Chapter 6 Gesture of Goodwill

• Not long after, Teresa emerged from the finance office, her expression wrought with panic. Melissa and the others swiftly redirected their attention to her, sensing the urgency in her demeanor. They were puzzled when they saw Teresa's distress. What had caused it? It was as though she had encountered something genuinely alarming. Was she shaken by the balance in the bank account?
• "Mr. Sioux!" Teresa approached Huxley, offering a respectful nod.
• "What's going on?" Melissa inquired, her confusion mirrored by the rest of the group. Isn't Huxley regarded as somewhat of a failure? Has Teresa lost her senses? Their collective bewilderment only grew.
• Huxley arched a brow, regarding Teresa skeptically. "No need for formalities. Just tell me what happened."
• Teresa drew in a deep breath, composing herself before delivering her news with the utmost deference. "Mr. Sioux, Mr. Tigger has decided to decline your payment. Heady Lodge is being gifted to you as a gesture of goodwill."
• The group remained frozen in disbelief, and each person rendered motionless and stunned as they stood still like statues. What? A property like Heady Lodge worth three hundred million, handed over for free? Who the heck is this man to warrant such a gesture?
• Huxley's curious inquiry broke the silence. "And who might this Mr. Tigger be?" Mr. Tigger—could it possibly be Patrick Tigger? Patrick Tigger was the influential figure at the helm of the Willowbrook Chamber of Commerce. His ventures, spanning real estate, finance, retail, pharmaceuticals, and entertainment circles, held sway over Rivervale's landscape.
• Four years ago, Patrick found himself sentenced to a three-year stint behind bars due to financial misdeeds, his residence becoming Fangfirst Gaol. Then, two years back, a diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer rattled his world within prison confines. Patrick's desperate plea for medical attention saw him begging outside Huxley's cell for three agonizing days.
• In the end, relenting to his plea, Huxley provided the necessary treatment, aiding Patrick in conquering the illness. In a gesture of profound gratitude, Patrick transferred two hundred million into Huxley's account as treatment expenses.
• As for Willowbrook Estates, it should indeed fall under the purview of the Willowbrook Chamber of Commerce.
• "It's Norbert Tigger!" Teresa's response rang out.
• Melissa's countenance darkened, her petite form trembling uncontrollably. Impossible! He's nothing but a convict! How can he possibly be associated with Mr. Tigger?
• "Norbert Tigger?" Huxley mused for a moment before inquiring further, "How is he related to Patrick Tigger?"
• "Mr. Tigger is Mr. Patrick's nephew," Teresa clarified.
• Understanding dawned on Huxley's features. It seemed likely that someone within the finance department had noticed his distinctive black card, prompting a report to Norbert, who then relayed the information to Patrick. Huxley had saved Patrick's life, so Patrick wanted to take the opportunity to repay Huxley and curry favor with him.
• However, Huxley didn't want to receive unwarranted compensation. He was a man of principle. Though he had once saved Patrick's life, Patrick had already repaid his kindness with two hundred million back then. The debt between them had long been settled, with no lingering obligations between them.
• "Thank Mr. Tigger for his generosity. However, he doesn't need to give Heady Lodge to me. I'll handle the purchase myself and pay with my own card," Huxley declared with a smile.
• "But..."
• "No excuses. If you don't comply, I'll leave immediately," Huxley asserted firmly.
• "Huh?" Teresa was momentarily taken aback. She didn't have the nerve to answer and hastened back to the finance office with trepidation.
• A collective gasp echoed through the room. Is there something we're missing? A lavish mansion valued at three billion was offered for free, yet Huxley declined? What the heck? Could this man possibly be an heir to immense wealth?
• Melissa's complexion drained of color, her shock deepening as she discovered Norbert's decision to gift Heady Lodge to Huxley. When Huxley refused, her astonishment escalated to unprecedented levels. At that moment, she was distraught that Huxley might seek retribution against her.
• She believed that a mere word from Huxley could leave her vulnerable with nowhere to seek refuge. Yet, unbeknownst to her, Huxley paid her no heed. Even as Teresa completed the transaction and emerged, Huxley remained indifferent, not sparing Melissa a single glance. With the paperwork finalized, Huxley collected the key and made his exit.
• As Huxley strode out through the sales department door, Melissa sprang to her feet like a woman possessed, vigorously shaking her head and clutching at her hair in distress. "Unbelievable! Utterly unbelievable! He looks like a loser! How on earth did he manage to come up with three hundred million for Heady Lodge? I must be hallucinating! This can't be real!"
• Turning back at the commotion, Huxley couldn't help but be taken aback, his lips curling into a bemused smile. This woman's psyche is indeed fragile! I just provoked her slightly, and she unraveled completely.
• Strolling through the grandeur of Heady Lodge, Huxley found himself content with every detail; there was nothing that warranted alteration. Yet, the joy of purchasing such a luxurious abode dissipated completely when thoughts of his adoptive father, Leon, and his younger sister, Audrey, clouded his mind. Imagining their broken leg and scarred face, Huxley had already devised a treatment plan even though he hadn't laid eyes on them yet.
• After refreshing himself with a shower, he departed from Heady Lodge. He made his way to a holistic pharmacy to procure herbs for Leon and Audrey's treatment. Despite how expansive Rivervale was, holistic pharmacies were a rarity. Eventually, Huxley settled on Healthstone Holistic Pharmacy, the one nearest to Willowbrook Estates.
• Ten minutes later, Huxley hailed a taxi and arrived at Healthstone Holistic Pharmacy. As he stepped out of the cab, his gaze fell upon a familiar silhouette across the street. "Huh? That woman looks familiar. Isn't that Rexa…" His eyes widened in recognition. Opposite Healthstone Holistic Pharmacy, at Harmony Hospital's entrance, stood a figure bearing a striking resemblance to Rexanne Fairchild, the woman responsible for his five-year prison sentence.
• His expression darkened instantly. His already bad mood soured further at that moment. After a brief pause, he made his way towards Harmony Hospital. Despite learning from Candace about another layer of truth behind the events of that fateful year, his animosity towards Rexanne remained unabated.
• Outside the operating room in Harmony Hospital's Building One, Dr. Roerig from the emergency department delivered grim news to Rexanne. "Ms. Fairchild, your daughter's condition is critical. She has lost a significant amount of blood when we were trying to save her and requires costly imported medication."
• He looked at Rexanne insincerely. It felt like human life was merely a commodity to him. "You must pay one million for the surgery immediately. Once payment is received, I'll swiftly arrange for a team of experts to commence medical care."
• In this world, having money often meant the difference between life and death. Without it, one's fate hung in precarious balance.
• "What? One million?" Rexanne's voice trembled with disbelief as tears streamed down her face. She pleaded, "Doctor, can't you start the medical care first? I promise I'll get the money quickly. Please, I'm begging you. I'll do anything to repay your kindness if you do it. Just give me a chance."
• "Ms. Fairchild, I'm truly sorry, but this is hospital policy!" Dr. Roerig reiterated firmly. "I wish I could do more to assist you, but my hands are tied. Please understand that I can't do anything about it. And I must remind you, the longer we delay the treatment, given your daughter's critical condition, the slimmer her chances of survival. Instead of pleading with me, I urge you to find a way to swiftly pay for the operation charges."
• Rexanne's heart sank into despair. Five years ago, coming up with one million for the surgery would have been manageable. But now, she couldn't even fathom raising a mere ten thousand, let alone such a sum.
• With a sudden thud, Rexanne collapsed before Dr. Roerig, her desperation evident. "Doctor, I implore you! Please, save my daughter first! I assure you, I'll have the money before the surgery concludes!"
• Dr. Roerig remained unmoved. "Ms. Fairchild, this isn't a small sum; it's one million. I regret that I cannot assist you." Without waiting for her further pleas, he strode into the operating room, leaving Rexanne alone in her anguish.
• "I can't give up. I absolutely can't give up," Rexanne vowed, rising to her feet. She wiped the tears from her face and reached for her phone, determined to seek help.