The next morning, Robert stood in the operating room, looking down at Jenna. The surgery would be conducted in a few minutes, and he was happy. He placed a hand on the glass partition and felt a swell of gratitude wash over him.
"Thank you, Gregory," Robert said quietly.
"Miss Jenna is strong. She will recover soon," Gregory replied with a faint smile. "And your orders for the Browns have been executed."
Robert tightened his grip on the glass partition. "Good. Let them carry on thinking I am a worthless ex-son-in-law. When the right time comes, I will make sure they remember every word and every insult they dished out to me."
But just as Robert was about to walk towards the exit, Gregory's phone rang sharply. Gregory glanced down and frowned before answering.
After a tense moment, Gregory put the phone down and said in a grave voice, "Young Master, we have a problem. The bank card you used for Jenna's surgery has been flagged. The bank has refused to proceed with the payments, and the account is suddenly under review."
"What?" Robert felt a rush of anger and disbelief. "That card came from the York family. Why would the bank reject it?"
Gregory lowered his voice, "It appears that someone within the York family has contested your claim. The patriarch's will is being challenged, and until the matter is settled in court, your access to the family assets will be suspended."
"Contested? By who?" Robert demanded.
"Evelyn York. She has returned to West Hill and has filed an injunction to claim the inheritance for herself and your younger half‑brother. The court has placed a temporary freeze on your accounts."
The words felt like a hammer blow to Robert. The mother who had abandoned him and treated him like a worthless stray dog, was trying to steal the only thing that could save him and Jenna.
"Evelyn," he hissed. "Even after all these years, she still finds a way to humiliate and destroy us."
Gregory placed a hand on Robert's shoulder. "Young Master, this is only a setback. The patriarch left a strong case in your favor. We can fight this in court, but it will take time. In the meantime, you must be cautious."
Robert sat down on the bench with his head in his hands. Time was one thing he didn't have. Jenna was in a critical state and medical treatments and surgery would cost more than he had left. And soon, the Browns would come for him too.
"No," Robert said, rising suddenly. His voice was low, but it carried a deadly edge. "I will not wait for Evelyn to destroy us again. Gregory, make arrangements for a loan, any amount under any terms. Jenna must get the best care, no matter the cost. And then we will go to West Hill. It's time the Yorks remember the son they threw out and the boy they tried to bury."
A faint smile crossed Gregory's lined face as he nodded. "Excellent decision, Young Master. The Yorks have underestimated your resolve for too long."
Robert tightened his resolve, even as its privileges felt like dust in the wind. The humiliated son‑in‑law, the abandoned boy, was gone forever. In his place rose a man ready to claim not only his inheritance, but also vengeance and honor.
Robert left the hospital and went straight to North Coast Central Bank. Gregory had arranged a loan appointment with one of the senior managers.
The bank lobby was bustling, yet Robert felt every gaze fall upon him as he stepped in. Just a few days ago he would have felt ashamed, but now he held his head high.
He was led to a private office where a manager named David Lyle was waiting. The manager smiled professionally as Robert introduced himself.
"Mr. Cruise, I understand you wish to secure a loan. May I ask for the amount?" David asked.
"Five hundred thousand dollars," Robert replied calmly. "For medical expenses and interim needs until my inheritance matter is resolved."
David tapped a few keys on his computer, then frowned. "Mr. Cruise, I am afraid your request cannot be granted. According to our records, all your accounts have been flagged due to an ongoing legal dispute."
"I am aware of the situation. This is a short‑term loan until the matter is settled. I can repay it easily once my inheritance is secured." Robert said.
David shook his head slowly. "I am afraid that is not the only issue, Mr. Cruise. There is a notice from the court that freezes any loan or credit line issued in your name until further review."
Robert felt a burning anger rise in his chest. "Are you saying I can't borrow a cent? Not even for a medical emergency?"
David looked down with shame. "I am afraid so, Mr. Cruise. The court order came through this morning."
Then, as Robert was about to walk out, a lousy voice cut across the room.
"Robert Cruise? Is that really you?"
He turned around to find a tall man strolling towards him. The man was none other than Vincent Carter, an old classmate from college, now a rising star in the business world. Robert hadn't seen him in years.
"Vincent," Robert said slowly, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
Vincent smiled coldly and waved a loan agreement in the air. "I just came to finalize a deal. The bank treats men like me very well, unlike men like you. The useless son‑in‑law of the Browns."
Robert remained calm as a few bank staff exchanged whispers. "I don't understand."
Vincent smirked and stepped closer. "Looks like you're running out of options. What happened? The 'great Robert Cruise' can't even save his sister?"
A wave of cold surged through Robert, but he refused to cringe. "Watch your words, Vincent. You don't know what you're talking about."
Vincent shrugged, brushing imaginary dust off his suit. "Maybe I don't. But one thing is certain. You have nowhere left to turn. Not here, not anywhere."
He started to walk away, then stopped and glanced back with a sneer. "If you want that loan, Robert, maybe you can try street begging. That might be worth a laugh."
Robert stood in silence as the bank staff watched. The sting of humiliation was like a burning brand across his chest, but he refused to give in. He stepped out of the office.
Just as Robert stepped out of the bank, a black Maybach screeched to a halt beside him. The window rolled down, revealing a woman in sunglasses and a blood-red blazer. Her lips curled into a dangerous smile.
"Get in, Robert. You're not the only one the Yorks betrayed. If you want to crush them, I have a deal that might interest you."
Robert was starstruck by her beauty. He didn't recognize her face but the pendant around her neck belonged to his late father.