Chapter 206 Gambler
Lucas deliberately put off his work today to come with me to see Theron. Hearing Theron call me a quack, he was the first to get upset.
"You damn bastard."
I quickly grabbed Lucas and signaled him with my eyes to shut up.
Being called a quack didn't bother me at all. When dealing with difficult patients, I'd heard much worse insults. Some medical disputes can be life-threatening, but Theron was just questioning my skills - he couldn't hurt me.
Lucas reluctantly shut his mouth. I held his hand and gave it a shake, saying quietly, "Don't be impulsive."
Theron put on his reading glasses and carefully reviewed all the test reports from start to finish. Finally, he asked me to prescribe new medication, then said he needed to rest.
We walked out of Theron's suite. Lucas sneered, "Damn guy, so paranoid."
I was about to speak when I heard footsteps behind us - it was Callahan.
"Sorry, my father, I mean Mr. Thornfield didn't mean to offend you. He's just worried about his health."
Callahan's tone was gentle. Perhaps from being used to standing in front of cameras, he had a calm and confident presence - sharp but not annoying. He reminded me a bit of Stephen.
I looked at him a couple more times. Lucas squeezed my hand in displeasure.
I snapped back and told Callahan I understood.
Callahan smiled slightly. From the door that wasn't fully closed came Theron's voice calling out, "Callahan? Callahan! Where are you? Find my supplements! I didn't bring those sons of mine who can't wait for me to die. I specifically brought you along, so you better be useful!"
"Excuse me." Callahan touched his nose awkwardly and hurried back to the room. I curiously glanced at the so-called supplements, a hint of doubt flashing through my mind.
"Is he handsome?" Lucas asked in my ear.
"That's silly, don't be jealous for no reason." I pushed Lucas away. "Let's go back. It's time to contact that gentleman."
We were still standing in front of Theron's room, so I didn't say Stephen's name out loud.
Fortunately, Lucas could guess what I meant.
After we'd walked away, Lucas asked me quietly, "Are there really problems with Theron's test results?"
I shook my head. "The tests are fine, but like he said, someone's trying to harm him."
Lucas didn't understand why this was worth emphasizing. "He's the Don of the Thornfield family. Isn't it normal that someone wants to kill him? His brothers and sisters, mistresses, sons, daughters-in-law, and sons-in-law all can't wait for him to die so they can inherit his fortune. The Thornfield family is different from the Valeri family - Theron's wealth is quite substantial."
"If you hadn't quietly drained the Valeri family's assets, Holden might be living like Theron now." I shrugged. "Callahan has no real power in the Thornfield family. Tell me, is his relationship with Stephen good?"
"How would I know? What did you find out?"
"Because you just got jealous again for no reason, I've decided not to tell you."
"Bella, I was wrong. Please tell me."
We chatted and laughed as we returned to my office.
Everyone knew about Theron and Stephen's relationship. Publicly, Theron always acted like he completely trusted Stephen, leaving almost all the family's internal and external affairs for Stephen to handle. Stephen was involved in his personal relationships and family matters too.
Rather than saying Stephen was the family's Consigliere, it was more accurate to say he was Theron's all-purpose assistant.
Stephen also showed the world his loyalty to Theron. If he, once just a little beggar, hadn't met Theron, he wouldn't have achieved what he has today.
Many people suspected there was something more between them. Even Theron's biological children had their doubts, secretly thinking Stephen was Theron's lover.
But no matter how much everyone investigated, they never found any evidence.
Stephen was the sword and shield Theron had cultivated - able to fight for him and protect his position as Don. Compared to Stephen's contributions, Theron had only invested a bit of educational resources. That was Theron's brilliance.
But was Stephen really willing to accept this inequality forever?
Working hard and carefully his whole life, only to have all the reputation, status, and power belong to Theron in the end - if I were Stephen, I'd find such a life completely meaningless.
And Stephen was someone with deep schemes, best at calculating people's hearts. The fact that he wanted to work with me but could go this long without contacting me showed his amazing patience.
I dialed Stephen's number.
"Isabella, how have you been lately?" Stephen asked, a smile in his tone.
"No need for small talk." I stayed alert and asked directly, "Theron came to see me, along with a young man named Callahan. Do you know about this?"
"I know. Theron's health has been getting weaker these past few years. He's spent a lot of time trying to get healthy, even tried blood transfusions. Knowing you're the Miracle Surgeon, there's no way he wouldn't be interested," Stephen said calmly.
"You know Theron's physical condition well. Do you know what supplements he's taking?" I asked, testing him.
Stephen gave a meaningful, light laugh. "I can't hide anything from you. Some supplements for strengthening the body and brain."
I actually didn't know anything, but my casual probe made Stephen admit it.
I sighed and said, "Many people think the stronger the effect of supplements and health products, the better. Even if they don't work, they won't kill you. In fact, even the best supplements can kill if taken wrong."
Stephen didn't speak, just laughed quietly twice.
"Theron has high blood pressure. At his age, he's prone to strokes anyway. His regular medication includes aspirin, which has the side effect of greatly increasing the risk of brain hemorrhage and stomach bleeding. If he takes very strong supplements at the same time, it adds more burden to his blood pressure and blood vessels."
Even though I'd exposed his plan, Stephen remained relaxed. "Theron's abilities are no match for mine, but he's too suspicious. Anything he consumes, he has people check carefully. Too bad too many people want him dead."
Suddenly Theron's words flashed through my mind - "I always feel like someone's trying to harm me!"
Lucas, who had been silent, suddenly spoke in a cold, low voice. "Your business has nothing to do with us. If Theron's going to die, he'd better not die in Dawnharbor. Have Callahan hide those supplements and health products well. If something happens, don't drag Bella into it."
Lucas warned Stephen, "If you damage Bella's reputation, I won't let you get away with it!"
"Your relationship is still so good." Stephen wasn't afraid of the warning and calmly teased us.
I thought back to Callahan's every move and asked, "Did Callahan deliberately let me see those supplements? Was this your test? Weren't you afraid I'd expose it on the spot?"
"Every great success comes with risks, and I've always been a gambler." Stephen said arrogantly.
He didn't hide his ambition at all. I was moved inside and gripped my phone tightly. "Tell me what you want!"
"I want Dawnharbor to have only one major family in the future - the Potter family!" Stephen was suddenly like an unsheathed sword, his presence overwhelming. "Please keep the supplements secret. In return, I'll provide you with information about Michelle as payment."
I instinctively clenched my fist. "You know where Michelle is?"
"She's in Starstream City." Stephen said.