Salute To The General (Nathan Cross) novel Chapter 181

Penny was perplexed at his request, "Why does my husband have to wait outside?"

Richard merely grinned, "Because I don't like having a third person when I'm discussing matters with someone. Another opinion will only complicate matters and in the end, the discussion will not be productive."

"If Ms. Smith is not comfortable with my working style, then I don't see the point of us even having the discussion. Please find someone better qualified for the job."

For the sake of the three workers in critical condition, Penny could only speak to Nathan in a hushed tone, "Nathan, why don't you wait for me outside?"

Nathan peered at Richard Steele, "Sure.”

Only Richard and Penny were left in the room after Nathan had left.

Penny took the initiative and spoke, "Dr. Steele, what's the price I have to pay for you to operate on the three workers?"

Richard Steele then raised two fingers. Penny replied, "Two million? This is quite standard with your normal charges for the riches. I can do with two million."

He grinned wickedly, "Whoever said two million? I'm talking about two billion per surgery. Ms. Smith. Your surgery will cost six billion in total!"

Penny widened her eyes in disbelief as her voice croaked, "Six billion? Aren't you being too unreasonable?"

Richard retorted, "Six billion is fair. You're basically under the scrutiny of media for the construction site accident. Everyone in Channing is having their eyes on this, wondering whether the three severely-injured workers will survive."

"I'm risking my reputation to perform the surgeries for you. Six billion is a fair price considering the risk I'm bearing."

Penny was astounded at his justification.

Richard peered at the porcelain skin showing through her collar and grinned wickedly, "Of course, if you don't want to pay the six billion. There's another option for you."

"That is if you lie down on top of the desk and have sex with me. I'll save all three of them with no charges then."

Penny's face turned crimson red and gritted through her teeth, "Shameless!"

She turned around to leave afterward.