Felix suddenly raised his voice, cutting me off.

"What could be more important than work? Madeline, you've always been a role model for all our employees - don't disappoint me! This is a big client coming to H City for market research. Land this client, and you won't have to worry about bonuses anymore!"

After a moment's hesitation, I finally brought it up. "Mr. Blackwood, I really need the money right now. Tomorrow, could you please release my salary and last quarter's bonus..."

Felix impatiently interrupted, "Enough, Nina already told me about your situation. Look, I'm quite busy these days, but Mrs. Blackwood and Nina will handle the bonus distribution. You just focus on hosting the client."

He hung up and sent me flight information, repeatedly emphasizing, "Madeline, you must take good care of the client - money is no object!"

Checking the details, I saw the flight was arriving in three hours tonight.

After brief consideration, I told Mom I had to go and drove to the airport.

Since Felix said money wasn't an issue and Victoria and Nina would handle my bonus, I felt reassured.

Once I had the money, I could get Mom's medication on schedule.

I spent the entire holiday working overtime hosting the client.

Finally, the client privately praised me, "Madeline, you're truly sincere. Your company is lucky to have an employee like you. Don't worry, I'll have my colleagues contact you about collaboration plans as soon as I get back!"

I was relieved - it seemed the deal would close soon.

After seeing the client off, I rushed back to the hospital.

Before I could even see Mom, the doctor called me over.

Sighing, he said Mom's condition wasn't looking good these past few days and asked why I hadn't paid for the targeted medication yet.

I froze.

There were still no bank notifications - my bonus and salary hadn't been paid.

I immediately tried calling both Felix and Victoria, but neither answered.

Nina did pick up.

She casually reassured me on the phone, "Don't worry, Mrs. Blackwood won't ignore your situation. She specifically told me..."

Before she could finish, the doctor called me into the ward.

Because of the delayed medication, Mom's condition had suddenly worsened.

She lay in bed with her eyes tightly shut in pain. Before I could say anything, she was rushed to the ICU for emergency treatment.