Alistair Lockwood frowned deeply. "What conditions?"
Daniel Lockwood smiled. "Nothing major. I just remember Elena purchased a marriage fund for me as dowry, which was entrusted to your care. It's becoming accessible in a few days—I want it transferred to my name."
The fund!
Alistair, Yang Rongjuan, and Sebastian Lockwood froze simultaneously.
When Daniel married Elena Vanderbilt three years ago, she had indeed brought a 100-million-yuan dowry invested in a trust fund. The contract stipulated release upon their third anniversary—now mere days away.
Though legally belonging to the couple, the Lockwoods had treated this fortune as their own.
This was no trivial sum.
"Daniel," Yang Rongjuan adopted a maternal tone, "isn't the fund safer with us? Sudden wealth could corrupt someone your age. You should build your own future through hard work."
"Exactly!" Sebastian added earnestly. "Mother's right. That money would make you complacent. Surely you don't want to live off a woman's wealth forever?"
Daniel chuckled darkly at their "concern." He'd rather not depend on Elena's money—but even less would he let these vultures steal it.
His gaze swept across the three faces. "Whether you want the money or pretend to care about me—no transfer, no surgery."
Yang Rongjuan's expression soured. "This is life or death! We can discuss finances post-surgery. Money won't vanish, but a life might!"
Daniel's smile turned razor-sharp. So Lynn Miao's newly diagnosed leukemia was suddenly fatal? Did they think him a complete fool?
"Her survival means nothing to me," he stated coldly. "No clear fund transfer, no donor agreement."
Yang Rongjuan faltered, glancing helplessly at Alistair.
After deliberate pause, Alistair proposed: "Very well. The money is rightfully yours. We'll process the transfer after the surgery. Satisfied?"
Daniel's eyebrow arched. Post-surgery transfer? How transparent—this practically confirmed surgical sabotage.
"Unacceptable." His voice dripped ice. "No money, no discussion."
After prolonged silence, Alistair's eyes gleamed with decision. "Then we'll initiate transfer now. The fund will hit your account by surgery day."
"Father—!""Alistair—!"
Sebastian and Yang Rongjuan gaped in disbelief. A hundred million? Just handed over? Though they expected Daniel to die on the operating table... what if something went wrong?
Alistair silenced them with a gesture. "Any other demands, Daniel?"
Though recognizing Alistair's scheming, Daniel simply said, "Let's begin paperwork."
The transfer formalities took two grueling hours—with three-day approval delay allowing potential cancellation. Upon completion, Daniel departed immediately.
Once alone, Sebastian demanded, "Father! What if he refuses surgery after getting the money?"
Alistair smirked. "By then... refusal won't be an option."
Meanwhile - The Capital, Luxury Penthouse
"WHY BETRAY ME?""I'LL NEVER FORGIVE THIS!"
Daniel's roars echoed through flames.
"Don't blame us," Sebastian's voice rang cruel amidst inferno. "You brought this on yourself! Burn him alive!"
Helpless, Daniel's form dissolved in fire until only charred remains stayed.
"Daniel!"
Elena Vanderbilt jolted awake, drenched in cold sweat. The nightmare's visceral horror lingered—Daniel's desperate cries, her paralyzing helplessness.
After splashing water on her face, she dialed her head of security. "Wyatt. Surveil Daniel immediately. Report any danger directly to me."
Three Days Later - Jiang City Private Hospital
Lynn Miao lay pallid amidst life-support tubes. Her physician addressed the tense gathering gravely: "We've reached critical timeline. Delaying further drastically reduces success odds."
Alistair turned to Daniel imploringly. "We've waited three days as you insisted. Now with Lynn's critical condition—must you still delay?"
Daniel remained impassive. "No money, no signature."
"Always the money!" Alistair exploded. "A life hangs in balance! The transfer is processing—can't humanity come first?"
Even the doctor pleaded, "Mr. Lockwood, we truly can't wait."
Daniel laughed mirthlessly. "Save your moral blackmail. My stance stands firm."
Forced to concede, Alistair growled, "Fine. I'll expedite the transfer." To the doctor: "Prepare the consent forms."
Outside, a shadowy figure observed the exchanged documents before retreating.
Wyatt's call reached Elena within seconds. "Ma'am, Daniel's proceeding with the marrow transplant for Ms. Miao."
Dead silence preceded Elena's glacial response: "He'd risk his life... for her?"
Her investigation had revealed the procedure's dangers—permanent disability or death for the donor. Yet despite fury, she couldn't let Daniel perish.
"Divert the helicopter. I'm coming personally." Her voice trembled. "If he's harmed before I arrive, consider your employment terminated."
One last time, she swore. One final intervention.
Hospital - One Hour Later
A text alert pierced the tension. All eyes locked onto Daniel's phone as he read:
[Account ****5104 credited: ¥100,000,000.00]
"Funds received." Daniel smiled.
Alistair glowered. "Now will you sign?"
Daniel's grin widened. "Why would I? Game over."
"You—!"
As Daniel turned to leave, the Lockwoods blocked him violently.
"Think you can just walk away?" Sebastian snarled.
Daniel remained calm. "Forcing an unsigned surgery? What doctor would risk that license?" His gaze flicked to the physician. "Unless..."
The door swung open. Daniel's blood ran cold.
Dr. Lin Tong.
The vengeful doctor who'd stop at nothing for payback.
"Medical ethics compel me," Lin Tong declared smoothly. Two orderlies seized Daniel as a chloroformed cloth silenced his protests.
Operating Theater
Blinding lights. Muffled commands. Daniel's fading consciousness recognized the inevitable—history repeating. Despite rebirth, the Lockwoods would still claim his life.
Outside, the family barely contained their triumph. Once Daniel "accidentally" died, immediate cremation would eliminate evidence. Neither Elena nor Li Fujiang could challenge the outcome.
Until—footsteps thundered down the corridor.
The Lockwoods turned.
And froze.