Her voice trembled. Her eyes reddened, filling with unshed tears.
Willard’s expression immediately softened. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, his voice low and dripping with affection.
“Don’t say that. None of this is your fault. It’s her debt. She owes you, and she owes me.”
When he turned back to Daisie, his warmth vanished, replaced by cold disdain.
“You should understand something, Daisie. Donating your kidney to Kendra is a blessing for you.”
Daisie didn’t want to hear another word. She fixed her eyes on him and asked through gritted teeth.
“My dad—how’s he? The surgery fee you promised me—did you pay it? Did he have the operation?”
Willard froze for a moment, caught off guard. Before he could answer, Kendra spoke first.
“I heard about Uncle Joe’s condition,” she said apologetically. “It’s truly heartbreaking. Coincidentally, I know a brilliant neurosurgeon from abroad—Dr. Wilson. He’s one of the best in the world. I can invite him here to perform the surgery, and I’ll cover all the expenses myself. Consider it… a small token of goodwill and compensation from me.”
Willard looked at her, admiration glowing in his eyes.
“See? Kendra is always thinking of others.”
Then, his gaze snapped back to Daisie, his tone dripping with contempt.
“She’s far better than your useless father. It’s settled, then. Dr. Wilson will handle the surgery.”
“No! I don’t want her help!” Daisie shouted before she could stop herself.
There was no way Kendra was doing this out of kindness; Daisie didn’t believe that for a second.
“My dad’s surgery doesn’t need her charity! Willard, you promised me. Give me the money. We’ll find our own doctor here!”
Kendra’s face crumpled with hurt, her tears spilling instantly.
“Daisie… are you still angry at me? I really just wanted to help. I mean no harm, I swear…”
The sight made Willard’s temper flare. He jabbed a finger at Daisie’s face, his voice roaring like thunder.
“Daisie! Don’t be so ungrateful! Kendra’s showing you nothing but kindness, and you throw it back in her face? You should be thankful that any doctor is even willing to touch someone like your father! You don’t get to choose, you hear me?! I’ve made my decision—Dr. Wilson will do the surgery!”
“Willard! That’s my dad we’re talking about!” Daisie exclaimed.
She struggled to sit up, but the nurse beside her pinned her back down.
Willard looked down at her, his eyes cold and pitiless.