CHAPTER THREE
1295 Words
CLYDE WALTER
Bang!
“Boss — I’m sorry for disobeying you! I promise I’ll never—”
Bang!
Another blow landed. The man’s leg snapped with a sickening crack.
“How dare you mess with me, you worthless son of a—” Clyde’s words cut like knives.
“I told you I hate “sorry”. You were supposed to get the necklace not to be in a motel with b*tches.”
“Boss I was drugged, I’m sorry i…” paaaah a heavy slap landed on his face.
Blood oozing out from his nose and mouth.
“Drugged? With his flimsy excuses.
How low could you stand to allow some b*tches to drug you? What were you doing in the motel in the first place?” he was about to land another heavy blow on him when he heard…
[Phone ringing]
“Boss, your grandma is calling,” Kendal, his secretary, said nervously.
Clyde took the call, his voice instantly softening.
“Grandma, you’ve missed me?”
“When are you coming to visit? I haven’t seen you for a whole week,” Grandma Ashley said, her tone half complaint, half love.
“I’ll come after I sort out some things. Have you eaten?”
“How can I eat when my grandson has disappeared on me?”
Clyde smiled faintly. “I’m on my way, Grandma.”
Grandma Ashley was the only one in the Walter family who truly doted on Clyde.
Her affection for him caused unease among other relatives eager for the CEO position at Walter Corporation.
Twenty years ago, when Clyde was only seven, his parents died in a tragic accident. Since then, Grandma Ashley had raised him alone.
Bang!
This time, the gunshot hit its mark. The traitor collapsed, lifeless on the floor.
Clyde Walter— the underground mafia leader of New York City — was feared and respected in equal measure.
Known for his cold heart and explosive temper, he ruled the underworld without mercy.
Yet above ground, he was a shrewd business tycoon, owning multiple companies, estates, high-end boutiques, and jewelry stores.
With sharp features, a powerful build, and a commanding presence, those who didn’t know his identity often mistook him for just another successful businessperson.
“Clean up the mess,” Clyde ordered coldly. “And remember — I don’t tolerate betrayal.”
“Yes, Boss!” the men in black responded in unison, their voices trembling.
“Kendal, let’s go see Grandma Ashley.”
“Yes, Boss.”
Clyde was about to relax in the car when his phone rang again.
Grandma’s voice came through, warm but insistent.
“Clyde, before you come, do me a favor. Stop by MariaRosa Fashion House and pick up the family ring I sent for polishing.
It’s been passed down for generations — I must preserve it for my future great-daughter-in-law.”
Clyde smirked. “Grandma, it’s either you or I will be a bachelor forever.”
“Shut up and get here,” she laughed.
When it came to Grandma Ashley, Clyde was spoiled and obedient.
Kendal drove toward the fashion house.
Clyde leaned back, exhausted, and was about to close his eyes when something caught his attention — a young woman stumbled into the road, nearly hit by a passing car.
She fell to the ground, shaking as she scrambled to collect her scattered belongings.
Her eyes were swollen from crying.
“Kendal, go back to her,” Clyde ordered.
Kendal glanced at him, startled — his boss never cared about strangers.
" Where are you going to miss?"
The woman sniffled. “I… I’m going to Marilyn Hospital.”
“Can I give you a ride?” Kendal asked.
“Thank you. I’m very grateful.”
Before he could suggest the front seat, she slid quickly into the back.
Kendal froze, glancing nervously at Clyde, knowing his boss’s mysophobia — the extreme aversion to physical contact. But to his surprise, Clyde said nothing.
The last time a female business partner had touched him, even in a staged accident, his reaction was cold and brutal.
He had showered immediately, ordered new clothes, and had the “contaminated” ones burned.
The woman had never dared return.
Now, Kendal scratched his head, bewildered, and drove on.
In the back seat, the young woman quietly sobbed, wiping her tears with her hand.
“Use this,” a deep, husky voice said.
She startled, glancing up.
“Tha… thank you,” she whispered, taking the handkerchief from Clyde.
It was only then she realized she wasn’t alone.
Kendal caught her in the rearview mirror but was met with Clyde’s cold glare, forcing him to look away.
When they reached Marilyn Hospital, she hurried to open the door, but Clyde caught her arm.
“Careful — you’ll hurt yourself,” he said gently.
She nodded, handing the handkerchief back, but he shook his head. “Keep it.”
She stepped out, then turned back and gave a small bow.
“Thank you. I truly appreciate your kindness. I’ll repay you someday.” She rushed inside.
Clyde smirked. “Repay me? I’ll be waiting for that day.”
As he closed the car door, he noticed something.
“Kendal — she left her school ID in the car. Find her and return it. I’m going to visit Dr. Brad Monroe.”
“Yes, Mr. Clyde.”
Denise quickly called Dr. Lina to escort her to the ward where her mum was admitted.
When they reached the door of the room her mom was in, she stopped abruptly.
"Dr., why is she not awake yet?" Denise asked, still sobbing.
"She’s just sleeping. Don’t worry, she is fine now.
We are out of the emergency phase.
She collapsed on her way to buy groceries at the mall. A passerby saw her and called using her emergency contact.
Denise, the five-year survival rate for this type of condition can be as high as 70% in early stages, but as low as 6% in advanced stages.
The good news is that we caught it early. It can be cured if the cancer is removed before it spreads. Your mom needs surgery, and it should happen soon.
The cancer is located in the lower third of her stomach.
During the surgical procedure, the cancerous section will be removed, and the remaining part of the stomach will be reattached to the small intestine. Delaying increases the risk," Dr. Lina said.
"Dr., how much does the surgery cost and when can it be scheduled?"
"Denise, the hospital cost will be around $20,000—that’s with insurance in New York."
"And without insurance?" Denise asked.
"Then the self-pay rate is usually $50,000 or more, depending on complications and recovery."
Her heart clenched, and she nearly fell from the shock.
From outside, they could see Elizabeth squinting her eyes.
"Dr. Lina, I’ll talk to you later. Thanks for everything."
Denise rushed in, held her mom's hands, and leaned on her to comfort her.
"Denise, I’m fine, okay? I’m sorry for making you worry again." Elizabeth said apologetically, patting her daughter’s head.
"Mom, you’re awake. You got me scared, but I’m glad you’re okay." She hugged her mom affectionately.
Elizabeth had a severe stomachache that resulted to her hospitalization again for the same issue—stomach cancer.
Her illness is getting worse day by day.
They have no money to pay for the hospital bill—for the surgery.
Denise had thought of a side hustle.
To aide in paying for her mom`s surgery because the bakery shop alone cannot pay the bills.
she wanted to be a day student —she`s still a fresher but the school rules doesn’t give such privileges.
Would the school bend rules for her?
- Writer
