## Initially, Judith intended to save Jessica and not become a burden to her.
However, in reality, her move completely robbed Jessica of her ability to resist.
The doctor told Jessica that Judith couldn't wait any longer and had to undergo surgery immediately.
Jessica looked at the critical condition notifications and had no choice but to call Jill.
"So, you'll transfer the money immediately if I promise to marry Thomas?"
"Of course." Jill sounded somewhat joyful as she instructed, "As long as you and Thomas get married and obtain the marriage certificate, I'll immediately lend you 5 million dollars."
"Marriage certificate?" With furrowed brows, Jessica said, "I don't have that much time. Judith urgently needs the surgery."
"You don't have to do it in person. Just give me your ID card."
Jill explained, "Thomas is currently abroad and unable to return for the time being. Still, Mrs. Duffy mentioned that if you provide her with your ID card, she can arrange for someone to obtain the marriage certificate on your behalf."
Jessica gripped her phone so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She felt a bit uncomfortable, but when her gaze fell on the operating room, she could only suppress the discomfort.
She had no other option. After all, saving Judith was paramount.
"Okay, I have my ID card with me. Come and get it yourself."
Half an hour later, Jill sent someone to take the ID card and also transferred the money to Jessica.
Five million dollars, not a penny less.
Jessica hastily paid the surgical fees and handed the receipt to the nurse stationed at the operating room entrance.
Six hours later, the surgery was successfully completed, and the attending physician came out drenched in sweat.
"The surgery was very successful. The hole in the heart was patched up, and two stents were placed in the left ventricle. There were basically no bleeding points. However, considering Judith's age, it's still recommended to send her to the ICU for observation for two days."
"Okay, I'll follow your recommendation."
Finally, Jessica exhaled the breath she had been holding. She tightly gripped the doctor's arm, her eyes filled with excitement and tears.
"Thank you so much. I really appreciate it."
"You're very welcome. I'm only doing my job."
After making all the necessary arrangements, Jessica saw Judith being wheeled into the ICU. After that, she finally returned home.
As Jessica opened the door, she discovered Carly standing there.
"What are you doing here?"
"How dare you say that? After such a big incident, why didn't you even bother to tell me?"
Carly glared at Jessica angrily and quickly took out the food she had bought.
"I bet you haven't eaten anything today. You must be hungry by now. I brought some of your favorite dishes from Jamie's Cafe. Look, we have avocado toast, a grilled chicken sandwich, a chocolate croissant, and a vanilla latte."
Before long, the table was filled with a variety of foods.
"What are you doing standing there? Come and eat already."
Seeing Jessica still standing there in a daze, Carly quickly pulled her over to sit down.
Unable to hold back anymore, Jessica turned around and hugged Carly tightly, sobbing while saying, "Carly, I'm so blessed to have you."
"Tsk, you only think you're blessed to have me now. Why didn't you tell me right away after the incident?
" Luckily, I had the foresight to get Linda's phone number when I visited Judith. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known you sold yourself for 5 million dollars."
"I had no choice." Tears instantly streamed down Jessica's face. "If I hadn't agreed to Jill's condition, I wouldn't have had money for Judith's surgery."
"I know you had no other choice, but Jessica, it's still a big sacrifice."
Carly felt sorry for Jessica, but she also felt the need to make her understand the seriousness of the situation.
"Do you know who Thomas is?"
"Of course. When Gary first suggested I marry Thomas in replacement of Rose, I thoroughly investigated Thomas online, but despite numerous reports, I couldn't find a single photo of him."
Jessica felt a bit frustrated as she spoke.
"I'm guessing he's either missing limbs or has a crooked nose and scars on his face. Otherwise, how can such a famous person like him not have a single photo available online?"
"That's Matthew Duffy protecting him."
For gossip, Carly was always at the forefront.
"Most of the illegitimate children of wealthy families cannot establish their ancestry, and the reason Thomas could come back under the banner of being the future heir of the Duffy Group is that the mistress of the household, Dalia Duffy, can no longer conceive."
"She can't conceive? Is that real?"
"The rumor is that during her first childbirth, she suffered a severe hemorrhage that resulted in irreversible damage. That's why Matthew has been making great efforts to bring Thomas back.
However, the situation within the Duffys is complex. Matthew's aspiration for a successor inevitably jeopardizes the interests of numerous individuals, which is why he has kept Thomas' appearance hidden, to safeguard against any malicious intentions from within the family."
"I see." Jessica nodded. "But it doesn't seem to have much to do with me."
"Why not?" Carly abruptly knocked on Jessica's forehead and exclaimed, "Once you've married Thomas, you'll be his wife. If Thomas has a hard life, do you think your life will be easy?"
"I thought you were worried that he would beat me up 10 times a day."
"I'm not worried about that at all."
Carly had always possessed a discerning eye for distinguishing trustworthy gossip from unreliable ones.
"I've never placed my trust in those online rumors that depict Thomas as a violent, rude troublemaker. If he displayed such unruly behavior, would Matthew, someone with billions of dollars in assets, entrust him with the right to inherit?
"In my opinion, those who oppose his takeover of the company are undoubtedly spreading false rumors. Well, as for the assertion that he became infertile due to a car accident, I do believe it.
"Therefore, Jessica, if you marry into that family, you'll have to navigate the treacherous waters of the Duffys and be condemned to childless widowhood for life. That would be truly unfortunate."
"Who said I have to spend my whole life with him?" Jessica pursed her lips. "Actually, as long as I pay off the 5 million dollars, I can file for divorce."
"That's easy to say, but how will you repay 5 million dollars?" Carly asked.
"I'll find a way eventually," Jessica replied.
Jessica lowered her head, suddenly feeling a bit sad.
After all, she didn't want to sell herself off for a lifetime.
"Okay, okay. Those things aren't important for now." Seeing her dejected mood, Carly quickly changed the subject.
"You haven't had the chance to get the marriage certificate yet. Thomas is likely occupied overseas, so we don't have to worry too much about him at the moment.
"However, Jessica, you still need to figure out a solution for Judith's situation. If she wakes up and discovers the expenses for her surgery, it could cause her distress all over again."
Carly made so much sense!
Carly's words weren't exaggerated at all. Knowing Judith's character, Jessica must come up with a way to explain the expenses.
Jessica lay down and rested her head on Carly's stomach. After a moment, she said, "Well, I actually have an idea!"