I'm not sure I understand Jambag with Shanice's personality, but wasn't what she said also an insult to me? Yet, after all this time, Chad had long grown accustomed to their psychological torment. I even looked at her with a smile and responded, “Oh, really? The Klint family is so rich, huh?”
“Pit, why don’t you Venmo me a million…” Who would have thought that Shanice would take my casual jokes seriously? She handed me a check and a business card, smiling as she said, “Sure. Here’s a check for a million dollars. You can hold onto it. This is my business card. If you change your mind, you can come find me anytime.”
I took her business card with a dubious look, glancing at it. The moment I saw the company name, I was stunned into silence. Shanice Klint – general manager of KLS Group. KLS Group was practically the top conglomerate in the city. Their products covered all kinds of industries. They were the local business titan, with people lining up, practically breaking their heads just to get a share, though few ever got the chance. Even an internship at KLS Group drew tens of thousands of applicants.
No wonder Farquelle didn't dare offend Shanice. She even went out of her way to accommodate Shanice's unreasonable demands. Truly, Shanice had both status and power. “I really don’t understand why you’re looking for me.”
I held the business card, looking at her, unsure of her intentions.
Shanice just smiled, her gaze gentle as she looked at me. “Because you’re my type. No matter how much you put up with Raquelle’s pointless insults and never fight back, you’ve always maintained your ambition.” She added, “I know you’re not willing to be under Raquelle’s thumb forever. One day, you’ll leave the Smith family.”
Shanice stared directly at me, her words carrying deeper meaning as she said, “If that day comes, you’re welcome to come to me. The benefits I offer will be no worse than Raquelle’s. And this offer will always be open.” With that, she turned and got into her car, driving away at high speed.
I watched her leave, gripping the business card and check she had given me, unable to collect my thoughts for a while. A woman who could rise to a top position in such a large corporation was certainly no ordinary person. Raquelle couldn’t even compare.
While I was still lost in thought, the hospital attendant called. They said my sister had woken up and told me to come quickly. Since my sister’s illness began, she had been sleeping more and waking up less. So, I had specifically asked the attendant to call me whenever my sister woke up. I didn’t want her to feel alone or afraid. I wanted her to know that I was always by her side.
Before heading to the hospital, I bought a Barbie doll my sister liked and some fruit. My sister lay in her hospital bed, looking pitiful and shedding tears.
“I want my brother…”
The attendant, who was very gentle, held her hand and comforted her, saying, “Don’t cry, sweetie. Your brother will be here soon.” My nose tingled upon seeing how frail she looked. I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer. However, I couldn’t cry in front of her. I had to be her strongest support, her guardian. I had to let her know that her brother was her safest harbor.
Quickly, I wiped away my tears, put on a brave face, and said, “Sweetheart, look what I brought you!” I pushed open the door and walked in. I held up the Barbie doll as I walked to her bedside, but she didn’t even glance at the doll. She hugged my neck tightly and started sobbing.
“Josh, I miss you so much! Can we go home! It’s so lonely being in the hospital alone…”