Chapter 93: Hidden Truths
Griffon’s tone was always polished, and Galatea had learned to listen with a calm mind. However, today was different. His words carried a heavier weight than usual. She didn’t respond immediately to the subtle pressure, but instead, she asked, “Why did Griffon come to see me so early?”
Griffon’s expression shifted slightly, his usual calm demeanor turning serious. “I have a favor to ask,” he began. “You should know that my wife, Mrs. Ravenna, has been battling stomach cancer. Since the surgery, her health has been declining, especially after the first round of chemotherapy. She’s been in so much pain that she even had thoughts of ending it all. I suspect the doctors aren’t skilled enough, so I thought of asking for your help.”
Galatea was taken aback by the request. It placed her in a difficult position, as she wasn’t eager to get involved with the Nash family. Still, her sense of duty won out. She tried to politely decline. “During chemotherapy, medical expertise doesn’t have much of an impact. The reactions to chemotherapy can vary greatly from person to person. Your aunt may just be experiencing particularly strong reactions.”
Griffon didn’t seem discouraged. “That’s true, but it’s still a serious illness. We hope to find a doctor with excellent skills for peace of mind,” he said. “I’m asking you because I trust you.”
Galatea didn’t want to appear dismissive, but she wasn’t sure if she could help. “Thank you for your trust, Griffon, but I can’t claim to have the best medical skills. I’m afraid I might not be up to the task.”
Griffon, ever the manipulator, wasn’t dissuaded. “Galatea, you’re being modest. Who can enter the Country M Medical Research Institute without being exceptional in their field? My son, Alaric, has highly recommended you. And as you know, he’s a doctor as well. If someone is vouched for by their colleagues, they can’t be wrong.”
His flattery hit its mark, and Galatea found herself in a corner. How could she refuse now?
Griffon, sensing her hesitation, pressed on. “You know, I’ve been in the business world for many years. If I didn’t have no other choice, I would never come to you in person.”
His words had an undertone of moral coercion, leaving Galatea with little room to back out. She knew she couldn’t turn him away now.
“And of course, I won’t expect you to treat my wife for free,” Griffon continued, pulling a check from his bag. “This is just a part of the payment. I wanted to transfer the money directly, but I thought a check might be more polite.”
Galatea glanced down at the check. Three million dollars. It was clear Griffon had deep pockets.
“Griffon, I can’t accept this,” Galatea replied quickly, pushing the check back.
Griffon’s face softened, but there was an edge to his smile. “If it’s because of what I said earlier, I apologize. I don’t want to upset you.”
Galatea almost wanted to cry out of frustration. This was still a form of coercion, wasn’t it? But there was little she could do. She could treat it as a professional obligation during her break.
“Don’t worry about it,” Galatea said, her voice strained. “I’ll go, but I can’t accept the money.”
“I’m so glad you agreed, Galatea,” Griffon said, his voice full of relief. “Thank you so much. Do you have time to go today? My wife’s condition is worsening, and I’m truly worried.”
Reluctantly, Galatea nodded. “Okay. I’ll go today.”
The ride to the Nash family mansion was torturous for Galatea. She felt intensely uncomfortable in Griffon’s presence. It was a long drive, filled with silence, and Galatea couldn’t shake the weight of the situation.
When they finally arrived, Galatea followed Griffon into the grand mansion, feeling out of place in the lavish surroundings. They passed through the hallway, and Galatea’s eyes landed on Orion, who was sitting on the couch.
Orion, currently on a break from filming, had taken leave due to his mother’s deteriorating health. When he saw Galatea, his expression twisted with that familiar hatred, as though he could barely contain his loathing for her.
“Orion,” Griffon said firmly, “Galatea is here to treat your mother. You will show respect.”
Orion sneered, his tone laced with sarcasm. “Dad, you worry too much. How could I disrespect Dr. Galatea? Last time, I said something online, and Alaric went to the crew to threaten me into apologizing to her on Instagram. I can’t afford to defy him.”
Galatea froze, her mind racing. Alaric had gone to Orion’s crew? He had forced an apology from Orion on Instagram? She had no idea. It must have been related to what had happened in the hospital, though she hadn’t kept up with any news at the time.
Orion’s words only served to confuse her further. She hadn’t realized the extent to which Alaric had been involved in her life, and now, she was more unsure than ever of his true feelings.
Griffon, sensing the tension, shot a warning look at Orion and said, “Enough, Orion. Don’t speak if you can’t be polite. Galatea, let’s go upstairs.”
With a forced smile, Galatea nodded and followed Griffon upstairs, trying to ignore the lingering animosity from Orion. As they passed him, she felt an almost palpable sense of hostility in the air—a dangerous, suffocating energy. But I can’t let it bother me, she told herself.
When they entered Mrs. Ravenna’s room, Galatea was shocked. The woman lying in the bed was unrecognizable. She was pale, gaunt, and appeared at least twenty pounds lighter than the last time they had met. It was clear that the illness had drained her vitality.
“Galatea… has arrived,” Mrs. Ravenna’s weak voice rasped as she turned her head toward the door.
“I’m here to visit you,” Galatea said, forcing a smile. “And I’ll give you a check-up.”
Galatea approached the bed, unpacking her medical kit. Griffon left the room, giving them some space.
“I’ve been examined many times already,” Mrs. Ravenna replied weakly. “There’s no need for this.”
Galatea, though, was not deterred. “Even if you’ve been examined before, it’s important to check again. Mrs. Ravenna, don’t worry. You’ll feel better soon.”
She carried on with her examination, but inside, Galatea was concerned. The situation was much more severe than she had anticipated. She injected Mrs. Ravenna with a sedative, hoping it would help.
“After this, you’ll feel more comfortable. Your appetite should return, and you’ll begin to recover,” Galatea reassured her gently.
Mrs. Ravenna’s eyes filled with a pained understanding. “I’ve known for a while… my illness can’t be cured.” She paused, her voice cracking. “At my age, I’m not afraid of death. I just wanted to see my two children get married… It’s something I’ve always wished for.”
Her words struck Galatea deeply. It was impossible not to feel sympathy for a mother’s unfulfilled hopes. The words of any parent, particularly one facing death, were always heart-wrenching.
“Aunt Ravenna, don’t say such things,” Galatea responded with a tender smile. “It’s just a gastric ulcer. There’s no need to speak of death. It’s simply a strong reaction to medication. Many people have allergies to certain drugs. It’s completely normal. Once you stop the medication, your body will heal on its own.”
Mrs. Ravenna’s face softened, and she smiled faintly. “I hope you’re right, Galatea. You’ve done so much for me… I didn’t want to trouble you, but Griffon insisted.”
“Uncle Griffon cares for you deeply. For his sake, you must stay strong. Cooperate with the treatment, and you’ll get better,” Galatea encouraged.
Mrs. Ravenna appeared comforted by her words, but there was little Galatea could do to ease her true suffering.
Downstairs, Orion couldn’t stay quiet any longer. His voice trembled as he asked, “Dad, are she and Alaric really going to be together?”
Griffon, not answering directly, handed his phone to Orion. As she took the device, Orion’s face paled, and her legs nearly gave out beneath her.
The images on the phone screen left Orion stunned. The content was far more shocking than she could have ever anticipated.