"Despite that, the consultation fees here are much lower than at other hospitals, and the medicine is priced just above cost, which is why the elderly love coming here," Zach explained as they waited for Baxter.
"Business was decent before, but in recent years, the Pattinson family has faced significant troubles. First, Dr. Pattinson's son and daughter-in-law went missing in a maritime accident, and then his wife died in a car crash.
"Since then, he has been depressed, which marked the beginning of the clinic's decline. Adding to the woes, a month ago, his granddaughter fell ill with a mysterious condition—she feels fatigued all the time and frequently faints.
"He couldn't diagnose her, and neither could the large hospitals. The stress of his granddaughter's illness hit him hard, leading him to feel inadequate as a doctor. So he decided to transfer the clinic to someone capable and take his granddaughter abroad for treatment."
"How much is he asking for the clinic?" Yolanda asked after Zach finished his overview.
"20 million dollars. With the costs of going abroad and medical treatment, it would take around 15 million dollars, plus five million for their living expenses. If he can treat his granddaughter successfully, he's likely to return to the clinic."
"20 million sounds reasonable." Yolanda nodded.
Although the price was a few million higher than other clinics on the market, Willow Creek Clinic was a century-old establishment with unique significance.
Just then, a voice interrupted her thoughts. "This clinic costs 200 million!"
The voice was deep and elderly, carrying a sense of defeat. Yolanda turned to see an old man in traditional white attire entering the clinic with his hands clasped behind his back.
His white beard was unkempt, giving him a despairing air, yet his gaze remained resolute.
"Dr. Pattinson!" Zach exclaimed, momentarily taken aback before introducing him. "This is Dr. Baxter Pattinson, the owner of this clinic."
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