kicked the leading security officer several meters away and then charged into the crowd like a tiger among sheep.
Within seconds, a dozen security officers were laid out on the ground by Darius alone.
"How... how is this possible?"
Professor Smith was dumbfounded, looking at Darius as if he were a monster.
As Darius advanced towards him, Professor Smith trembled in fear.
"I... I warn you, don't mess with me! My father is the director of Echo Ridge General Hospital. Touch me and see what happens!"
Darius paid no heed to his threats, kicking Professor Smith aside.
"Get out of my way, lunatic!" He then left without looking back.
With a thud, Professor Smith fell to the ground, watching Darius's departing figure with eyes filled with hatred.
"Now do you see why I didn't speak up for him?"
Isabella Fairfax turned to Brielle, who was in shock, and smiled lightly before entering the hospital room.
Seeing Dylan Sanders awake on the hospital bed, Isabella asked, "I've fulfilled my promise and cured you. Shall we begin our deal then?"
"Indeed." Dylan Sanders gave her a profound look and nodded.
"Dad, don't listen to her nonsense. It was Darius Blackwood who cured you," Brielle quickly interjected, fearing Isabella might take all the credit.
She then hurriedly recounted what had just transpired.
"Darius Blackwood?" Dylan Sanders murmured the name, intrigued. "Where did you find this man?"
"A son-in-law from the Hartwell family," Isabella didn't conceal anything, even sharing the events that took place at The Golden Galleon.
"Later, arrange a meal for me to thank this young man. After all, he's my lifesaver," Dylan Sanders told Isabella.
After a pause, he added, "And, about the White family you mentioned earlier, avoid any contact with them for now. It could greatly affect our future dealings."
"What do you mean?" Isabella was puzzled.
"Hmph, Christopher White has been detained for corruption. It's just that the news hasn't spread yet!"
"His son's company has also been implicated, leading to a broken financial chain," Dylan Sanders spoke of the White family with disdain.
"I've heard they're now desperately trying to take over Hartwell Global Enterprises to cover their own deficits."
"Like father, like son!" Isabella Fairfax nodded thoughtfully upon hearing Dylan's information.
Meanwhile, Brielle Sanders, with her sparkling eyes, saw an opportunity.
Slipping out of the room unnoticed by the others, she thought, "This is crucial information. If I tell Darius, it could really help him out!"
Brielle couldn't wait to share what she had learned, rushing downstairs in her excitement.
Unbeknownst to her, not only the few people in the hospital room but also Professor Smith, who had been eavesdropping at the door, caught every word of Dylan's revelation.
"So, his name is Darius Blackwood!"
Professor Smith clenched his fists, seething with resentment.
"Just a son-in-law from the Hartwell family, and he dares to cross me. He will pay!"
"I'll make him kneel and apologize to me!" With that thought, he quickly stood up and hid to the side to make a phone call.
"Dad, I've been assaulted!" The urgency in Professor Smith's voice betrayed his malicious intent.
"The perpetrator is affiliated with the Hartwell family!"
"Evict that old Hartwell patriarch from the hospital!" he demanded.
...
On the other side, Brielle finally caught up with Darius at the staircase, just as he was about to enter the elevator.
"Darius! Wait, I have something to tell you!"
Darius turned around, curious about what Miss Sanders, out of breath, wanted to discuss.
"What's it about? And how do you know my name?"
"That's not important," Brielle panted, leaning on her knees for support.
"My dad just said... the Whites, the father got detained for corruption, and the son's company went bankrupt."
"So, they might be targeting Hartwell Global Enterprises soon!" "I ran out here just to tell you. Pretty considerate, right?"
- Writer
