Chapter 123

The situation was dire. Stella couldn’t be bothered to argue any longer. “Haynes, let go,” she said urgently. “If we delay any further, Keen could be in real danger.”

Rachel stepped between Stella and the situation, her voice firm but pleading. “Ms. Cameron, I understand your concern, but we’re not trained for this. If we interfere without proper knowledge, we could do more harm than good. Please—let the professionals handle this.”

“Professionals?” Stella let out a dry, sarcastic laugh. “If he were a real professional, he wouldn’t be doing CPR without thinking it through!” The doctor’s face flushed. He was having trouble breathing, and there was a risk of cardiac arrest. Starting CPR was a way to stabilize him. What’s wrong with that?!

“You, woman, step aside! Don’t get all money-minded just because this gentleman offered a reward, pretending you know better!”

“Ms. Cameron, this is critical—Keen’s condition could turn deadly any moment!” Rachel urged, her voice tight with panic. “If money’s the issue, I swear we’ll figure it out later. Right now, we need to get him help!”

Haynes was reminded of how Stella had left Keen at home for money, to take care of someone else’s child. Anger flickered in his eyes.

“Stella, have you lost your mind over money? Keen’s in this state, and you’re still thinking about cash?!”

The onlookers began to murmur, pointing fingers at Stella.

“Oh my God, she’s stopping someone from helping just for money. Unbelievable!”

“Miss, this is a life at stake! Every second counts; don’t squander the chance for a rescue.”

“If something happens to the kid, you’ll be legally responsible!”

Stella wanted to check on Keen, but Haynes held her wrist firmly, not letting go. She struggled to free herself, but Haynes’ grip was unyielding. Her eyes were red with desperation. “Haynes, if you let that quack treat him, he’ll kill Keen! I’m his mother, I know his condition best!”

Haynes hesitated, doubt creeping into his eyes.

Rachel, her voice breaking, pleaded, “Haynie, please, save Keen! He’s in bad shape, he might not make it!”

The doctor hadn’t expected this woman to be the child’s mother. Feeling a pang of uncertainty, he heard Haynes say, “Save him already.”

The doctor snapped out of his hesitation. If she was the mother, she probably knew the child’s medical history better. Maybe… maybe CPR wasn’t the right call.

The promise of money burned brighter than his doubts. So what if he gambled? If the kid survived, he’d be set for life.

Stella watched the doctor move toward Keen, her panic mounting.

“Don’t touch him! If you really want to help, check his pockets. There should be meds there! Spray it near his nose and mouth to ease his symptoms until the paramedics arrive!”

The doctor’s hand paused, doubt flickering for a moment before he did as Stella instructed, rummaging through Keen’s pockets. But they were empty.

The doctor looked up at Stella, suspicion in his eyes. “There’s nothing here. Are you lying just for the money?”

Rachel’s eyes glinted with a hint of satisfaction at the scene unfolding.