However, Elias has already prepared a proper response for this conversation.
"I borrowed this money from a friend, so I had to wait until I received it. Fortunately, he didn't ask for any additional interest when I was ready to return it. I'll simply have to work harder so I'll be able to pay back the little by little," Elias responded with a sigh.
Dr. Ramirez nodded in understanding, staring at Elias with a sympathetic gaze. He didn't fully believe Elias's words, figuring he had most likely borrowed the money from a loan shark rather than a so-called 'friend.'
After all, considering his situation, which friend could borrow such a large amount of money so fast? However, if what he said was true, having a friend who could lend such an amount quickly would mean the young man in front of him was lucky.
"Okay. Just make the payment to the billing department on your way out, and your brother's treatment will be scheduled to begin immediately," Dr. Ramirez responded with a nod, handing the money back to Elias.
He had no reason to dig deeper and continue asking questions because the young man's well-being wasn't his concern. He only needed to make a documented report of Mr Ryan's treatment whenever the police asked for it and do his work professionally.
Elias nodded, relieved that Dr. Ramirez didn't press for more details. He was grateful for the doctor's lack of sentimentality about his situation.
With one final nod, Elias stood up and left the office. He walked towards the room where Ryan was residing.
As he pushed the door and walked in, he noticed the boy sitting upright and staring blankly at the window. Witnessing this scene, Elias sighed and thought, 'He didn't even notice my entrance.'
"If you ponder too much, your health will worsen. It's not good for a developing teenager to think that much," Elias's voice cut through the silence as he stepped forward.
Ryan immediately roused out of his reverie. "Brother, you are here?!" he called excitedly, his eyes fixed on Elias.
Elias nodded, "How are you currently feeling?" He asked.
"Apart from the pain in my right shoulder, I feel much better than before," Ryan responded, frowning as he gestured towards his shoulder.
"Don't worry, I've paid for your treatment, so you should feel much better after the surgery," Elias replied with a smile.
Upon hearing Elias's words, Ryan was stunned. "You... You've paid for my entire treatment?" he asked, his voice trembling as he stared at Elias in shock.
Elias nodded proudly. "I told you before, didn't I? Just focus on getting better, and I'll settle the payment for your treatment. Now that I've done my part, you better not disappoint me and focus on recovery," he responded, his words filled with reassurance.
"You didn't steal the money or do anything bad to get it, right?" Ryan asked anxiously. He knew how much his treatment cost and understood that his brother didn't possess that kind of money.
The only conclusion he could draw was that Elias might have engaged in some dirty activity like their father's to gather such a considerable amount of money.
Fear immediately gripped Ryan's heart as the thought of Elias ending up like their parents enveloped his mind.
"I didn't steal this money or engage in any dirty activity to get it. It was lent to me by a friend, so I'll have to figure out how to earn the money on time to pay him back," Elias responded, shaking his head.
Unlike Dr. Ramirez, his brother could quickly determine whether he was telling the truth, so he had to keep his lie simple.
Unbeknownst to anyone, Elias was building his wealth on a foundation of lies. He was resolute in his decision to keep the system's existence, which was the source of his sudden wealth, a secret, even from his own brother.
Ryan's expression immediately scrunched up in doubt as he pondered deeply. If his elder brother had someone who could lend him $36,700, why was he just hearing about it for the first time? He knew his brother well enough that he would brag about having such a big shot as a friend.
Besides, his brother already had two jobs, and he knew it would be impossible for him to earn such a large sum of money on his salary alone.
Seeing Ryan's pondering expression, Elias stretched his hand and flicked his finger against Ryan's forehead. "I've told you that thinking isn't good for your health, and you might worsen it if you continue like this, especially since you'll be having surgery soon," Elias said.
He immediately continued before Ryan could respond, "Why don't you have faith in me and leave the financial responsibility to me? I promise you that once you recover and are discharged, you'll realize how hard I'm working to ensure our life will no longer be as it was before."
Ryan nodded in understanding, immediately dispelling the thoughts that clouded his mind. He had almost forgotten that his brother was someone who would instead work tirelessly for a single dollar rather than steal it from someone at gunpoint.
Elias was someone he looked up to, so he knew the kind of honest man he was.
"Alright, I'll believe you, brother. I'll focus on recovering faster to see the kind of life you are talking about. I hope you don't disappoint," Ryan responded, smiling brightly, gazing at Elias.
Elias's heart quivered, but he maintained his smile and nodded, "Get your rest. I'll be heading out soon. I still have some matters I need to attend to," he responded.
"Wait! Did you buy yourself new clothes?" Ryan asked, noticing the plain black shirt and blue jeans. He knew all of Elias's clothes, so he could easily spot his new attire.
"No, I got it as a gift from a friend," Elias responded with a smile.
Ryan nodded in understanding, realizing that the friend who had gifted Elias these clothes might also have borrowed him such a substantial amount of money.