Desmond howled in pain like a wild beast.
Upon hearing Vernon say that, he cried out in tears, "What's wrong with you? You broke my leg, and now you think I'm trying to rip you off."
Dax was taken aback when Desmond retorted aggressively and looked over at Vernon. Sure enough, Vernon's expression had darkened.
Fearing that Vernon might direct his anger at him, Dax stepped forward and said to Desmond, "How can you talk to Mr. Fuller like that? He's the owner of Lifehaven Pharmaceuticals. You need to watch your mouth!"
The excruciating pain made Desmond completely lose it as he shouted at the top of his lungs, "So what if he's the boss? He broke my leg and accused me of trying to scam him. What's wrong with him?"
Dax saw the blood on the ground and was horrified. Meanwhile, Desmond's face scrunched up in pain. Seeing how rough Desmond had it, Dax swallowed any retort that came to mind.
Vernon furrowed his brows. "Why are you yelling? I run a factory this big. Do you think I care about that little bit of money?
"A life is worth up to 700 thousand dollars. Since it's just your legs, 200 thousand dollars should be enough.
"Just wait. I have asked the deputy director to get the money. You'll have your compensation in no time."
The deputy director came running over from the finance department with a briefcase. Vernon took the briefcase, threw it in front of Desmond, and opened it up.
He took out stacks of cash and tossed them beside Desmond. One stack after another tumbled to the ground, quickly forming a pile of money.
The new workers around them showed all sorts of reactions-some looked indignant, some helpless, some sympathetic, and others sported a bitter expression. They just watched without saying anything.
All that could be heard were Desmond's screams, each one shriller than the last. It felt like the nails scratching on a chalkboard, which made everyone's skin crawl. Vernon threw the last bundle of cash and coldly remarked, "Here's 200 thousand dollars. It's more than enough to compensate for your legs. We're settled."
Desmond grasped for air in pain as if he had just finished a grueling marathon. "Keep your money. I just want my legs back. My legs hurt so much. I can't take it anymore."
Vernon coldly replied, "Pain's not a problem. Money can solve everything. Actually... Never mind. The doctor treating Julian had just arrived. I'll get him to give you some pain relief."
When the doctor heard Vernon's request for pain relief, he pulled out an analgesia pump. "I've got one right here. It'll do the job just fine for him."
Speaking as he walked over, the doctor set up the IV for him and adjusted the drip speed.
Then, he got up and stated, "Alright. With the pain relief, you won't feel a thing for 48 hours."
Desmond looked at his broken leg. He couldn't help but about his kid starting the first year of college, his sick parents, and the monthly house loan.
Tears streamed down his face as he cried out. "My legs are broken. What am I going to do? How am I supposed to deal with this? I just want my leg back..."
Vernon snorted. "I've given you money, so we're done here. Quit crying for attention in my factory and get lost!"
Desmond shook his head and declared, "I'm not going anywhere. I don't want your money. I just want my leg. I have a family to support, a kid to raise, and parents to look after.
"Screw your 200 thousand dollars! Give me my leg back."
Vernon's expression turned grim. He was convinced that Desmond was just trying to swindle him.
He coldly stated, "You've gone so broke and desperate that you try to scam me, huh? I'll make sure you don't get a dime.
"Fine then. Take him to the hospital. If he wants money, he'll have to take me to court. I'll hire a lawyer and drag this out for ten years. He won't see a single cent."
With that, Vernon made Dax lean down to pick up the money, putting each bundle back into the briefcase.
A few burly men made their way over to Desmond, looking like they were about to carry him off.
Sobbing, Desmond frantically yelled, "What are you doing? How am I supposed to pay for the hospital without any money?"
Vernon snickered. "Being broke is your problem, not mine. If you want money, take me to the court.
"Mark my words. I'll make sure you spend the rest of your life tied up in lawsuits. Don't you want to swindle my money? I'll make your life hell!"
After saying his piece, Vernon gestured to the burly men. "Hurry up and get him out of here. He's getting on my nerves."
The burly men walked briskly in Desmond's direction. Instinctively, Matthew stood before Desmond, blocking the burly men's path. "Stop right there!"
One of the burly men stopped in his tracks and yelled, "Get lost!"
Anger flared up in Matthew's eyes with his fist visibly trembling. He looked like he was barely holding back from taking a swing at them.
He held back his urge to kill them. There were too many onlookers, and he didn't want to start a huge scene.
Realizing Matthew was still standing firm in his spot, the burly man turned to look at Vernon.