Chapter 86
Sharon felt a jolt of energy surge through her.
As long as Uriah was willing to help, everything was back on the table.
Sharp-tongued as he was, he was a good man at heart. When he first heard that Theo had been born prematurely and wasn’t in the best health, he’d taught her many ways to nurse Theo back to strength.
“Please go ahead, Mr. Malcolm,” Sharon said.
He glanced at her, then said, “Didn’t you tell me before that you play the violin? I have quite a few elderly patients, folks who live alone. They get lonely. So, I’ve been thinking of organizing a small appreciation event for them. If you perform for them, I’ll give you the medicine. What do you say?”
Sharon didn’t even need a second to consider. “Of course. I’d be glad to.”
She hesitated a moment, then added, “Mr. Malcolm, would it be alright if I invited a musician friend to perform with me?”
Uriah narrowed his eyes, studying her face carefully, as if trying to discern whether she was being sincere.
“You’d really perform for us old folks?”
Sharon smiled. “Before my mother passed, my friend and I used to do charity performances at orphanages and senior homes all the time. This kind of thing isn’t hard for us.”
Uriah nodded slowly. “Alright then. We’ll say it’s settled. Just don’t back out later if you see the venue’s a little rough around the edges.”
“Don’t worry, Mr. Malcolm,” Sharon said seriously. “Once I give my word, I never go back on it. When are you planning to hold the performance? And where?”
He thought for a moment. “Let’s set it for the end of the month. As for the location… I haven’t decided yet. I’ll let you know once I’ve figured it out.”
Sharon wasn’t picky about the venue. She nodded. “Alright.”
Uriah handed the medicine to her and looked her square in the eye.
“Once you take this, there’s no turning back. Even if it rains knives that day, you have to show up and perform.”
Sharon took the packet carefully and answered with full sincerity, “Don’t worry, Mr. Malcolm. I’ll be there.”
Uriah finally waved his hand, “Alright, that’s enough. If there’s nothing else, get going. Don’t bother me while I’m sorting
herbs.”
Sharon gave him a polite farewell and left the shop.
As her figure disappeared down the street, Uriah pulled out his phone and made a call.
“I’ve decided to come back,” he said simply.
༠་སྐ་༴་ ེ
Roughly ten minutes later, more than twenty luxury cars-each one a limited edition-lined up outside the old shop.
Several middle-aged men and a few elegant, well-dressed women hurried inside, all of them visibly emotional.
“This is wonderful! Dad, you’re finally willing to come home!” one of the men cried out.
But the moment Uriah saw the extravagant display, his face darkened with fury.
“Idiots! Who told you to make such a big spectacle?! Get those damned cars out of here!”
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One of the middle-aged men didn’t dare he
Another man hurried up to Uriah. “Dad, we’ve already prepared a welcome banquet. Let’s go now-”
Uriah shot him a sharp glare. “Did I say I’m going right now?”
The man froze, confused. “Then… Dad, what do you mean?”
“I’ll return at the end of the month. In the meantime, send invitations-under my name-to the families we’ve long had ties with. Invite them to the banquet.”
The man’s eyes lit up. “Dad, you’re finally showing your face again! This is incredible, I—”
Before he could finish, Uriah cut him off. 1
“I need you to take care of something for me. If you can’t do it right, I won’t be coming back.”
“Of course, Dad. Just tell me what you need.”
Uriah explained the matter.
At first, the man looked stunned. Then, gradually, his expression turned solemn.
He nodded. “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll take care of it.”
Once his sons and daughters were gone, Uriah gave a cold snort. 1
“The Biggs family, always sucking up to whoever’s in charge, thinking they can mess with that girl just ’cause she’s got no family backing her. Well, I’ll show them!”
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