I froze briefly, then urgently said, "Lives are at stake! Start the treatment first, and I'll have the money ready right away!"

But the doctor refused. "Dr. Peterson specifically instructed me earlier that although you're his wife, he disapproves of you trying to take shortcuts with the Peterson family name.

"As the hospital director's family member, you must avoid favoritism. Please follow the procedure and make the payment first."

My vision blurred with rage, and I had no choice but to sprint toward Selena's ward.

I burst through the door and caught Selena with her top off, wearing nothing but a black bra. Josh was leaning over her back, and I could not tell what he was doing.

Startled by my sudden entrance, he immediately straightened up. A flicker of awkward embarrassment crossed his face, but he immediately lashed out at me. "Why don't you knock before coming in? Don't people from the countryside understand basic manners?"

Selena feigned to flinch at my sudden barging in. "Oh my, please don't get the wrong idea, Mrs. Peterson. He was just examining my wound."

Despite her words, the provocation in her eyes was crystal clear.

I ignored her games and turned to Josh. "I need 2,000 dollars for the payment, or your hospital won't start treatment."

My indifference seemed to irritate him, and his expression hardened. "I told you, all household expenses must go through Selena for approval."

With that, he turned and left the ward.

I shifted my gaze to Selena and coldly demanded, "I want money."

Her weak, fragile act immediately vanished as she smirked at me with open mockery. "That's not how you ask for help, Mrs. Peterson. Where's the courage you had when you held a knife to my throat earlier?

"Say… Get to your knees and apologize; I'll approve the funds."

I clenched my fists tightly. For the sake of Fred and Lora's lives, I gritted my teeth and dropped to my knees. "I'm sorry."

Selena burst into laughter and seemed thoroughly pleased. "Alright. Hurry along and check on your dying parents. The money will hit your account shortly."

I immediately shot to my feet and bolted back to the lobby on the first floor. Just as I tried to pay, I checked my balance and noticed that only 20 dollars had been transferred.

That was when Selena's message popped up. "The old folks are just suffering from indigestion from overeating, so 20 dollars is enough to buy some stomach medicine.

"2,000 dollars? Seriously? I'm not that stupid, Mrs. Peterson. You were just trying to pocket the Peterson family's cash for yourself, weren't you?"

I was about to storm back and confront Selena in rage when the doctor responsible for Fred and Lora's emergency treatment approached.

"Ms. Collins, your mother has passed away due to delayed treatment. Please settle the emergency fees as soon as possible, or your father's life may also be in danger."

My legs nearly gave out, and I nearly collapsed.

That was when Josh rushed over with panic written all over his face. "What's going on? Wasn't it just indigestion? Why would she die?"

I grabbed him by the collar, and my eyes were bloodshot. "Indigestion? You believe every lie that comes out of Selena's mouth!

"Look who's lying dead in the ER! Is it my mother, or yours?"