Amputation?

The word pierced Leonard Laurent's heart like a dagger.

He stared at his festering left hand, his blood running cold.

"Doctor, is there really no other option?" His voice trembled.

The elderly specialist removed his glasses and wiped them. "Ten years ago, a patient had similar symptoms. He refused amputation and tried every folk remedy imaginable. In the end..." The doctor paused. "His corpse turned black."

Lose the hand or lose his life.

Leonard's legs buckled beneath him.

A bodyguard steadied his swaying frame.

The once-powerful man collapsed onto the hallway bench like a puppet with its strings cut.

With shaking hands, he dialed Adrian Sullivan's number.

"Adrian, that emerald crystal..." His voice was barely recognizable.

Adrian's expression darkened instantly.

He immediately tracked down Sophia Laurent's contact information.

"What the hell is that green crystal?" Adrian's voice seethed with suppressed rage.

On the other end, Sophia sounded delighted. "Big brother, you found it? I've been searching everywhere!"

Adrian narrowed his eyes. "Cut the act! What is it really?"

"A cadaver crystal from an ancient tomb." Sophia's tone turned earnest. "A client asked me to restore it. I was about to send it for testing. Brother, whatever you do, don't touch it with your bare hands!"

Adrian's knuckles cracked as he clenched his fists.

He escorted Leonard to every top hospital in the city.

The verdict remained unanimous: amputation.

Leonard refused to accept it, desperately seeking alternative treatments.

Even veteran tomb raiders advised him: "Old friend, your life comes first."

Under the sterile glare of operating lights, what began as a two-finger amputation became half a hand due to the delay.

When the anesthesia wore off, Leonard convulsed in agony.

"I'm calling the police!" he shrieked hysterically.

Adrian gave a bitter laugh. "We picked it up ourselves. What case do we have?"

Leonard coughed up blood in rage.

Never in his life had he suffered such humiliation!

The next morning at a café, Sophia slid a velvet box across the table and pushed forward a briefcase. "Compensation."

Adrian coldly rejected it. "We don't want it."

"Shall I visit the old man then?"

"Don't you dare!" Adrian ground out between clenched teeth.

As Sophia rose to leave, Adrian suddenly called out, "Was this your scheme?"

She turned, her smile serene. "Check the surveillance footage, brother."

Back in her car, Sophia finally dropped the act.

Watching the sunrise through the window, she allowed herself a satisfied smile.

This was only the beginning.

Every drop of blood owed would be repaid in full.