She Outshines Them All

She Outshines 372

By the time Athena was about to deal with Andrew, Ronan had already completed the surgery.

The surgery was very successful, but Ronan needed to recuperate for a long time. Additionally, he must avoid putting any strain on his left leg, which rules out activities like climbing buildings, lifting heavy weights, walking at a brisk pace, running, and similar exertions.

Ronan touched his left leg, his expression clouded with concern. It seems my working days are over. I wonder which of my grandchildren would be willing to take me in…”

Maria remained silent. In any case, her family would definitely not do that.

At that moment, the ward door swung open. The insurance saleswoman strode in briskly, her voice filled with cheer as she announced, “Miss Donovan, I have fantastic news. The lottery you entered when purchasing your medical insurance has concluded, and you’ve won an extraordinary prize: a VIP membership for two at a premier nursing home in Sowan Town.”

Maria cooperated with her acting. “What’s the use of it?”

The salesgirl said nimbly, “This means two seniors in your family can reside in the premier nursing home in Sowan Town, where all meals and accommodations are provided. The costs of their care will be covered by their personal health insurance, with an additional 80% reimbursement from the nursing home. The level of care is nearly on par with that of retired civil servants. They could potentially spend the rest of their days there. It’s like having a lifelong companion in a nursing home.”

“Oh, I was so lucky,” Maria said excitedly, “Are you referring to the town known for longevity? That’s a wonderful place. With

so many seniors in my family, these two places are invaluable.” Belongs © to NôvelDrama.Org.

Though Sowan Town was encircled by mountains, rendering it somewhat isolated with limited transportation and a less developed economy, its natural beauty was unparalleled. The pristine environment of nature was meticulously preserved, and both air and drinking water quality ranked among the finest in the nation.

The town was home to numerous centenarians, earning its reputation as one of the country’s most long–lived areas, and was known as the “town of longevity.”

Many terminally ill patients moved there, and it was reported that their conditions and overall well– being had generally seen significant improvements.

“That’s correct,” the salesgirl remarked with a touch of envy. “Two places for a lifetime and an 80% reimbursement for medical treatment–can you fathom the savings? The residence is home to numerous retired civil servants. If I had the means, I’d certainly consider sending my parents there as well.”

Maria asked, “You won’t lie to me about such a good thing, right?”

“Why would a large corporation like ours deceive you?” The salesgirl produced a document. “This is the contract for the nursing home, and it explicitly states that as long as the elderly individual you designate is over 55 years of age, they are eligible for hospitalization.”

“That’s great.” Maria took the contract and pretended to browse through it. “My grandparents can go. Mom and Dad are almost 55 years old, and you…”

Ronan spoke with a hint of irritation, “Maria, let me go there. I’m 75 years old this year, and I’ve got a fractured leg. I won’t be able to work anymore. Just send me over.”

In reality, Ronan still harbored a desire to live with his son and grandson. However, he was acutely aware that beneath their polite demeanor, they considered him a burden and were not keen on sharing their home with him. This realizatioń was underscored by the fact that he and his wife had been living in the ravine up until now.

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With his left leg now fractured and his ability to work gone, Ronan feared his sons and grandchildren would only grow to despise him more. During his hospital stay, which had already spanned several days, no one had come to visit, highlighting their hypocrisy.

“I see.” Maria thought for a moment. “I don’t think Mom has any objections, but don’t you want to live in a demolition house and get an additional compensation house in the future?”

Speaking of this, Ronan felt reluctant.

He patted his other uninjured thigh and said, “I wanted to, but my leg is already so injured that I can’t climb the stairs at all. Even if I move into the demolition house, who can carry me up and down the stairs once I have to go to the hospital for treatment? I’d better go to the nursing home…”

Sowan Town was adjacent to Hartselle Town where they lived. Thus, Ronan was well acquainted with the nature of Sowan Town. Despite its economic challenges, it was known for the longevity of

its elderly residents. For someone of Ronan’s advanced age, the prospect of extending his years was, naturally of great importance.

Maria nodded. “Alright, I’ll talk to Mom.”

“Congratulations, sir,” the salesgirl said enviously. “There’s still a place. Will your wife go with you?”

Maria also said, “I’ll call Grandma now and ask for her opinion.”

“Wait.” Ronan hurriedly said, “Quentin is already over 55 years old. Let’s ask him if he wants to go with me.”

Both Maria and the salesgirl were speechless.

Indeed, in the eyes of this fatuous old man from the mountain village, an unfilial son was more important than the wife who had accompanied him for the rest of his life.

Maria did not mind and immediately called Quentin. “Quentin, this is Maria. I have great news for you…”

After she finished talking about the nursing home, she asked, “Do you want this place?”

Quentin immediately said, “Yes. Keep it for me. When I’m seriously ill, I’ll move to the nursing home to spend my remaining days. I’d like to continue living with my son for the next few years…”

“This won’t work,” the salesgirl interjected, speaking directly into the phone since Maria had her on speaker. “Sir, this opportunity is very valuable. You must sign the contract within three days. Failure to sign the contract in that timeframe will render it void. Additionally, given your advanced age and fragile health, the nursing home prefers that you do not leave the premises for extended periods once admitted. If any accidents or illnesses befall you outside the nursing home, they will not cover the medical expenses.”

This way, they could “trap” the selfish and ignorant Stevens family elders in the nursing home and not have the chance to be the burden of the Donovan family again.

Quentin was in a dilemma. “Is it so urgent? It won’t work even after a few years…”

Quentin still wanted to live with his son and grandchildren. He was willing to do anything for them.

Maria said, “Quentin, it’s okay if you don’t want to go. I’ll give the place to Grandma…”

“No, I want it.” Quentin panicked when he heard that. He said loudly, “My mother favors Joel, and Joel’s child is young. She needs to help take care of the child…”

His reaction was expected by Maria. Maria then said, “So you won’t be residing in that condemned house anymore? If that’s the case, the compensation will be reduced by one house.”

Quentin fell into silence.

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What a dilemma. It was so difficult and painful for him.

–

After pondering for a while, Quentin gritted his teeth and made his decision. “I’m no longer young. Living with the children would only be a burden to them. Moreover, my legs are not what they used

to be. Climbing up to the sixth floor is just too exhausting. I’d better take up residence in the nursing home.”

Quentin had never dared to go to the hospital for a checkup. He did not know if he was seriously ill. However, he knew that he would fall ill one day!

Instead of being despised by his sons and grandchildren, it was Better for him to go to the nursing home now. He did not have to work or pay for his living expenses and all the medical expenses would be reimbursed. Only a fool would give up such a wonderful chance.

Maria smiled, “Then it’s settled. Come to the hospital when you’re free and sign the contract with Grandpa.”

Athena hired the girl from the insurance company to act. The girl was not affiliated with any insurance firm. The lottery that Maria won was a fabrication.

Athena discreetly arranged for someone to sign a contract with a premier nursing home in Sowan Town, providing them with sufficient funds to care for Ronan and others in their twilight years, under the guise of a “won the lottery.”

Lacking formal education and worldly knowledge, Ronan and the others were likely to accept the benefits without delving into the legitimacy of the “lottery.”

This way, Athena’s mother and the Donovan family would be able to successfully “get rid of” these annoying relatives and not have to bear the bad reputation of being “unfilial.”

It was not enough to get rid of only two.

Ronan and Quentin reminded Maria not to reveal this information for the time being, and Maria agreed.

However, Arthur immediately released the news in Facebook, and only the Stevens family could see it.

This the Stevens family was in an uproar.

way,

Ronan’s wife: [I’m already in my seventies. You have to give the place to me. Otherwise, if I fall sick and can’t walk anymore, who will take care of me? Do you want me to rot in my house?]

Quentin’s wife: [You damn bastard, why didn’t you leave a place for me? Your father’s already so old and doesn’t have much time left. It’s a waste of time for him to stay in a nursing home for the rest of his life. You should have let me go with you.]

Gavin and his wife: [Old people who are not in good health can go to a nursing home. Those who are in better health have to live in a demolition house. This way, we’ll get an extra house.]

Joel and his wife: [Mom has to stay and help us take care of the child. You were the ones who persuaded us to have another boy. We gave birth to a boy, so you have to help us take care of him.]