Chapter 7

"Perhaps you think I owe you, and indeed, you just rescued me, offering more than necessary. But rationality must prevail!" Brianna Diaz felt the logic was inverted. "It's obvious that..."

"You're aware of it!" Thomas Moore interrupted her, gently prying her fingers from the car door handle. "You didn't reveal my name earlier, claimed you didn't know me. That was unexpected. For that reason alone, I won't press you to repay me immediately. However, when I require your assistance, I will call you. Now, I must leave!"

"No!" Brianna Diaz stared at him with annoyance. "Be clear about what you mean by 'needing my assistance' and 'calling me.' I'm not a harlot! Moreover, have you forgotten one thing? If you hadn't taken me away, how could I have gotten involved with him? The initial mistake lies with you, so you can't pin this money on me!"

Thomas Moore assessed her words, then sneered, "Playing the innocent when you're anything but. I've encountered countless women like you, feigning innocence. You're not fooling anyone!" He said, turning his head with disdain.

"You're the one pretending!" Brianna Diaz's tears welled up. "I've said I'm not!"

"If you weren't, why did you rush to the hotel dressed like that? Now you're blaming me? Hah, you were the one who lacked self-respect, coming out to sell yourself. Last night, I even asked if you wanted me to let you go, and you said no!"

Brianna Diaz stamped her foot in anger, broke free from his grip, and pointed directly at Thomas Moore. "You! What do you know? I lack self-respect, fine! I lack self-respect. But you, living in a world of money and luxury, how could you understand others' difficulties? You're not worthy of being an idol in my heart. You, you're a scoundrel!" She hastily pulled out her phone, removed the SIM card, and tossed it at Thomas Moore. "You scoundrel who stole my card, I'm not some prostitute at your beck and call! As for the money I owe you, I'll repay you when I earn it in the future!"

Brianna Diaz turned and ran towards the street, while Thomas Moore held the small card tossed onto him, his eyes revealing a tangled emotion. Angered, he slammed the car door shut, but his gaze lingered on the rearview mirror.

The sight of Brianna Diaz running away stirred a pang of pain in his eyes. He bit his lip, dropped the SIM card, started the car, and as he drove away from the street, he saw her clumsily board the No. 111 bus, her hair wet from the alcohol.

Forcefully tearing his gaze away, he made a turn but stopped after less than a hundred meters. His face was cold, his brows furrowed, and his eyes showed signs of inner conflict.

Finally, he slapped the steering wheel, made a U-turn, and drove back. When he spotted the No. 111 bus on the street, he slowed down, maintaining a certain distance and silently following, a trace of pain evident on his stern face.

...

Brianna Diaz endured the foul smell of alcohol and her disheveled appearance as she squeezed out of the crowd and got off the bus.

Although it wasn't the last bus, there were still many late-night commuters, and she was still wearing the alluring outfit that Adams had picked out for her. It made her extremely uncomfortable to be scrutinized by everyone on the bus.

After getting off, she headed straight to the hospital. Afraid her brother would see her in this state, she dashed into the women's restroom. Unaware that a car was parked near the hospital, and a person was following her from afar.

After changing her clothes, she rinsed the beer off her hair with the cold water from the restroom sink.

The icy water stung the bruised areas, offering some relief from the persistent pain, but it also caused her to involuntarily groan.

Tears flowed, her distress and apprehension uncontrollable as she sobbed at the sink. However, the hospital restroom always had passersby, leaving her unable to cry freely. In the end, she gritted her teeth, mustering a smile after washing her face to ensure everything appeared fine. Then, she painstakingly packed her changed clothes into her bag and left.

With graceful steps, she entered Room 9. As the door closed, Thomas Moore glanced at the room she entered, then swiftly entered the duty room. After a moment, he emerged wearing a white coat and mask, passing by the room and scanning briefly before heading straight to the busy nursing station, searching for the records of Bed 17.

...

"Sis, you're back..." Upton Diaz opened his eyes upon hearing the noise. Having just undergone surgery, he was being monitored by several machines, making it difficult for him to sleep soundly. "Did you take a shower?"

Brianna Diaz nodded. "Yes, it's hot. I accompanied Aunt Adams back and ended up sweating profusely."

"Sis, this time I've got a kidney transplant, so I won't be a burden to you anymore. When I'm discharged, let's go home together!" Upton Diaz's eyes sparkled with hope. "Will our home still be there?"

"Yes, didn't I tell you I won the lottery? I'll go to the bank tomorrow to repay the loan. Not only will we reclaim our mortgaged house, but we'll also ask the tenants to move out, and we'll move back in!"

Touched, Upton Diaz said, "Sis, you've been through a lot because of me. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have mortgaged the house and rented it out for extra income while living in a tin shed..."

"Enough, don't talk like that. We're siblings; you mustn't say such things!" Brianna Diaz smiled brightly at Upton Diaz. "Everything will be fine!" After speaking, she instructed him, "Close your eyes, rest. I won't disturb you anymore. I need to go back to the tin shed. I've been preoccupied with you all day and forgot to pay the rent for three months."

...

Brianna Diaz hurriedly boarded a bus after leaving the hospital, heading to the tin shed she rented. In order to save on medical expenses, she had devised many ways, such as renting out the large house for a monthly rent of 2,300 yuan while living in a tin shed of only six square meters, which cost her only 150 yuan per month.

Apart from a double bed shared with her brother, there was barely any space left in the room.

She boarded the bus, bound for the tin shed, unaware that not far behind the bus, a Maserati maintained its distance, leisurely following.

...

The buzzing sounded, and he pressed the Bluetooth. "Speak."

"The young lady had to raise funds because her brother needed a kidney transplant. At least, that's what I gathered from the mouth of that brothel madam."

He glanced at the car in front, a faint smile crossing his face. "I already know. However, shut that madam up and make sure she never shows up in this city again!"

"Understood, but I believe I should remind you, she's just..."

"Witch, you're overstepping!" He cut off the communication, gazing ahead at the bus. Though his eyes held confusion, his face bore a smile he didn't even realize.

...

"Auntie, here's the rent. I've even paid for next month. Please don't kick me out, okay?" Brianna Diaz pleaded with her landlord as she looked at the luggage thrown out of the tin shed.

"Forget next month. What about the month after that? I know you're in a tough spot, and I know your brother is sick. But I have my own difficulties too. I called you all day and couldn't reach you. I've already rented out the house to someone else, and they paid for a year. I can't do anything now. I'll only take three months' rent from you. I won't take any more. Pick up your luggage quickly while it's not completely dark yet, go back to the hospital to see your brother, and find another place to stay tomorrow morning!"

After the landlord finished speaking, she turned and went back into her house, slamming the door loudly, intending to cut off Brianna Diaz's thoughts completely.

But Brianna Diaz didn't want to give up. She still tried to knock on the door. Before she could knock twice, her arm was grabbed by someone. She turned her head in shock, only to see him, and he frowned and whispered, "Come with me!"