The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives

007 Ungrateful Woman

Tyler took a step back in surprise. He had been focused on healing and had not expected the heiress to assault him physically.

"I'll sue you into oblivion!" She screamed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You monster!"

"It's okay, Nat…" Silas said, stepping down from the car and getting to his feet. His skin looked more youthful, and his breathing had become normal.

Natalie watched her recovered father with widened eyes. Did the homeless man really heal him? Were such miracles actually possible? She began to have an existential panic.

"Thank you, young man," Silas said, patting Tyler's shoulder. "You possess a special gift, and I am blessed to have met you. I owe you my life."

Tyler, still annoyed by Natalie's slap, shook his head at the billionaire. "The healing is temporary. I merely extended your lifespan by a week. You can spend it in the hospital if you must. But even the most talented doctors can't help you."

Silas laughed a hearty laugh. "I must thank you, regardless. It gives me sufficient time to solve a few pending issues. And I wish to give you a million dollars for treating me. Kindly accept the same." He extended a debit card to the young man.

Tyler shook his head again. "As I mentioned earlier, I won't charge a penny for my services. If that is all, I will take my leave from you. I have somewhere important to be, and time is running out." 

Silas offered a curt nod and handed Tyler a rectangular card. "I understand that you won't accept money for your help. But please accept this. It is a free pass to my properties. I am currently staying at the Hotel Marian, owned by me. Please come and visit me in my suite once your work is done. I will be grateful to speak to you again."

Tyler took the card but offered no other response. He flipped it over. It said: VIP ACCESS TO ALL ANDERSON PROPERTIES AND EVENTS.

Tyler raised an eyebrow. Was the old man trying to bribe him? Did he think Tyler would be able to heal him completely?

Silas’ condition did not look treatable. The young man was still in his early stages of practice, and to attempt such a feat would be dangerous for both of them. But he pocketed the card so as not to insult Silas, who had only a few days to live.

Natalie was still adamant. "Dad, let's go to the hospital. These parlor tricks won't help you. You need an actual doctor and medical intervention."

She avoided Tyler's gaze and left in the Lamborghini.

"What a rowdy and ungrateful girl," the young man said to himself as he turned and walked away. "I hope I don't run into her again."

***

Tyler was flush with anxiety by the time he reached Erica's place. Did Trent Cooper arm-twist her to marry him? If so, he couldn't imagine the trauma she must have gone through. She wouldn't have to worry anymore since her savior had arrived.

Things didn't turn out as Tyler expected. He could barely recognize the Sinclair house. Three years back, the family lived in a middle-class two-bedroom dwelling. However, now in its place stood a new mansion! Did the Sinclairs win a lottery?

Tyler stepped through the iron gateway, bewildered by the transformation. The place was decked up and was swarming with people—relatives and uniformed servants who rushed around making arrangements for some occasion. The wedding?

As soon as Tyler stepped into the driveway, a middle-aged lady emerged from the main entrance.

"Is that you, Tyler?" Gertrude Sinclair, Erica's mother, asked with narrowed eyes. Three years back, she used to pamper him as her potential son-in-law. Now, her voice was laced with derision.

"Who allowed you to enter the premises? Ex-convicts need to stay out!"

Tyler was taken aback by the woman’s uncalled-for hostility. "Gertrude. I am here to talk to Erica. I know Trent is forcing her to marry him. She can cancel the arrangement now that I am back."

Gertrude scoffed at the young man. "Who asked you to come back, huh? We don't want your stink in our mansion or on our daughter! Get lost!"

Tyler was about to protest when three Rolls Royce limousines cruised into the compound. Sharply dressed butlers and bodyguards shuffled out and stood in attention. The middle limo's chauffeur opened the passenger door, and a young man in an Armani wedding suit stepped out gracefully. It was none other than the billionaire scion, Trent Cooper.

"Oh, Mr. Cooper is here with limousines!" Gertrude called out to the servants. "Let's get ready quickly to move to Marion Hotel!"

As the Sinclair servants ran helter-skelter, Trent came face to face with Tyler. "Who are you?" he asked with condescension. "If you are a beggar, we will distribute alms outside the wedding reception. Get out of my way!"

Tyler clenched his jaw. "You know very well who I am, Trent. You put me in prison and ruined my family!"