"YOU DOCTORS ARE USELESS!! Six years ago, my husband died in this hospital. He was full of energy before we went to the operating room that very day. Then all of you told me he didn't make it. How come? Till now, I don't believe your explanations!! You're devils!!" an old lady began making a scene inside the hospital.
"Lady, please calm down. The doctors already gave you the medical reports and compensation six years ago. Please don't make a scene here and just leave peacefully," a nurse tried to persuade her.
"Medical reports? Those medical reports the head surgeon gave me were a bunch of lies!! I've got in my hands the true reason why my husband died!! The head surgeon killed him!! Where is he?? I'm gonna sue all the doctors that day!! I'm gonna ask for payback for what you did to our family!! The compensation you gave? I'll return it in full amount with interest!! I've always known something went wrong that day!! I'll bring this hospital down!!!" The lady left angrily and went inside one of the cars parked outside the hospital.
"I've done what you asked me to do. I want to clarify one thing. I agreed to this not because of the money you're willing to give me but because of the justice I want to claim for my husband's sake. They've been lying to me all this time. With the medical reports you gave me, I can finally seek justice," the lady tearfully expressed her true thoughts.
"Ma'am, don't worry. I'm not going to force you if you don't want to face the hospital. I'm one of their victims, they should pay for it. I will help you throughout the whole process until you receive justice for your husband's death."
"Thanks a lot for the help. You don't have to give me anything. It's I who should be rewarding you for the help."
"No need. We're in this together for justice. I'll be contacting my lawyer to help you file the case. I'll keep in touch with you until the matter is settled."
"Dr. Harry, thanks a lot for the help. I will always be grateful if those responsible for my husband's death are put behind bars."
"We will succeed in bringing them down. Please, let me drive you home." He smiled warmly at the old lady and took her home. He handed her other documents before she left the car. He contacted his lawyer and gave the information about their client.
The next day, all news reports were about St. Claire Hospital's downfall. The lady released her evidence to the media, which greatly affected the hospital's reputation. Investors began to back out, and the head surgeon, the owner, and three other doctors were under investigation for the surgery six years ago that caused the death of the complainant's husband. The hospital's market price dropped by 48%. Without hesitation, Slacovich secretly bought the hospital's biggest share, removing ownership from Dr. Smith. He bought 76% of the total shares and was still trying to buy the others, taking full control over it. Just like Diego said, he only needed three days to take hold of the hospital.
"President Slacovich, the hospital's public trust has dropped to 39%. VIP patients are transferring to other hospitals," Secretary Li informed Slacovich, who was currently watching the news.
"I see. Hold a press conference tomorrow, and inform Manager Sofie to check all the staff's work performances. We need to purify the hospital starting with its staff." He contacted Manager Harry and asked him to handle the presentation for new investors of the hospital.
"Is that all, President? I'll get to it right away." Secretary Li contacted all stations about the press conference tomorrow. It would be held outside the hospital. She was the one who hacked into the hospital's files and got a hold of the medical accidents that may help bring down the hospital's reputation. The lady was the only one who wasn't fooled or blinded by the amount of compensation given to her. She stood by her suspicion of foul play in her husband's death, that he died at the hands of the doctors, not because of his illness. The trial for the case the lady filed was ongoing. The doctors' licenses had been fully revoked. They could no longer practice medicine.
As the press conference was about to start, reporters and some loyal doctors and staff of the hospital were seated in the front row. They didn't know who bought the hospital, which at this point was about to go bankrupt due to investors backing out. Slacovich's car stopped beside the conference area. He hadn't been seen outside the Demonfire Group of Companies building, so this was the second time they would see him make a public appearance. The reporters now had an idea that DGC already bought the hospital. There were many questions they wanted to ask him.
He stood calmly in front of the crowd and immediately started the conference. All reporters were eager to ask questions.
"President Demonfire, why would DGC claim ownership of St. Claire Hospital when the board is preparing to file for bankruptcy?"
"No one will file for bankruptcy. I bought 76% of the shares and became the biggest stockholder of this hospital. Therefore, as the new owner, I won't let that happen."
"What will happen to St. Claire Hospital? What are your plans to bring it back to one of the top hospitals in the country?"
"I've already started cleansing the hospital of incapable staff—from sanitary personnel to doctors. I don't want any conspiracy inside my hospital. Such disgraceful acts won't happen on my watch. Anyone who denies their mistakes will be severely punished. HR Manager Sofie will handle all personnel briefings and interviews. She will closely monitor your performances for those who are still given a chance to work here. As for the slackers, we've already conducted widespread terminations throughout the personnel."
"Aren't you afraid that you may lack doctors, nurses, and other staff?"
"No. Although the number of fired employees is far greater than the remaining ones, we've already handled that matter. Skilled doctors from all around the world have been hired to work here—from the most well-known neurosurgeons, biochemists, ophthalmologists to family medicine and pediatrics. One of the best doctors, if not the best, in their respective fields will be working here at St. Claire Hospital."
"Hiring the best doctors would require great pay and benefits, high-end medical equipment, and utensils. How will you come up with such funding to support the hospital throughout the years? And would the public be able to afford staying at the hospital, especially the poor, considering the new preferences for the hospital staff?"
"That's a very good point. Investors are now lining up to invest large sums in the hospital. The other shareholders who pledged their loyalty to me and the betterment of the hospital are given priority. We will also be doing free medical missions every month and prioritize the homeless and the poor. Hospitalization will be equal for all classes. Aside from that, we will offer assistance to those who can't afford to pay their hospital bills. St. Claire Hospital will no longer push away patients who can't pay their bills. We offer 'get well now, pay later.' We'll make sure everyone gets equal treatment. For the sake of public health, we will do our best to help you." Everyone clapped for the wonderful plans the president of DGC promised in his speech. Investors from all around the world wanted to partner with him. His aesthetics and vision drew them closer, making it easier for him to raise his power.
President Hellgazer watched the conference, clenched his fists, and angrily punched the wall. The Demonfire clan was starting to take action. The hospital might not pose a threat to him, but who knows what would happen if they slowly crawled to the top? He was taking full control of the country and the people. Since he and his family appeared, people had started to notice his capabilities more these days. He needed to do something to stop them from growing. DGC would crumble in fear of HFI.
Dr. Spencer entered his office with documents in hand. She handed them to him, and for sure he heard the news, he knew she was in a very bad mood. She stepped back a bit before reporting some other bad news.
"President Hellgazer, Dr. Smith and the head surgeon were found guilty. Also, I found out that Harry Demonfire, the PR department manager of DGC, is Dr. Harry Peterson at the facility, who coincidentally worked at St. Claire before he was taken to the facility. Aside from me, he managed to survive the Demonfire rampage and became one himself. We worked there since day one of the facility. He may know something else aside from the documents I brought."
"I wonder how they handle their thirst for blood. They're not even seen walking in public. It must be trouble for them to walk around with humans knowing that the scent of blood drives us mad."
"That may be the case, sir. No wonder they don't stay too long in public places."
"I want to talk to that lady who filed the case. Take her to me alive. Dispatch some men to take her, but tell them no harm shall be done to her. I want some information regarding those documents she suddenly got a hold of. Someone's helping her to push the case through smoothly. If the Demonfire are behind this, I bet there is more than just seeking power over the business world. Take her to me as soon as possible. They might be celebrating their victory for now. Let's give them a bit of a surprise." Volton's devilish laugh gave Dr. Spencer goosebumps. She left the room and asked a few men to deliver the lady to the president unharmed. Four men quickly obliged and headed toward their target's home.
Harry spent dinner with the lady and her daughter. They welcomed him warmly into their home for all the help he had given. They talked a lot, and the lady's daughter kept staring at him. The conversation eventually became casual, and Harry felt at ease talking with them. His phone rang, and he checked who was calling at that moment. As he looked at the screen, Diego's name showed up. He needed to pick it up; he thought it must be urgent. He excused himself and went to the door as he answered Diego's call. Midway through the phone call, he heard breaking glass, which startled him and the person on the other line.
"Harry, what's happening over there?!" Diego asked worriedly.
"Someone broke the windows and forced their way in. Let me check inside, I need to make sure the lady and her daughter are safe." Harry hung up and grabbed a wooden chair as a defense. He could hear the lady's daughter screaming and asking for help. He hurried in their direction and witnessed one of the intruders sink his fangs into the girl's neck. He was stunned for a moment but managed to pull himself together to help. As he hit the intruder with all his might, the intruder didn't flinch even a little. It made Harry so mad he choked him before throwing him against the wall. The girl's body was fully drained, and her skin started cracking, just like what happened back in the facility. He saw one of them taking the lady away, even in a blur, as he passed out right after. Volton's men were definitely not human at all. Harry witnessed what he feared the most.