“We need medical assistance!” Neville gathered Savannah against his chest and bellowed, “My wife has lost consciousness! Summon the physician immediately!”
“Doctor! Patient in Room 9 has suffered a fainting episode!”
Hospital personnel flooded into the room while Hadley and Eric found themselves gently but firmly escorted into the corridor.
Neville positioned himself like a sentinel outside the door as Eric led Hadley to a bench in the nearby waiting area.
During their anxious vigil, the sharp ring of Neville’s phone shattered the tense silence. He moved several paces away to accept the call privately.
The caller addressed him in polished, native-level foreign speech. “Mr. Brown, this is urgent…”
A short while later, the hospital room door swung open and the medical staff stepped out.
“Doctor!” Neville rushed forward, worry etched across his face, while Eric helped steady Hadley as they followed close behind.
“How’s my wife?” Neville asked.
“The worst has passed,” said the doctor with a small nod. “She has been quite frail, and everything became too much for her. We had to administer a sedative. Right now, she needs rest.”
“I understand. Thank you for letting us know.” Neville dipped his head, grateful.
“Of course.”
Once the doctor stepped away, Neville faced Hadley. Weariness marked his features. “Savannah pulled through, but she must rest for now. Both of you should return home and get some sleep as well.”
“But Mr. Brown—”
“We’ll go.” Eric gently squeezed her hand and spoke up before she could finish. “As for Elissa, we’ll keep searching. Despite everything, we can’t lose hope.”
“I get it,” said Neville, worry deepening the lines on his forehead. He let out a slow breath. “Thank you, both of you.”
? g
“Don’t worry about it. We’ll stay in touch and update you if anything changes.”
“Thanks again. Please take care.”
Without another word, Eric gently guided Hadley toward the exit. “Are you heading back to Jewel Avenue now?”
Suddenly, Hadley glanced up with concern in her eyes. “Where’s Ayla?”
Earlier, Ayla had been taken away on a stretcher, rushed out before anyone else.
“Where did they take her?” She turned and fixed her gaze on Eric.
Eric already knew the answer. Ayla had caused all of this, and when he heard what happened, he’d immediately told Phillips to track her status.
“She’s in rough shape,” said Eric, his brow furrowing.
“In rough shape?” A cold, almost mocking smile flickered across Hadley’s lips. “Serves her right! I’ll go to the police and reveal every single thing she’s responsible for. That woman is a murderer. She has to pay for it!”
Her emotions surged, and she found it hard to breathe. Her legs shook, barely holding her up.
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