Chapter 323: Reward

“Mr. Lynch!”

The doctor scrutinized the young man before him once again, gradually connecting the scenes he had glimpsed earlier. Seeing the doctor’s hesitant hand, Lynch took the initiative to shake it, sparing him embarrassment.

Whether past or present, being a doctor was a noble profession—especially now, with rumors that the medical groups had convinced many congressmen to vote for removing health insurance from public oversight.

If that succeeded, all pricing for medical services and drugs would no longer be regulated by the government. They could charge exorbitant prices without fines or obligations to inform patients or offer choices.

The profession looked promising, but losing face would make a doctor a laughingstock, damaging his career.

Fortunately, Lynch’s gentlemanly gesture avoided that.

“Mr. Lynch, it’s an honor…” The doctor was moved. Federal respect for wealth and the wealthy was ingrained in him. He glanced at the girl in the bed and quietly asked, “How can I assist you?”

Lynch released his hand and repeated his earlier request, adding, “I’ll cover the bill. Do I need to pay anything upfront?”

“No, of course not!” The doctor shook his head decisively. Under current hospital policy, the bill was settled after discharge. “You just need to sign a consent form later…”

The doctor immediately arranged for the girl to be moved to a private room with the best care.

She was still weak, either from other reasons or lingering anesthesia effects. Her voice was soft, and her complexion pale.

“I sincerely apologize for what happened to you. I didn’t expect that boy to go so far. As compensation or otherwise, I want to give you something to show my regret.”

Lynch glanced at the girl’s agent. “You know, I’m one of the shareholders of Fox Films. We’re about to shoot several movies, and you’ll have an important supporting female role…”

The girl’s previously dim eyes suddenly brightened as she stared intently at Lynch. He decided to reveal more, “Our investment will exceed $700,000.”

A $700,000 budget was a major production in this era. Top stars’ fees capped around $200,000 for men and $150,000 for women, but most actors earned far less.

After spending roughly $300,000 on actors and crew, the rest would be devoted to filming—promising stunning, high-quality production.

The girl had long prepared to enter the industry, and now her dream could come true.

In such a big production, playing a key supporting role could be her career peak.

“Also, you’ll receive the best treatment. I spoke with the doctor just now; your wounds won’t leave ugly scars.”

Shaking her hand, Lynch left a business card with her agent before departing.

He treated the girl this way partly because the boy had gone too far. These people and the girl were contacts Lynch helped arrange. Though he could be cold and indifferent—even disregard lives—he never neglected his responsibilities.

If it was his fault, he would admit it and make amends. Avoidance was cowardice, and he was no coward.

Besides, the girl might be useful in the future, but even if not, this expense was insignificant to Lynch.

Back at the hotel, the boy had regained consciousness.

He rubbed his swollen, purple-tinged face with an ice pack, clearly bearing the marks of Lynch’s harsh slaps.

His gaze was hostile, full of hatred, yet he dared not speak.

Lynch sat on the sofa, lit a cigarette, and tossed the lighter onto the table. “Stand up.”

The command was abrupt; the boy hadn’t processed it yet.

Lynch glanced at two bodyguards in the corner. “Help him up.”

The two men, paid by Lynch, obeyed without question. They lifted the boy from Nagaryll. Lynch then kicked the nearby coffee table hard, smashing it into the boy’s shin.

“My leg’s broken!” the boy screamed hysterically, struggling but unable to break free from the guards, no matter how much he tried to support himself.

“This is the Federation…” Lynch pulled the table back. The hotel’s carpet showed little damage. He placed a displaced ashtray in front of him and flicked some ash into it.

“The Federation is a country of law. Do you understand what that means?” Lynch stared at the boy.

The boy’s pained face twisted with fear. His struggles were useless. When his usual tactics failed, his tough exterior shattered, revealing his vulnerability.

“Lynch…”

Lynch flicked his cigarette ash with precision onto the boy’s face. Whether it touched his swollen cheek or the ember stung, the boy screamed in pain and fear.

Lynch lit another cigarette, took a drag, and said, “Call me Mr. Lynch.”

Tears welled in the boy’s eyes. Fear left him confused. “Mr. Lynch, I know I was wrong…”

Lynch shook his head. “No, you don’t understand. You only submitted because of pain. You don’t truly know what you did wrong.”

“This is your first lesson. This is a society governed by law—not Nagaryll—where rulers can pay ten thousand Valier and be forgiven for murder.”

“Here, you pay for everything you do. If that girl presses charges through the Federation’s legal system, just a few indictments could put you in prison for life.”

“I promised your father I’d bring you here so you could experience freedom—not lose it. But clearly, you’re not ready.”

He raised his hand. “Let him go. Stand on his own.”

As the guards released him, the boy almost screamed again. His legs hadn’t supported him before, but now, bearing his weight, the pain from the table strike flared fiercely.

The pain spread like ripples through his legs and body. Sweat poured from him. He was miserable.

But he dared not ask for anything beyond what Lynch allowed. He began to fear this peer he once got along with on the sea.

“You made a stupid mess, and I cleaned it up for you. I hope this is the last time. If you cross the line again and make me do these things I hate…” Lynch pointed at him but didn’t specify any punishment.

That lack of explicit threat only made the boy more terrified. The unknown is the scariest—when faced with it, people imagine the worst.

Right now, the boy was thinking Lynch might kill him, just like his father had his uncle drown his pregnant girlfriend in the river right before his eyes.

To him, that was the worst punishment—and it seemed very likely.

“I… won’t do it again, Mr. Lynch!”

Lynch nodded, gestured to the sofa for him to sit, then went to the phone stand and called Adam.

About twenty minutes later, Adam, looking impressive and carrying a briefcase, walked in with a confident smile. “Boss, what do you need me to do?”

Recently, Adam had been recruiting and setting up a law firm. He now carried himself like a successful man, clearly proud—but he knew exactly where his success came from and remained humble before Lynch.

Knowledge gave him clarity, but money filled his stomach.

Lynch pointed at the boy. “You have two days to make this foreign friend understand what is allowed and what isn’t in the Baylor Federation.”