Chapter 14 A Box

• Ian tried to call Wilbert once again when he reached the hallway. To his surprise, the man answered almost immediately. “Who’s this?” he said gruffly.
• “I’m the man in possession of the Scarlet Ash Cauldron,” Ian declared. After spending the night examining the cauldron, he was certain that it was the legendary Scarlet Ash Cauldron used by Christopher Columbus. Anyone with some historical knowledge would be aware of the famous figure’s interest in developing health remedies. Ian could not believe his luck with the treasure he had found.
• “Oh, it’s you. Has the cauldron been repaired?” Wilbert asked delightfully.
• Ian replied, “No. I have met with some difficulties. My father-in-law has been diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, but the hospital refuses to administer the monoclonal antibody treatment for him. Do you have any solutions?”
• “Hemolytic uraemic syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. It’s hard to treat given the limited medical research and treatment options available currently. However…” Wilbert took a short pause before continuing, “There is a possibility of treating him if you are able to obtain some rare ingredients and boil them in the cauldron to create the concoction.”
• “Would the rare ingredients you are referring to be Elmblossom Fleur, Devil's Vervain, and Avizan Dregoth?” Ian inquired. He knew that it was close to impossible to obtain all three ingredients due to their scarcity. Hence, it would be a challenge for Wilhelm to have a complete recovery.
• “That’s right. Your father-in-law will have a good chance of being cured of the disease if are able to find the three ingredients,” Wilbert affirmed.
• “All right, I’ll try my best. The doctor has informed me that he only has a month to live. Is there no way else?" Ian probed once more.
• “He can extend his life if he takes an anti-C5 monoclonal antibody injection every six months. Which hospital is your father-in-law staying at? I can help you get a jab,” Wilbert said confidently.
• “Thank you for your help. We are at Riverdale Hematology Centre.” Ian heaved a sigh of relief, knowing that Wilhelm's life could be extended for another two to three years. It would buy him some time to gather the rare ingredients and prepare the concoction.
• “You're welcome. I haven’t gotten to learn your name yet,” Wilbert replied.
• The man answered, “I’m Ivan Griffin.”
• “Haha, nice to meet you, Ivan. I’ll send my men to deliver the medicine to you shortly,” Wilbert said gleefully.
• “Thanks! I owe you one,” Ian replied sincerely. Each anti-C5 monoclonal antibody injection cost approximately 450 thousand dollars. He was appreciative of Wilbert’s trust because he was willing to gift him the prescription without requesting any payment in advance.
• “It’s no big deal. Just let me know whenever you need my help,” Wilbert assured.
• “All right, let me inform my wife of the good news.”
• “Okay, goodbye!”
• After ending the call, Ian headed back to the ward eager to inform Rosie that he had managed to obtain the medication. However, before he had the opportunity to speak, Kyle entered the room and announced, “I’m here to check on the patient, Ms. Young.” Judging by his cold and distant attitude, it was evident that the man was still feeling bitter about the incident last night. He was prepared to make use of the expensive medicine which Wilbert required to take revenge on Ian.
• Kyle thought to himself, I’m the Chief Physician in this hospital. How dare a loser like Ivan abuse me? I’ll make his life miserable, and he shall beg for my forgiveness. I've already asked someone to do a thorough investigation into him.
• Ian noticed Kyle giving him the condescending look. However, he paid no attention as he had already secured the medication from Wilbert.
• Rosie said apologetically when she noticed Kyle’s presence, “I’m so sorry about last night, Kyle.”
• Kyle waved his hand dismissively as he shot Ian a haughty look. “It’s all right. I’ll not anger myself over a fool.”
• Rosie smiled sheepishly as she thought to herself, seems like Ivan is going to be known as a “fool” for a while.
• To avoid quibbling with Kyle, Ian decided to leave the ward and go for a smoke. However, unbeknownst to him, his silence bolstered Kyle’s audacity. He peered at Rosie’s long slender legs, which were exposed by the short skirt she was wearing. “Rosie, I have gone through your father’s medical records. Only one vial of the antibody is available in the Murrayfield region, and our hospital has it. Someone has placed an order for the medication though. I’m willing to risk my job to get the injection for you, but you should know that there's no such this as free lunch.”
• Rosie frowned as she heard the bad news. “Do you mean no one else in Murrayfield region is selling the drug?” She thought to herself anxiously, although Wilbert may be able to save my father, he is unfamiliar with his condition. What if Wilbert is incapable of treating him?
• When Kyle saw Rosie’s expression darken, he smiled triumphantly as everything was going according to plan. He knew that the woman was close to caving into his request. He nodded his head and replied affirmatively, “I’m afraid so. No other hospitals in the Murrayfield region can administer the drug.”
• Ominous thoughts squirmed at the back of Rosie’s mind when she saw Kyle’s firm expression. Dad only has half a month left to live. It’s already difficult to obtain the medication in our region. The chances of getting the medication from abroad will be even slimmer.
• The woman bit her lip and muttered, “How long will the medication keep him alive?”
• Kyle answered truthfully, “At most, another six months.” After a short pause, he continued, “Don’t worry, Rosie. The medication supply will be replenished. I can reserve the drug for you once it arrives.”
• Rosie shook her head before replying, “Thanks, Kyle. I’ll think of another solution.” Even though it was a matter of life and death, she was unwilling to sacrifice herself to exchange for the medication.
• “You don’t have much time. Keep me updated on your final decision.” Kyle took one last look at Rosie’s beautiful face and left the room reluctantly. However, as soon as he stepped out of the ward, a trash can was dropped over his head.
• Kyle rubbed his head and pointed at Ian as he berated, “What the hell was that for? Have you given up on saving Wilhelm’s life?”
• Ian shrugged his shoulders and replied, “No, I haven’t. But there’s no need for us to depend on trash like you.”
• Rosie walked out of the ward when she heard the commotion. She was enraged to see Ian attacking Kyle again. “Apologize to Kyle right now.”
• “Why should I be the one apologizing? He is clearly harboring ill intentions toward you. Should we let him have his way just because he can get the medication?” Ian scoffed.
• Infuriated at being attacked by Ian twice, Kyle bellowed, “I’m glad you know. I’m the only person in the Murrayfield region who have access to the drug. If you're so capable, why don't you try to get the drug without my help?"
• Ian replied sarcastically, “What's the big deal? You have access to one vial at most, right?"
• “Spoken like a fool! If you think you're so capable, why don't you find a vial yourself then? If you can do that, I’ll apologize to you.” Kyle’s fury sprang to life when he saw Ian’s haughty attitude. He had investigated the man’s background and knew that he was a nobody who depended on the Young family for support. He was certain that a useless man like Ian would never be able to have the means to obtain the rare drug. Many prominent figures in society had to pander to Kyle in order to get access to rare drugs. After all, it was more important to be alive than to preserve one’s dignity.
• Ian shook his head and replied, “You are right that I can't get my hands on a vial.”
• He slowly reached for his bag and continued, “That’s because I managed to get a whole box!”