Chapter 21 You’ve Got a Problem
“It doesn’t matter if Ryan doesn’t have money. My family does.”
Chloe spoke before Ryan could answer.
“I’m Dad’s only daughter. He’s not going to let me struggle. All Ryan has to do is love me and treat me well.”
She turned to Richard.
“Right, Dad? You want me with someone who cares about me, not just someone rich.”
Jason stared at her. Was she actually inviting Ryan to live off her family?
Richard’s expression darkened. He couldn’t contradict her outright, but he couldn’t let that pass, either.
“Of course I want him to treat you well. But a man needs to be capable, too. If all you needed was someone attentive, we could hire someone to look after you.”
He set his glass down.
“One day, the business will pass to you and your husband. You know nothing about running it. If he doesn’t either, our competitors will tear it apart. You could end up with nothing but debt.”
His gaze stayed on her.
“What kind of happy life would that be? Are you ready to work a nine-to-five just to make ends meet?”
Jason relaxed. He’d been floundering, but Richard had found an opening.
“Exactly. A man should be able to provide. If he has to live off whatever his girlfriend gets from her parents, what good is he?”
Ryan smiled.
“So he should be more like you?”
“Better than being like you, wouldn’t you say?”
Ryan turned to Chloe, his expression softening.
“I may not have much now, but I’ll work hard. I’ll make sure you have a good life.”
Her heart gave an unexpected flutter.
She knew he was acting. Yet the warmth in his eyes felt so convincing that, for a moment, she forgot herself.
“I know you will,” she said softly.
Diane smiled at them. The three men at the table looked considerably less pleased.
“Promises are easy,” Jason said. “Keeping them is another matter.”
“I won’t promise her a palace,” Ryan replied. “But a comfortable life? That’s manageable. With my medical skills, Earning between $1.2 million and $1.5 million a year should be manageable.”
“You don’t even have a license. Who would let you treat them?”
“Whitmore can refer difficult cases. Wealthy patients whose conditions no one else can treat. If I can save someone when other doctors can’t, a fee of a few hundred thousand isn’t unreasonable.”
Ryan glanced around the table.
“They have money, and they value their lives. Once I’ve helped a few people, word will spread. Those circles aren’t that large. I won’t need to advertise.”
Jason snorted.
“You got lucky with Mr. Bennett. That doesn’t mean you can cure everyone. If you were that good, you’d have a job in a military hospital instead of leaving the service.”
Ryan studied him for a moment.
“Want me to take a look at you?”
“I’m perfectly healthy. What are you going to tell me? Eat less spicy food? Drink more water?”
“No,” Ryan said. “You’ve got a problem.”
“You’re the one with a problem!”
Andrew raised a hand, silencing his son.
“Let him speak. What do you think is wrong, Ryan?”
“It’s a little awkward to discuss.”
“Awkward, or you haven’t thought of anything yet?” Jason sneered. “First you scare me, then you make something up. I’ve heard that scam before.”
“If you’ve noticed something, say it,” Richard said. “No reason to hold back.”
Andrew nodded.
“If Jason needs treatment, we should know.”
Ryan gave the younger man a look that said plainly: You asked for this.
“You want me to say it in front of everyone?”
“Go ahead. And if you can’t back it up, we’ll know you’re a fraud.” Jason glanced at Chloe. “Pay attention. Don’t let him fool you.”
Ryan sighed.
“You can’t perform.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean? I thought you were diagnosing me.”
“I am. You’re having trouble performing in bed.”