Love’s Unexpected Arrival The Bride Who Came Knocking by Rochelle

Chapter 17 Check Has Expired

Maria had been keeping vigil by Mark’s bedside in the hospital. Three days later, Mark regained consciousness. Overcome with joy, Maria gazed at him and asked, “Mark, how are you feeling?” Sporting a forced smile on his pallid face, Mark replied, “I’m okay!” Daniel, witnessing Mark’s awakening, calmly pressed the call button to summon the doctor. The doctor promptly arrived to examine Mark and scheduled his surgery for the afternoon. The nurse informed Maria that she needed to arrange another $30,000 for the operation. Having already used up most of the $15,000 she had previously paid, the upcoming surgery was anticipated to be complex, necessitating additional medication and costly rehabilitation equipment. Maria nodded in understanding, swiftly returning to the ward and requesting Daniel to keep a close watch over Mark. She hurried out of the hospital. Although she didn’t have $30,000 at the moment, she had considered this possibility beforehand. If she didn’t have enough money, she planned to utilize the $850,000 check. Her intention was to eventually repay Hawk when she had saved up enough. Hurrying to the bank, Maria waited in line for her turn. Upon reaching the counter, she promptly handed the check to the clerk. Examining the check, the clerk politely informed Maria, “Miss, this check has expired. Please have the issuer reissue a new one for you.” Expired? What could she do now? Should she ask Hawk to issue her a new check? How could she possibly explain this to him? Yet, without an alternative means to cover Mark’s medical expenses, and with Mark getting injured while protecting her, she refused to accept compensation from the construction company on Mark’s behalf. Her hope was that the construction company would directly deliver the compensation to Mark once he had recovered, as he deserved it. “Need money now?” Hawk’s familiar magnetic voice suddenly resonated. Startled, Maria glanced up to see Hawk standing a couple of meters away, dressed in a suit, looking at her with a faint smile. “I…” Maria was at a loss for words. She was utterly embarrassed. Hawk produced a golden card from his wallet and handed it to Maria, saying, “That check is only valid for 15 days. There’s $300,000 in the card. If it’s not enough, just let me know.” Maria was speechless as Hawk took her hand and placed the card in it. “There’s no password!” he stated before striding away, leaving Maria in astonishment. Hawk made his way back to his car and picked up a financial magazine. Noticing Hawk returning alone, Luke inquired, “Mr. Cullen, aren’t you going to inspect the raw materials with Mr. White?” Hawk responded, “His daughter has returned home, and he’s off to pick her up from the airport. The bank will send the authorization document for the exclusive account to the company tomorrow.” Earlier that day, Hawk and Jason had visited the bank to authorize the account and converse with the bank president. Regarding Carl Dylan’s loan, Hawk insisted that the bank conduct a risk assessment before approving it. Given the poor financial performance of the company, the bank couldn’t grant loans solely based on past relationships. Learning of Carl’s insolvency, the bank president was taken aback and incensed, promptly canceling the scheduled afternoon meeting regarding the Dylan Group’s loan. Flipping through a few pages, Hawk instructed, “Luke, find out what issues Maria is facing.” “Understood,” Luke acknowledged while driving. “Mr. White is hosting a celebration tomorrow for his daughter’s return. I plan to attend. Please rearrange my schedule.” “Certainly.” “The meeting concerning the Dylan Group’s loan has been scrapped. Carl won’t be able to secure the $85 million loan. Release news of the Dylan Group’s insolvency to prevent Carl from borrowing money from any other company. Intensify the pressure on the Dylan Group, ensuring their bankruptcy within a month.” Luke sought clarification, “Mr. Cullen, during our last collaboration with the Dylan Group, you instructed us to gather information about their theft of our surplus fabrics and another company’s brand logo. Can we expose this information now?” “Absolutely,” Hawk’s eyes turned icy. A smirk crept onto his lips as he thought, “Carl, you’ve really gone and done it this time. They say I’m a wolf in the business world. Well, a wolf knows how to seek revenge.”