"Mrs. Zackman, lie down." I pulled a chair and sat down at a spot neither too close nor too far from the hospital bed.

Cassandra held my hand, tears welling up in her eyes. "Good child, I knew you were kind-hearted. Apart from having a slightly poor family, Matthew has no other flaws. He's scholarly and filial. He has a bright future. Could... Could you just give him another chance?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Rosalie immediately chimed in, albeit with a hint of displeasure flashing across her face, "Yeah, Jamie. Matthew is really nice. It would be such a pity if you missed out on each other!"

Matthew lowered his head, looking both guilty and helpless.

These three were putting on a show.

I looked at Cassandra and replied slowly, "Mrs. Zackman, there are many successful men out there, and I'm not interested in doing charity."

One sentence instantly made the entire ward silent.

Cassandra's tears were still on her face, but her expression had frozen.

Rosalie opened her mouth, looking startled.

Matthew suddenly raised his head, his face turning red instantly. "What... What did you say?"

"I said, I'm not interested in doing charity," I repeated and met his murderous gaze with unwavering composure. "Mr. Zackman, how much do you make a month? Is it enough to buy your mother's medicine, pay your brother's tuition, and support a family? My parents raised me for over 20 years. I can't let myself marry another man just to suffer alongside him."

Matthew jumped to his feet, pointing at me. "Jamie! You... You're insulting me! Don't underestimate a young man's potential! I—"

I interrupted him, "I'm not insulting you. I'm just stating the facts. Besides, Mr. Zackman, you've got the wrong person. I'm not the one who truly appreciates you and is willing to struggle with you."

I slowly looked toward Rosalie beside me. "Rosalie, didn't you always say Mr. Zackman is a promising bachelor, a good person, and whoever marries him would be lucky?"

I smiled at her. "I'm giving you this opportunity. You should thank me."

Rosalie blushed instantly, and her shy gaze turned to Matthew.

The atmosphere in the ward was extremely awkward.

Just then, the ward door was pushed open, and a tall figure walked in.