The next morning, the sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse.
Leo woke up feeling refreshed. The Level 1 Physical Enhancement had completely eradicated the fatigue from his years of hard labor. He stretched, and the crisp sound of bones cracking echoed in the silent room.
Downstairs, Kane was already waiting with a breakfast tray.
"Mr. Carter, the car is ready. The appointment with Dr. Harrison at the Royal Peak Hospital is at 10 AM."
"Good." Leo nodded, sipping his coffee. "Any updates on that young man with Mia?"
"Yes, sir." Kane handed over a tablet. "His name is Derek Morgan. He is the son of a mid-sized real estate developer. The sports car he was driving yesterday is a lease, and his family is currently facing a cash flow crisis."
Leo chuckled coldly. "A fake rich kid. No wonder he's so eager to show off."
Half an hour later, Leo arrived at the Royal Peak Hospital—the most exclusive private medical facility in the city.
As soon as he stepped out of the supercar, the doormen bowed respectfully. However, as he walked through the lobby, he noticed a commotion near the registration desk.
A familiar voice was shouting loudly.
"I'm telling you, I need to see Dr. Harrison NOW! Do you know who I am? I'm Derek Morgan! My father is a big shot in this city!"
Leo raised an eyebrow. What a coincidence.
Derek was slamming his fist on the counter, his face red with anger. A young nurse stood in front of him, trembling.
"Mr. Morgan, I'm sorry, but Dr. Harrison's schedule is fully booked for the next two weeks. You need to make an appointment in advance."
"Advance? I don't have time for that!" Derek sneered, pulling out a wad of cash and slamming it on the table. "Here's ten thousand dollars. Cancel someone else's appointment. Now!"
The nurse paled. "I can't do that, sir. Our patients are all important—"
"Important?" Derek laughed mockingly. "More important than me? Look at these people," he gestured to the other patients in the lobby, "they're just a bunch of poor nobodies. Their lives aren't worth as much as my car's wheel!"
Mia stood beside Derek, holding his arm, looking proud and aloof. She didn't stop him; instead, she looked around with a superior gaze, as if she enjoyed the attention.
Leo's eyes turned cold.
Just then, a middle-aged man in a white coat hurried over. He was followed by several hospital administrators.
"Mr. Morgan! Please calm down. I'm Dr. Keller, the hospital director."
Derek turned to him, snorting. "Director? Good. I want to see Harrison. If you can't arrange it, I'll make sure your hospital loses its license!"
Dr. Keller looked embarrassed. "Mr. Morgan, Dr. Harrison is currently seeing a very important VIP patient. I really can't—"
"VIP?" Derek scoffed. "In this city, I don't know any VIPs who are more important than me. Bring them out! I'd like to see who dares to take my spot!"
Before Dr. Keller could respond, a sharp voice rang out.
"Director Keller, is there a problem here?"
Everyone turned.
Dr. Harrison, the world-renowned specialist, was walking towards them. But he wasn't looking at Derek. His eyes were fixed on Leo, and his expression was one of extreme respect.
He walked straight past Derek and Mia, stopping in front of Leo. He bowed slightly—a bow that was only given to heads of state or billionaires.
"Mr. Carter! I'm Dr. Harrison. I've been waiting for you. Please follow me to the VIP examination room."
The entire lobby fell silent.
Derek's jaw dropped. Mia's proud smile froze on her face.
Leo nodded casually at Dr. Harrison. "Thank you, Doctor. I heard there was some noise outside. Is everything alright?"
Dr. Harrison's face turned cold as he glanced at Derek. "Just some minor trouble, Mr. Carter. I'll have security handle it immediately."
"Minor trouble?" Derek finally found his voice. He pointed at Leo, his face contorted with disbelief. "Him? That poor loser? He's the VIP?"
Leo slowly turned to face him. His eyes were like ice.
"Poor loser?" Leo repeated. He took out a black card from his pocket and tossed it to Dr. Keller. "Director, this hospital's facilities are good. I'll donate $50 million to build a new research wing. But there's one condition."
Dr. Keller caught the card, his hands shaking. "$50 million? Of course, Mr. Carter! Anything you say!"
"Ban this man and his… companion," Leo said, nodding at Mia, "from ever stepping foot in this hospital again. I don't want to see their faces when I'm here."
"Absolutely! Immediately!" Dr. Keller shouted to the security guards.
Derek paled. "You can't do this! My father—"
"Your father's company is on the verge of bankruptcy," Leo said flatly. "Save your threats for someone who cares."
The security guards moved in, grabbing Derek's arms. Mia screamed, trying to pull away, but she was dragged away too.
As they were being thrown out, Mia looked back at Leo. The pride was gone. In its place was shock, fear, and the first hint of regret.
Leo didn't spare them another glance. He followed Dr. Harrison into the exclusive elevator.
The examination was quick. Thanks to the system's enhancement, Leo's body was in peak condition.
As he was leaving, Dr. Harrison handed him a business card. "Mr. Carter, I'm the personal physician to many of the world's top CEOs. If you ever need anything—anything at all—please call me."
Leo pocketed the card. "I will."
He walked out of the hospital, the morning sun shining on his face.
Phase one of the plan was complete.
Now, it was time for the main event—the VIP club tonight.