Chapter 1314

Austin's eyes widened. He tried to dodge, but his legs felt rooted to the ground. He remained frozen.

Slam!

Maria knocked him down. She stumbled, losing her balance as her heels gave way. She fell forward, arms outstretched, crashing into Austin.

"Mr. Fike? Mr. Fike, are you alright?" She tried to stand, only pressing down on him harder.

Gritting his teeth, Austin shoved her away. He rose, brushing dust from his clothes, and roared, "Who the hell are you?! Are you insane?!"

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Maria stammered, mortified. She'd intended to express her sincerity, but nearly crushed him.

"Mr. Fike, I didn't fall on you on purpose. I tripped—look, my heels are broken. I..." She extended her leg, fearing he wouldn't believe her. Austin, furious and nursing his aching elbow and back, recoiled. "Don't come near me! Leave me alone!" Maria froze. "Mr. Fike, I've been waiting for you. Two days! I finally saw you, and I was just too excited! I'm so sorry!"

"Two days?" Austin raised two fingers. "You waited two days here?"

"Yes!" She nodded eagerly, believing she'd touched the miracle doctor's heart. "I called, but you were busy, so I came here. I have something important to ask. My niece..."

"Wait. You waited here for two days just to see me?" Austin interrupted, focusing on her statement.

"Y-Yes!" Maria was taken aback by his displeasure.

He was not only displeased but also apprehensive. "What the f*ck? She waited two days? If she wanted to kill me, I'd be dead! Look what happened! What if she'd had a knife? I need to be more careful."

Austin turned to leave. Maria recovered and hurried after him. "Mr. Fike! Mr. Fike..."

"Stop!" Austin barked, pointing. "Stay away from me!"

"Mr. Fike, my niece has an incurable disease. Please help her. We'll grant you anything. My niece is Secretary Rollins' daughter. Fame, wealth—anything, if you cure her!" Maria rushed on, desperate to persuade him. "Tell me what you want! We can discuss it!"

She hadn't anticipated this difficulty. If not for her husband's career, her family, and Cameron's debt, she wouldn't endure this.

Austin stopped abruptly, turning back. "I can ask for anything?"

Seeing hope, Maria nodded eagerly. "Yes, of course! My family is wealthy and influential. Mr. Fike, you..."

"I want you to stay the hell away from me. Can I ask for that?"

Maria was stunned.