Upon hearing Stella’s plea, Mr. Burton couldn’t help but let a trace of smugness flicker across his face, though he quickly masked it with a dismissive tone. “Don’t think you can butter me up with flattery and I’ll just agree to treat you,” he said.

Stella, earnest and sincere, replied, “Mr. Burton, what would it take for you to agree to help?”

Mr. Burton gave her a sideways glance. “If you’re really that determined, you can work for me here, doing odd jobs. When I’m satisfied with your work, I’ll consider treating you. How does that sound?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Stella agreed.

Mr. Burton looked at her with a hint of surprise. Initially, he assumed Stella was the one seeking treatment, but seeing her healthy complexion, he figured she was just another bored heiress looking for attention.

He’d seen plenty of those in his younger days, wealthy young women inventing ailments for a bit of excitement.

He intended to test her resolve, assigning her the dirtiest and most exhausting tasks. Whenever she made a mistake, he’d berate her mercilessly, even reducing her to tears on several occasions.

Yet, every morning, she returned to his clinic, unfazed and punctual.

After about six months, Mr. Burton realized that although Stella wasn’t seriously ill, her sincerity and persistence were worthy of recognition, so he decided to hear her out.

That was when he learned Stella was seeking medicine for her mother-in-law.

It’s rare to find someone so devoted these days, Mr. Burton thought, and his opinion of Stella improved significantly.

Through their conversations, he also discovered that Stella was married to Haynes O’Brien, the CEO of The O’Brien Group.

Mr. Burton had managed Deanna’s medication for the last two years. Her chronic headaches were notoriously stubborn-not something a quick fix could cure-but another year or two of treatment would eliminate them completely.

However, in recent months, Haynes and Rachel’s public antics were so conspicuous that even Mr. Burton, who seldom paid attention to the news, had heard about them.

Coupled with the fact that only Stella had been visiting him, never Haynes, Mr. Burton’s anger was simmering. He bluntly told Stella he wouldn’t provide any more medicine.

“Given how diligently you’ve helped me all this while, I’ll help one last time,” Mr. Burton said, removing his reading glasses and snorting in disdain. “But you’ve got to bring your husband with you. It’s his mother’s health on the line, and he hasn’t shown up once. Has filial piety become a service you can outsource?”

Stella knew Mr. Burton well-how he looked down his nose at rich folks who thought money fixed everything. After a tense pause, she finally said, “This is the last time I’ll ask, Mr. Burton. I’m begging you-not for me, but to save a friend.”

Mr. Burton raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “Save a friend?”

“Yes, my friend has offended someone they shouldn’t have, so…”

Mr. Burton, having seen much in his years, quickly pieced the puzzle together.

He cursed, “Is it that bastard husband of yours threatening you? Despicable! He won’t even come fetch the medicine himself and instead holds your friend over your head?”

Stella, knowing Mr. Burton had the wrong impression, explained, “Mr. Burton, it’s a misunderstanding. My friend did indeed provoke the wrong person first.”

Despite her disdain for Haynes, Stella wasn’t one to twist the truth. She laid out the situation honestly, understanding that Mr. Burton valued sincerity above all else and wouldn’t be fooled by deception.

After pondering her words for a long time, Mr. Burton looked up at her.

“You want my help? Fine, but you must agree to one condition,” he said.