Chapter 33: 33:Leverage

Evan took a deep breath, sensing Celina's distress. Her eyes, usually warm and filled with conviction, were clouded with anguish. He who has always seen her strong was shaken seeing her vulnerable state.

Evan inhaled deeply, unsure how to confront Celina's outburst or calm her down.

He empathized with her situation deeply; at its core, the issue was money. Even if James, once Celina's support, was detained, fleeing abroad was not an option as they didn't have money.

She could move to another town or state, but it wouldn't provide foolproof security. Wealthy people like James knew how to track someone down for the right price. You just need to throw in enough.

And it's not easy to start from scratch in another place with a kid, who might already be affected by the traumas.

"Aunt Celina," Evan began cautiously.

Celina fixed him with a piercing stare.

"Aunt Celina," Evan began gently, kneeling beside her hospital bed and taking her trembling hands. "I understand this is overwhelming. But with James out of the picture soon, things will improve."

Celina's voice trembled with emotion. "Evan, it's not just him. It's the fear, the threats... I feel trapped."

"Financial constraints may have hindered us before, but now we have a chance to change that," Evan assured her.

"We'll be lightyears ahead of where we are by the time he's out of prison, I promise you."

"Teabox Cafe will blossom into a major corporation, and you won't have to worry anymore."

Celina's turbulent emotions subsided, a spark of hope in her eyes.

She understood what Evan was implying. Money had the power to solve almost any problem.

She could hire guards to ensure their safety and stay put.

Previously, leaving James had seemed fraught with difficulties, especially concerning debts accrued through gambling and the potential threats from loan sharks.

"We have options now," Evan reassured her, his tone firm yet comforting. "We can protect ourselves. I won't let him harm you again."

Tears welled up in Celina's eyes. "What if he comes back?"

"We'll prevent that," Evan promised, locking eyes with her. "I'm taking steps to ensure our safety. Trust me, Aunt Celina, we'll get through this together."

Celina's face softened with a glimmer of hope. "Okay, Evan. I'll trust you, can I do that?" Celina asked tentatively.

The nurse looked at Evan apologetically and coughed softly.

"Doctor Steph, it's urgent. Please."

The man groggily opened his eyes, spotting Evan, and frowned.

"Why are you bringing people in here? This is a doctor's office, not a free-for-all."

"He has an important matter to discuss," the nurse interjected, trying to smooth things over.

"What important matters? Are you wasting my time?" the man snapped angrily, clearly irked by Evan's presence.

Sighing, Evan stepped forward and placed a stack of bills on the table directly to let the money talk.

The doctor's eyes widened at the sight, swallowing his irritation.

'Sure enough, money and punches are the best way to talk.'

"Say, what can I do for you? But I won't be killing anyone for some meager money?"

Though he said that, his greedy paws were moving greedily to snatch the money.

Maintaining his composure, Evan explained briefly about James, the man causing all the trouble.

"Hmm. And what exactly do you want me to do in this situation? Knock him out or cripple him?" the Dr.Steph mused.

Evan shook his head. "I need you to keep him unconscious and out of the picture for a few days. I'll handle the rest. Also, I want you to observe if anyone approaches and monitors his calls."

Dr. Steph scrutinised Evan for a moment, then spoke cautiously.

"How much are we talking about?"

"10K," Evan replied.

"Triple it," the doctor demanded without hesitation.

Evan was taken aback. He had expected reluctance or excuses, not such boldness. But he knew he had to leverage the doctor's greed for his plan to work.

"Alright. Just keep him here," Evan agreed reluctantly.

Dr. Steph's stern expression softened into a smirk. "Consider it done. He'll be sleeping like a baby without troubling you here."