Two hours later, the private family doctor finished examining David in the warm guest bedroom.
Dr. Stevens stepped into the hallway, pulling off his stethoscope as Marcus walked over.
Marcus: How is he, Doctor?
Doctor Stevens: He has a severe lung infection from the damp weather, but we caught it just in time. A week of bed rest, proper nutrition, and targeted antibiotics will make a full recovery.
Marcus: Thank God. Whatever he needs, spare no expense.
Marcus walked back into the room where Lily was sitting on the edge of the bed, holding a warm bowl of soup.
Leo was sitting next to her, showing her how to play a game on his tablet screen.
Lily: Mister Marcus... is my dad going to be okay?
Marcus: He's going to be completely healthy very soon, Lily. And you never have to sleep in the rain ever again.
David looked up from his pillows, tears streaming down his worn, weathered face.
David: Marcus... I don't know what to say. I misjudged you under that bridge.
Marcus: You had every right to be angry, David. My family caused you immense pain. But today, we fix everything.
Arthur Vance Jr., the chief legal counsel, walked into the room holding a stack of official legal documents.
Attorney Arthur: Mr. Miller, the wire transfer of forty-two million dollars has been executed directly into your new corporate bank trust account.
David: Forty-two million...?
Attorney Arthur: Yes, sir. That includes the principal patent value plus twelve years of accumulated interest and corporate dividends.
Lily: Dad... does that mean we can buy a real house with a garden?
David: We can buy anything you ever dreamed of, my sweet girl.
Marcus stepped forward and extended his hand toward David with a warm, genuine smile.
Marcus: And as the majority shareholder of Vance Manufacturing, I want to offer you the position of Chief Innovation Director at our main plant.
David: Chief Innovation Director...? You want me to lead the engineering division?
Marcus: Your valve patent built this company, David. It's time the rightful owner took his place at the top.
David shook Marcus's hand firmly, his eyes shining with newfound hope and pride.
David: I accept, Marcus. Thank you for giving my daughter her life back.