Chapter 32: On Call from Now On

When Arthur called me out for setting up that "accidental" run-in, I gave him a sheepish pout and grabbed his phone to type in my number. "Tomorrow, I'll have someone take your dad to the best hospital in LA for surgery. You don't need to worry." Just when I thought I couldn't feel any warmth toward him, those words stirred something. Turns out he did have a heart, even if it was buried deep. "Thanks," I said softly, eyes down, fingers fidgeting in my lap. Yes, what he asked from me was shameless, but he gave me the thirty thousand. He gave me a way to save my dad. I couldn't hate him for that. Nothing in life came free, and I got that. The car pulled up outside Naomi's place. I breathed out slowly and reached for the handle, but Arthur grabbed my arm before I could open the door. "From now on, I expect you to be available whenever I call. And don't reach out unless it's something important." His voice was flat and cold, like he was issuing orders to an assistant. The tone made me flin