Chapter 1304

Austin hung up and immediately blocked the number. "What the hell was that?"

He started the engine, accelerating to calm himself with the wind rushing past his face. Meanwhile, Maria, the recipient of the abrupt call, wore a grim expression.

"You haven't told me everything. What's wrong?" the man beside her asked, a hint of impatience in his voice.

Holding her phone, Maria pursed her lips. "He... hung up on me."

"What?" he exclaimed, his voice rising before he sneered. "What are you doing? You're so unreliable! You said you'd get a miracle doctor to cure Anastasia's illness! But now he won't even talk to you!"

He emphasized his disapproval. Maria, equally upset, retorted, "I didn't expect it to be this hard! I went through so much to get his number! Do you think I enjoy being rejected?"

Resentment welled up, causing her to collapse onto the couch, sobbing.

"You... what are you crying for?" The man was startled.

He sighed, extending a hand. "Anastasia's birthday is the day after tomorrow. We promised her a great surprise. I thought you could get this doctor to treat her, but… Why don't you try calling him again?"

After a moment, Maria stopped sobbing and called Austin, her expression quickly changing. "He… I think he blocked my number."

Fabian was speechless. "How can a doctor act like this? Isn't it their responsibility to help people? He won't even talk to those seeking his help! Is he a conman?"

Maria shook her head. "No, he can't be. Everyone in Kingsland knows he's Mr. Dominic Fike's secret apprentice! His last name is Fike, and I heard he's related to Mr. Dominic."

"That makes sense. Relatives, secret apprentice… His age fits, too. And remember Mrs. Beckett? Her cousin's friend had him cure illnesses they'd struggled with for years! This doctor knows his stuff!" Maria exclaimed, clapping her hands. "These are true stories! Otherwise, I wouldn't have promised he could cure Anastasia. She's had this illness since birth, for years."

Fabian sighed deeply at the mention of Anastasia's illness as Maria continued her monologue. "That's life. No one's perfect. Look at your brother-in-law. He treats Anastasia like a princess; she's wealthy. Life can't be perfect; she has this illness."

"Cut the crap!" Fabian lit a cigarette, slightly frustrated. He doubted Maria's plan, but held onto hope.

His brother-in-law was incorruptible, unwilling to offer favors. Getting anything from Cameron was difficult. He wouldn't accept gifts, wouldn't be swayed. Fortunately, Maria had devised this plan.

Cameron's weakness was Anastasia. He spoiled her rotten. However, Anastasia was unwell, prone to fainting spells due to her strange illness. She was also obese, a condition no doctor could address. Exercise and dieting had little effect.

Maria had learned about the miracle doctor and hoped to use him to get Cameron to owe them a favor, but…