Page 67 of Auctioned to My Bratva Boss

I didn't respond. I didn't think Veronica came here just to compliment me.

"You've been here for a while now, haven't you?" She didn't wait for my answer, her gaze slowly sweeping over the equipment by the bed. "This hospital isn't cheap. Just a single room like this—most people couldn't afford it even if they worked themselves half to death for a year."

My fingers tightened involuntarily. I knew exactly what she was getting at. The phrasing made me dizzy.

"I heard your condition was critical before." She looked at Evelyn with performative pity. "Bone marrow matches are so hard to find. Finding a suitable donor so quickly—you're really lucky."

"What are you trying to say?" Evelyn clearly sensed Veronica's malice too.

"Ms. Quinn, forgive my bluntness." She finally dropped the fake smile. "Do you know where your medical expenses are coming from?"

Veronica's words nearly froze the air in the room.

Evelyn looked at her, then at me. I knew Evelyn must have guessed something. I couldn't let Veronica stay in this room any longer.

"Veronica, come with me." I grabbed her arm and yanked her up from the chair.

Veronica's arm wasn't much thicker than her wrist. She didn't have much strength. It didn't take much effort to drag her out of the room. This was the first time I felt grateful for being physically strong. At least I could haul annoying people out of places they shouldn't be.

"Tell me, what exactly do you want?" I forced down my rage, speaking low.

I had to make sure Evelyn couldn't hear our conversation.

"Riley, don't get worked up." She smiled coldly. "I'm just here on behalf of my husband to check on your sister's condition."

Husband. When she said that word, it was like she was showing off something that rightfully belonged to her.

"My sister's fine. You don't need to check on her." The words came out almost reflexively. "Our business is none of your concern."

Even I could hear that my tone was explosive. If this weren't a hospital, I'd probably already be chasing her out with a broom.

"Riley, since my husband promised to cover all of your sister's medical expenses, of course I need to share that responsibility. At least... make sure his money is being spent properly."

"You can go look at the bills." I pointed toward the hospital inquiry desk. "Just say the word and they'll hand them right over. After all, Matvey loves you. No one's going to cross you."

As I said this, I had to press my palms together hard to keep from losing control. Peeling open the wound layer by layer felt worse than death.

"Riley, you'd better really think that way." The fake smile finally vanished from her face. "After the deal's over, you'd better stay away from my husband—otherwise, I can't guarantee what I might do."

She turned on her heels and left.

I watched her back, cold to my core. She didn't need to come here to warn me. Anyone could see how much Matvey cared about her. Maybe she just wanted to watch me break down? Well, she succeeded. She made me remember the taste of this pain all over again.

When I returned to the room, Evelyn's gaze followed me.

"Riley, what did she mean by all that?" The moment I sat down, she grabbed my hand. "You said my medical bills were—"

"It's nothing. She just meant I work really hard."

Evelyn's expression darkened, clearly unhappy with that evasive answer.

"Tell me the truth, Riley." Her reproachful look made it impossible to lie.

Since we were kids, whenever she looked at me like that, I had no choice but to tell her everything.

"I went to an underground auction to raise money for your surgery." The moment I started, Evelyn's hand tightened suddenly. "I figured my virginity was worth something."

"Luckily, Matvey bought my first night... He's the guy I told you about, my crush at work. My boss."