Chapter 769
"A fee?" Zeke couldn't hold it in anymore and became furious.
Steven had slapped Taylor for so long and now he was asking for a fee? How shameless!
"Of course! Do you usually not pay for treatments?" Steven rolled his eyes and said, "At least 30 thousand-year-old medicinal herbs, nothing less."
He knew that Rose was important to the Caldwells. Zeke hoped Rose would help Taylor dispel the evil energy. Thus, Steven wouldn't easily back down.
Instead, Steven seized the opportunity and demanded a hefty price. 30 thousand-year-old herbs were rare and it was enough to make even a powerful family like the Caldwells feel the price.
Jonah glared at Zeke coldly, backing up Steven. "I was always charged for treatments, so why shouldn't you pay? I'm already in a bad mood today. If you want to make it worse, go ahead and try."
Keaton had a mocking smile. He jeered, "Are the mighty Caldwells unable to afford a doctor's fee? If not, go borrow some money! If you can't even pay, why bother getting treated in the first place?"
Normally, he wasn't so sharp-tongued, not even toward enemies. But today, the Caldwells had crossed a line. They dared to try and kill Steven and then threatened Jonah!
That hit Keaton's limit, making him take a page out of Steven's playbook and taunt the Caldwells relentlessly.
Even Yvonne joined in, smiling faintly. "Coincidentally, the Quarrys run a loan business. If you're willing, we can write an IOU and my family will cover it for you!"
The normally composed Zeke was finally pushed to his limit. He gritted his teeth and replied, "There's no need for the Quarrys' involvement! It's just a small fee; the Caldwells can handle it!"
He pulled out a coin and threw it at Steven. "This is a special coin for honored guests of the Caldwells! Each coin has a unique sigil. With this, you can exchange it for herbs at my pharmacy."
Steven took it and glanced at the coin. There was a bold "ZC" written in an elegant script that suggested it was from a grandmaster. Although, it lacked the grandeur of Jonah's coin.
"Smart move." Steven put the coin away casually.
"What about my son's pressure points?" Zeke looked at Jonah.
"They'll be released in an hour. Why are you in such a hurry?" Jonah replied calmly.
Zeke's expression darkened but he didn't say anything else. He ordered someone to carry Taylor and turned to leave.
Just then, Jonah spoke calmly, "I'm giving you three months. If you don't find my brother and nephew, I'll personally come to settle this debt. I heard the Caldwells' fighters are formidable. I've been meaning to test them."
Zeke's back stiffened, but he said nothing. Instead, he quickened his steps as he left.
After they left, Jonah looked at Steven. His face was full of guilt and regret. He hesitated before saying, "Dr. Lewis… I…"
Steven smiled and said, "General Lewis, there's no need to apologize. Family always comes first. If it were me, I'd do the same.
"That's why I've been searching for the truth about my father's car accident. You helping me investigate has already been a huge favor. As for saving your life, I've already received payment, so you don't owe me anything."
Jonah sighed softly and shook his head. "Whether I owe you or not isn't for you to decide. It's up to me. I feel indebted, so don't try to comfort me. I just didn't expect…"
His face showed self-mockery. "I've always despised those who don't repay kindness, yet now, I've become one of them…"
Steven chuckled. Jonah was truly proud. No matter what Steven said, Jonah wouldn't listen.
But this time, Steven's expression grew serious. "General Lewis, I may be young, but I know one thing; sometimes, putting your ego away takes more courage than facing death."