Upon hearing Ste''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 ttery and I''ll just agree to treat you," he said.


    Ste, earnest and sincere, replied, "Mr. Burton, what would it take for you to agree to help?"


    Mr. Burton gave her a sideways nce. "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, Ste agreed.


    Mr. Burton looked at her with a hint of surprise. Initially, he assumed Ste was the one seeking treatment, but seeing her healthyplexion, 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 asions.


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


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


    That was when he learned Ste was seeking medicine for her mother-inw.


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


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


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


    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 Ste had been visiting him, never Haynes, Mr. Burton''s anger was simmering. He bluntly told Ste he wouldn''t provide any more medicine.


    "Given how diligently you''ve helped me all this while, I''ll help onest time," Mr. Burton said, removing his reading sses 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 be a service you can outsource?"


    Ste 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 thest 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 evene fetch the medicine himself and instead holds your friend over your head?"


    Ste, knowing Mr. Burton had the wrong impression, exined, "Mr. Burton, it''s a misunderstanding. My friend did indeed provoke the wrong person first."


    Despite her disdain for Haynes, Ste wasn''t one to twist the truth. Sheid 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.