Chapter 4 Poverty And Hardship

The group was not only made up of Hansel's childhood friends but also several socialites who admired him. Since they couldn't get close to Hansel, they deliberately befriended his companions, hoping that one day they might have the opportunity to converse with him. Having just completed her medical examination, Cassandra was resting on the bed when the sound of high heels clicking against the floor echoed from outside the door. “Ms. Gardner, you can't go in.” The nurse attempted to intervene. “Get lost! I'd like to see who dares to flirt with Hansel!” Kiera Gardner, with her vibrant lipstick, her hair styled in large waves, and a seductive mermaid skirt, stormed into the hospital room, throwing the door open. As soon as she stepped through the door, she was momentarily taken aback. The young girl lying on the bed had no makeup on. Her cheeks were pale, and her skin was incredibly tender. She sat there quietly, her eyes closed. The sunlight streamed through the window, bathing her in a glow that made her seem almost angelic. At the foot of the bed, there was a worn-out little yellow duck backpack, which at first glance, looked quite inexpensive. A flash of jealousy quickly crossed Kiera's eyes. She rushed to the bedside, yanking out her IV tube. “You b*tch! How dare you seduce Mr. Fitzgerald?” Cassandra hissed sharply. She turned her head to face Kiera, yet she didn't open her eyes. In Kiera's view, this was nothing less than a blatant sign of disrespect toward her. Visibly upset, she said, “Who do you think you are, you country bumpkin? You're drenched in sweat and still have the audacity to look down on me? Do you even realize the influence the Gardner family holds in the capital? One phone call from me could destroy your entire family!” “I-I didn't seduce anyone,” Cassandra retorted, clutching the blanket tightly in her panic. I have merely come to the hospital for treatment. When have I ever tried to seduce anyone? “You, a country girl, could afford to stay in such a high-end private hospital? Mr. Fitzgerald is my fiancé, and you dare to seduce him? I'll ruin your face.” Kiera raised her hand high, poised to slap Cassandra. She was resolute in her decision to teach her a lesson, ensuring she wouldn't dare to flirt with Hansel again. “Stop!” A deep voice echoed from behind. Hansel had just finished his work and was about to check on Cassandra, only to unexpectedly witness this scene. He seized Kiera's wrist and forcefully flung it aside. “How dare you touch her?” “I... I... Mr. Fitzgerald, it's not what you think,” Kiera stammered, her expression teetering on the edge of tears. “She was disrespectful toward me, calling me a vixen. That's why I felt compelled to teach her a lesson.” Cassandra held her injured wrist, her brows furrowing in pain. Hansel observed everything, and his aura grew increasingly icy. He wiped his hand, which had touched Kiera's, with a handkerchief. Then, tossing it to the ground, he commanded, “Get out.” A hint of hurt surfaced on Kiera's face. She hastily pleaded, “Mr. Fitzgerald, I really didn't mean it...” “I said, get out of here!” Hansel's gaze was devoid of any trace of emotion. Kiera knew it would only make things worse if she stayed any longer. If she somehow angered Hansel, it might even jeopardize her family business. By then, it would be too late for regrets. She clutched her bag, walking out of the hospital room in a daze. Once outside the door, she said with a menacing tone, “Just you wait.” She's just a pretty little minx. Mr. Fitzgerald will surely get bored of her after a few days. When the time comes, I'll invite a few men over to entertain her. She likes to flirt with men, doesn't she? Well, I'll let her flirt to her heart's content! Inside the room, Hansel called out to her, “Cassandra?” Cassandra released her grip, revealing her left wrist, which was glaringly red. It was a remnant from when Kiera had earlier torn off her IV tube. Hansel subtly furrowed his brows and signaled for the nurse to enter. He instructed her to tend to Cassandra's wounds and restart her IV drip. Mildly, Cassandra asked, “Sir... did I cause you any trouble?” Hansel said in a cold voice, “Don't worry, focus on your treatment here. I'll handle everything else.” Although he couldn't yet determine whether Cassandra had ulterior motives, she was still his grandmother's savior. He couldn't let anyone take advantage of her. Even if her true intentions were revealed, it was up to the Fitzgerald family to handle the punishment. Outsiders had no right to interfere. Upon leaving the hospital room, Hansel immediately made a phone call. In the dead of night, Lucas hurried to Hansel's mansion, pleading, “I'm sorry, Mr. Fitzgerald. I shouldn't have spoken so carelessly. Please, use your influence to convince my father to let me off the hook.” If he were truly sent to Aldendor, there was no knowing how many years it would be before he returned. Over there was nothing but poverty and hardship. It couldn't compare to the carefree comfort of this place. Here, beautiful companions were abundant, with countless charming ladies—it was truly a man's paradise.