The Amazing Son in Law The Charismatic Charlie Wade

“Oracle Pharmaceutical?” James Smith echoed, a hint of disbelief in his voice. “Why on earth would you be heading there?”

Hector’s face lit up, a spark of hope evident. “An old friend has pulled some strings for Shiann and me concerning the Oracle medicine. He has ties with the top brass of Oracle Pharmaceutical. He’s arranged a spot for Jimmy too. We’re on our way there to meet him, and you should bring Jimmy. Let’s get moving!”

James’s eyebrows furrowed. “Didn’t they blacklist both of you? Jimmy doesn’t meet their criteria. Who is this mysterious friend of yours? How can he wield so much influence?”

“I’m not certain about his background,” Hector confessed. “He claims he’s close with Liam Weaver from Oracle Pharmaceutical. I’ve no evidence of his claims, but he doesn’t strike me as one to jest about something this serious.”

James looked stern, “Hector, Oracle Pharmaceutical has deeper secrets than you might think. Liam is just a face for the real power behind the scenes. Trust me, he wouldn’t dare to bend the rules for anyone.”

“But,” Hector insisted, “he seems genuine. You’re already in Aurous Hill and so are we. Just bring Jimmy. Even if things don’t pan out, what do we have to lose?”

James hesitated, then inquired, “Hector, what’s your friend’s name? How did you two meet?”

“His name’s Robert Clark. Met him during a hiking trip.”

“Robert Clark?” James’s surprise was palpable. “If it were Charlie, I might be more optimistic. But Robert Clark? Never heard of him. How old is he?”

“In his early 20s, by the looks of him.”

James sighed with a touch of disappointment. “That can’t be Charlie then. He’s pushing thirty. But tell me, how’s Jimmy holding up?”

“It’s grim,” James admitted with a heaviness in his voice. “The doctors here say the cancer has invaded most of his organs. Chemotherapy isn’t as effective anymore. If there’s no improvement after this round, they’re suggesting palliative care. It’s… it’s basically the end for him.”

Hector’s voice was tinged with urgency. “Where is he? Is he with you in the church?”

“No,” James replied. “He’s getting his chemotherapy at the Aurous Hill People’s Hospital. His mother’s with him.”

Hector raised an eyebrow. “Your wife’s here?”

nodded, “She sorted out matters in the U.S., sold our home, and then brought our daughter here. She’s handling the kids, while

you bringing Jimmy? We’ll wait for you at Oracle

China, we say it’s better to trust and be disappointed than to doubt and regret. I’ll get Jimmy

Oracle’s entrance. And remember, Mr. Smith,

“Understood,” James affirmed.

fellow church members, many of whom were fellow expatriates. “Excuse me,

sensing the urgency, voiced his concern. “Anything wrong, James? Do

managed a small smile. “I’m fetching Jimmy. Then we’re trying our luck at Oracle

“If you need anything,

the church before hailing a taxi bound

their children at the Aurous Hill People’s Hospital and adopt the same treatment regimen they had followed in the United States for chemotherapy. Initially, they had lodged in a hotel nearby, waiting for Jenny. Later, after organizing matters in the States and hastening to Aurous Hill with their daughter,

the hospital’s guidelines, Jenny ensured their child received chemotherapy and tests

had entered its advanced stages. The chemotherapy medications currently utilized were top-of-the-line and recently developed, yet even so, they couldn’t eliminate the cancer. Their goal was now

with cancer, the optimal scenario was to discover localized carcinoma, curable through surgical excision. If metastasis had occurred, the

played a part. Some individuals, through genetic fortune,

genes offering no viable targets, leaving them unable to avail

of targeted drugs, conventional chemotherapy and radiation remained the

was the final barrier. Yet James Smith was acutely aware that this last line of

day ward with ease, James observed rows of

these patients, little

with end-stage leukemia here. Some time ago, the child had gained approval from

his hands were tied. Oracle Pharmaceutical’s points system favored young patients with severe

Fragility seemed to emanate from him as his eyes rested

wife, sat wearily on a stool