Chapter 96
Stella felt a renewed sense of determination. As long as Mr. Burton was willing to speak, everything was negotiable. Mr. Burton might have had a sharp tongue, but he was genuinely kind-hearted. Back when he learned that Keen had been born prematurely and was in poor health, he’d shared plenty of advice on how to nurture him back to strength.
“Mr. Burton, please go ahead,” Stella said, ready for anything.
Mr. Burton glanced at her, his expression as inscrutable as ever. “You mentioned you play the violin, right? I have a number of elderly patients who are quite lonely. So, I’m thinking of organizing a little event for them. If you perform a concert for these seniors, I’ll provide you with the medicine you need. How does that sound?”
Stella agreed without hesitation. “Of course, no problem at all.” She added, “Would it be alright if I invited my friend to join me for the performance?”
Mr. Burton squinted slightly, as if weighing the sincerity of her words. “You’re really willing to perform for us old folks?”
Stella chuckled. “Before my mother passed, my friend and I often did volunteer performances at orphanages and retirement homes. We’re no strangers to this kind of thing.”
Mr. Burton gave a thoughtful nod. “Alright, settled. Just don’t chicken out when things get rough.”
“Rest assured, Mr. Burton. I keep my promises.” Stella inquired, “When and where do you plan to hold this concert?”
Mr. Burton pondered for a moment. “Let’s set it for the end of the month. As for the location… I haven’t decided yet, but I’ll let you know.”
Stella wasn’t picky about the venue, so she agreed easily.
Handing her the medicine, Mr. Burton reiterated, “Once you take this, there’s no backing out. Even if it rains cats and dogs, you’ll be there to perform.”
Stella nodded earnestly. “Mr. Burton, you have my word. I’ll be there.”
With that, Mr. Burton waved her off. “Alright, if there’s nothing else, off you go. Don’t interfere with my work.”
Stella bade him farewell and left.
After watching Stella disappear down the street, Mr. Burton picked up his phone and made a call. “I’ve decided to come home.”
Within ten minutes, a fleet of luxury cars pulled up outside his clinic. A group of middle-aged men and a few elegantly dressed women hurried inside.
“This is wonderful! Dad, you’re finally coming home!” one of them exclaimed.
Mr. Burton was not amused by the spectacle. “What were you thinking, showing up like this? Get those cars out of here!”
One man quickly instructed his assistant to move the vehicles, while another approached Mr. Burton. “Dad, we’ve already prepared a welcome dinner. Let’s go now.”
Mr. Burton shot him a withering glare. “Did I say I was leaving right this moment?”
The man looked confused. “Then, Dad, what…?”
“I’ll come at the end of the month. Use my name to invite the families associated with the Burton family to a gathering.”
The man’s face lit up with joy. “Dad, it’s great that you’re finally making an appearance! —”
Mr. Burton cut him off. “There’s something I need you to do. Fail, and I’m not coming back.”
“Just tell us, Dad.”
The man’s expression shifted from incredulous to serious as Mr. Burton laid out his instructions. He nodded firmly. “Don’t worry, Dad. It’s done.”
After his children left, Mr. Burton scoffed to himself. “Those O’Briens think they can bully that girl just because her family isn’t around. They’ll see soon enough.”