CHAPTER 163: CHAPTER 163: SEEKING MEDICAL HELP

Although I feel a bit sympathetic towards Laura Lawson and Walter Vaughn, I also think that it’s quite natural for the repercussions of what Azure Vaughn did to fall upon them.

But I didn’t expect Azure to be quite resourceful. When she couldn’t borrow money from me, she thought of another way.

When I received Joel Sutton’s call, I was just about to go to bed.

"Miss Hathaway, are you asleep?" His tone didn’t sound as cheerful and light as usual; instead, it was hesitant.

I was pondering picking an auspicious day to get a manicure before bed and couldn’t sleep, "No, what’s up?"

"Azure has been contacting me these past two days, and I’m at a loss, so..." Joel’s voice became smaller and smaller until it disappeared altogether.

"What does she want with you?" I asked directly, though I had a pretty good guess. Even though Joel exposed some dirt about Azure previously contacting Henry Preston, when at the end of her rope, he, the kind-hearted and straightforward ex-boyfriend, might indeed be one of the few people Azure could ask for help.

Joel sighed and stammered, "It’s...it’s just that her parents are still in the ICU, right? They need quite a bit of money. She said she’s really got no place to borrow from, and she asked me to lend her a little, I, I..."

"Just say what’s on your mind, it’s okay. Whatever decision you make, I won’t blame you," I replied softly.

"Miss Hathaway, I promised to lend her some money, but it’s not enough. I wanted to ask you for help. If you don’t want to, it’s fine. You can say I’m softhearted, but I was the one who broke up first, and we did have some good memories together. Her parents have always treated me well..." Joel explained a lot. Ultimately, he just felt sorry for her.

The enmity between Azure and me doesn’t really involve Joel; he was simply dragged into this. Now that he’s softened, I can understand.

If anyone else had come to borrow money, I’d definitely refuse, but I can’t turn down Joel. If lending him this money can alleviate his guilt towards Azure, then consider it my compensation for him.

I interrupted him, "How much do you need? Tell me."

"Half a million," Joel took a deep breath before stating the amount.

It’s really not a lot of money for me, but it might be a big number for him, so he sounded quite earnest.

I didn’t hesitate, "Alright, give me an account number, and it’ll be there by tomorrow."

"Miss Hathaway!" Joel became a bit excited, "You’re not mad at me? I also feel conflicted; I kind of kicked her when she was down before, but now I can’t help but want to help her..."

"Sutton, you didn’t kick her when she was down; you just brought the truth to light." I sighed helplessly; guys have such simple and pure thoughts, "And you’re helping her not because you still love her, but because you feel guilty. You think her parents treated you well, isn’t that right?"

Faced with my understanding, Joel was very happy, "Yes, yes, Miss Hathaway, you believe me. I have no feelings for her now, thank you for understanding me!"

I don’t need Joel’s thanks. My actions were just to eliminate some of my own guilt.

Frankly, more than Azure’s family upheaval, I’m more worried about my own health. Though I’m not in my prime, I’m still young enough. I plan to seek medical help to see if I can cure my infertility issue.

I plan to seek Ivan Underwood’s help because he’s a doctor himself. Connections in his field are all various kinds of doctors, and maybe he knows an obstetrician good at treating infertility who can help me.

But before that, I went alone to several major hospitals, both in City A and elsewhere. As long as there was a glimmer of hope, I’d give it a try, but I kept getting disappointed.

When I was completely disheartened, I could only consider Ivan as my last straw, hoping he could find me a more skilled doctor.

"Dr. Underwood, do you have time for dinner tonight? I need a favor," I eventually dialed Ivan’s number.

"Yes." Ivan’s response was unusually straightforward; he didn’t even ask what favor I needed.

Knowing he’s busy, I didn’t waste any time and ended the call quickly, booking a lavish meal at The Apex Hotel and heading there in advance to wait for Ivan.

The original time was eight, but Ivan didn’t arrive until eight-thirty.

"The surgery I just had was quite complicated and caused a delay. How long have you been waiting?" Ivan sat across from me, and his fair and clean forehead and tall nose seemed to glisten with fine sweat, indicating he had hurried over.

I quickly shook my head, "I just got here myself. Saving lives is important; it’s okay to be a bit late. Have a glass of water!"

"Being so understanding today?" Ivan took a sip of water from the glass before him, then glanced at me with a playful smile.

"Stop it. When am I ever not understanding?" I replied with a cheeky grin.

Ivan chuckled lightly without arguing back. I called over the waiter to serve the dishes, and as delicious dishes were brought out one by one, his expression turned ambiguous, "Another feast, what’s the agenda? The marriage is over; don’t tell me you want me to help you reconcile with Henry."

I was taking a sip of water, and this almost made me spit it out, almost showering the dishes on the table.

Luckily, I held it back just in time; otherwise, Ivan might not be able to take a single bite.

"Dr. Underwood, do you think I’m not a normal person?" I wiped the remaining water from the corner of my mouth, incredulous.

"Well, a bit. I never understood why a girl would be so shameless, clinging to a guy, knowing full well he doesn’t like her, and still willing to marry and live in a one-sided marriage," Ivan said seriously, not seeming to joke.

My heart sank for a moment, realizing my pursuit of Henry Preston had become a mental case in others’ minds.

But it’s okay, I’ve already awakened. Haven’t I gotten divorced?

"You’re right, I also thought I had a bit of a problem. So why did you advise me against divorce back then?" I tossed the question back to him.

Ivan’s fingers lightly stroked the cup, his eyes flickering with an elusive meaning.

"What do you need me for today, so formally?" He finally avoided my question, shifting the topic.

"We’re quite close now, aren’t we, Dr. Underwood?" I put on a sincere smile, "About my difficulty getting pregnant in the future, only you know about it. Can you do me a favor?"

"Go ahead," Ivan replied.

"Help me find a doctor who can help regulate my body. I’ve gotten divorced, but I still want to be a mom someday." I sighed deeply, thinking about a future alone without even a child; it filled me with melancholy.

I really love kids, and if I had my own, I’d love them even more.

Ivan’s brow visibly furrowed, his eyes focused on me, "You’re prepared to face this alone?"

What else could I do? I don’t want this matter to be known to everyone; it concerns my dignity as a woman.

Having the choice to have children but not wanting to, and wanting to but not being able to, are two different concepts.

"Yes, you promised me you’d never tell anyone." I nodded and asked again, "You really won’t tell anyone, right?"

"I won’t. I can stake my life on it," Ivan’s gaze deepened, "Don’t you trust me? What are you worried about?"

Of course, I’m worried, but Ivan’s character isn’t a problem. Setting aside the things he did because of Azure in a past life, in other matters, he’s a genuinely upright rich young man.

I shook my head, my smile utterly sincere, "How could I not trust you? Would I dare ask for your help if I didn’t?"

Ivan raised an eyebrow, his eyes filled with doubt, "Really?"

"Really. So, can you help with what I asked? Whether it works or not, just try to help me out." I answered earnestly. Right now, nothing is more important than getting my health back on track.

"Alright, I’ll help you, but I can’t guarantee the outcome," Ivan gave me a mental prep, lest my expectations run too high.

Actually, I understand. As long as there’s a glimmer of hope, something to look forward to in life, I’m content.

Ivan nodded, agreeing to help.

In my joy, I started piling food onto Ivan’s plate, practically wanting to stack all the dishes in front of him. He stopped my hand amidst the enthusiasm, "Enough, I can’t eat that much."

"Tsk, Dr. Underwood is indeed into health; with a small appetite still able to keep himself so tall and fair, impressive!" I praised, albeit messily.

"If you’re out of compliments, save it. Eat," Ivan’s tone was slightly awkward, a hint of displeasure as he instructed me.

I kept quiet, eating dutifully, following the excellent habit of being silent at meal times.