Chapter 57: A Million-Dollar Deal

Pamela watched Gabriella's elated face with indifference. "Gabriella," she murmured softly, "I've arranged for you to attend a school abroad. You can leave in a few days. Don't worry about family matters."

Gabriella was stunned. "Sister, why are you sending me abroad? Don't you want me around? Don't you like me?" she pouted.

Pamela took Gabriella's hand, caressing it soothingly. "Gabriella, you're my sister. Of course I like you. But it's safer for you to be abroad. I'll cover all your monthly expenses."

A smile brightened Gabriella's face. "Sis, will you give me as much money as I need?"

"Yes, whatever you need, just ask," Pamela said, tapping Gabriella's nose affectionately.

Gabriella smiled happily. "Then I'll go pack my things," she said, skipping away.

Pamela watched her go, her arms folded. The smile faded from her lips, replaced by a cold disgust. Gabriella was trash, and keeping her close would only drag Pamela down.

Footsteps approached. Pamela quickly resumed her gentle expression.

"Pamela," Patrick called.

"Dad, why are you so late? I've handled things here. Go rest," Pamela said.

Patrick looked at Pamela with satisfaction. She had exceeded his expectations. His greatest wish was for her to inherit Hart Medical. He admired her in her pink velvet dress.

"Did you offer Gabriella the chance to study abroad?" he asked.

Pamela nodded. "Dad, Gabriella's not a child anymore. Mom spoiled her. I've found a good school; most of the students are from wealthy families. I hope Gabriella makes some friends there."

Pamela calmly explained to Patrick that the university was filled with rich students. If Gabriella found a wealthy boyfriend, Derrick might return to her.

Patrick loved Pamela even more. Only she understood him.

"Alright, I trust your judgment," he said.

"Uhm, Pamela," Patrick said again.

"Yes, Dad," Pamela responded, her eyes fixed on his.

"It's about Hart Medical. The company is on the verge of bankruptcy. It needs a lot of money."

Pamela briefly pursed her lips. "Dad, don't worry, I have a solution."

Patrick, though aware of his daughter's capabilities, remained unconvinced. She was a student, recently returned to LA. Where would she get the money?

Pamela understood his doubts. "Dad, I can help with Hart Medical's finances, but on one condition."

"What condition?"

"You can't divorce Mom."

Patrick's expression turned cold. He was tired of Monica; the video he'd seen haunted him. He needed the divorce.

"Dad, think about it. Once Hart Medical's debts are settled, I expect your answer."

Pamela left him and entered the ward, where Monica lay in a coma. The whip wound was infected. If Pamela hadn't arrived, Monica would have died.

A sneer touched Pamela's lips. She knew Olive would retaliate, but she underestimated Olive's ruthlessness. However, Pamela considered herself superior.

Pamela called a number. A low, magnetic voice answered.

"Hello."

"Mr. Augustine, long time no see."

In Augustine Corporation, Elvis stood by the window. His handsome face was impassive. "What do you want?" he asked.

"Mr. Augustine, you promised me three things seven years ago. I want the second: my father's medical company needs significant capital."

Elvis remained silent. Pamela, nervously fiddling with her phone, was deeply in love with this powerful man, but also terrified. His silence unnerved her.

"Mr. Augustine, you've fulfilled the first. My father's company is facing bankruptcy and needs 1.2 million dollars."

"How much?" Elvis murmured.

"1.2 million," Pamela said softly.

"I'll have the secretary handle it," Elvis replied, hanging up.

In his office, Elvis addressed his secretary, Andrew. "Andrew, 1.2 million dollars. You can arrange that, right?"

Andrew knew Pamela Hart, LA's leading socialite. But since Olive's return, he found Olive even more striking.

"CEO," Andrew said cautiously, "Your wife will find out. She hates the Hart family and Pamela. Investing 1.2 million would be helping your wife's enemy. What will Olive say?"

Elvis pursed his lips. He knew Olive would learn about it. But he owed Pamela his life—seven years ago, she'd saved him from freezing to death.