Chapter 137 Taylor and Emery entered the warehouse, the air thick with the metallic tang of blood. Taylorâs sharp gaze scanned the scene before issuing a firm command. "Split up and find Mr. Darling. Ensure his safety."
"Yes, sir," came the synchronized response.
Justin lay unconscious, pale from blood loss, while Elliot leaned against a crate, his face ashen but his eyes sharp. His breath came in shallow gasps, but he forced himself to stay upright.
A shadow moved. A killer, hidden in the gloom, smirked as he aimed his weapon. The 100 million dollars bounty was within his grasp. He pulled the trigger.
The assassin dropped like a stone, a bullet having torn through his temple.
Taylor lowered his gun, the barrel still smoking. "Amateur," he scoffed. "Thought you could take on Elliot Darling? Pathetic."
Emery held up his gun and shot Taylor a sharp look. "Couldnât wait, could you?"
"Stop complaining and check on Elliot," Taylor shot back, urgency lacing his voice.
The two hurried over to Elliot, who was slumped and bleeding heavily. "Mr. Darling, Danielle sent us to help. Are you alright?" Emery asked.
Before he could get a response, Elliotâs body swayed slightly, and he collapsed into unconsciousness.
The shrill ring of her phone broke through Danielleâs restless sleep. She fumbled for it, groggily answering.
"Danielle," Emeryâs voice was tense. "Elliotâs been shot twice-one near the heart. Heâs unconscious. Weâre heading to St. Katherineâs Hospital now."
The words jolted her awake. Her heart thundered in her chest as she threw off the covers. "Iâm on my way."
Danielle dressed in record time, slinging a small bag over her shoulder. The clock read 3:00 a.m. The campus gates would be locked, but she wasnât about to let that stop her.
Climbing out onto the balcony, she descended the drainpipe with practiced ease, landing softly on the grass below. Sprinting to the campus wall, she leapt and scaled it effortlessly, vaulting over to freedom.
At St. Katherineâs Hospital, when Danielle arrived, the Darling family was huddled in the hallway. Vivian was weeping uncontrollably, her eyes swollen and red.
"Danielle, Elliotâs in surgery now. He should be okay," Taylor and Emery quickly briefed her, their tone trying to be reassuring.
The Darling family noticed her approach. "Oh, sweetheart, youâre here," Howard said, his voice trembling with emotion.
Vivian broke down again, her words halting between sobs. "Sweetheart, Elliot... heâs hurt... so badly... there was so much blood."
On their way to the hospital, Elliotâs teammates had called the family to inform them of his grave condition.
"Mom, itâll be alright. Elliotâs strong; heâll pull through," Danielle assured her, gently patting Vivianâs back.
Joseph chimed in, his voice steady but uncertain. "Mom, Austinâs assisting in the surgery. Plus, Danielleâs skills are incredible-Elliotâs in good hands."
Matthew stood quietly, his face drawn tight with worry. He knew Elliotâs line of work came with risks, but seeing him bloodied and pale on the gurney had left a deep ache in his chest.
"Elliotâs tough. Heâll make it," Danielle reiterated firmly.
Xavier, standing off to the side, offered a quiet prayer. There wasnât much else he could do but hope for Elliotâs safety.
Suddenly, the doors to the operating room swung open. A flustered young doctor stepped out.
"Is the patientâs family here?"
"Weâre here," Howard responded, stepping forward with the rest of the family, an ominous feeling settling over them.
"The patient has gone into shock due to significant blood loss. One of the bullets is dangerously close to his heart. The surgery carries extremely high risks. Hereâs the critical condition consent form. Someone needs to sign it."
Vivian staggered, nearly collapsing, but Howard caught her in time.
Joseph reached for the clipboard, his hand trembling so badly he could barely hold the pen.
"Let me in," Danielleâs voice was calm but unyielding. The young doctor frowned. "Who are you? This is a critical surgery. You canât just walk in."
Danielle knew hospital protocol, but Elliotâs life was on the line. "Iâm family. Elliotâs my brother, and Iâm a trained medical professional."
The doctor scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "You know a bit about medicine, and now you think you can perform surgery? If thatâs all it takes, maybe I should jump in, too."
"You donât understand!" Xavier interjected, glaring at the doctor. "Danielle isnât just anyone-her medical expertise is unparalleled. If sheâs stepping in, Elliot stands a better chance."
The doctor turned to Xavier with a derisive laugh. "Well, if it isnât the famous Xavier Darling. Just because youâre a celebrity doesnât mean you can throw your weight around here."
Before Xavier could retort, another voice cut through the tension. "Why hasnât the consent form been signed yet?" A stern-faced female doctor, Savannah, strode up to the commotion.
"Dr. Watson, the family is being difficult. Theyâre letting this woman, who isnât even part of the hospital, disrupt protocol," the young doctor complained.
Danielle ignored the exchange and moved toward the doors.
"Stop right there! This is an operating room, not a playground. If something goes wrong, can you take responsibility?" Savannah snapped, stepping into her path.
Danielle met Savannahâs glare with a steely one of her own. "I donât have time for your nonsense. Iâll take full responsibility."
Savannah scoffed, her tone dripping with condescension. "And how exactly will you take responsibility for a lost life?"
"Thatâs my son in there," Vivian interjected, her voice breaking but resolute. "Danielle is more than capable-please, let her in."
"And youâre okay with letting her risk your sonâs life?" Savannah countered, incredulous.
"Get out of my way," Danielle said coldly, her voice laced with authority.
The door to the operating room swung open.
Not A Small Town Girl (Danielle and David)
ï¤Chapter 136 "Whatâs all this commotion at the OR entrance? Whereâs the critical condition notice?" Ethan asked sternly.
"Sir, this person caused trouble and insisted on entering the OR. I tried to stop her, but she wouldnât listen," one of the nurses complained.
"Thatâs right, Director. This woman made a scene. Dr. Watson and I tried to reason with her, but she cursed at us instead," Savannah chimed in.
"You two must be sick of living, daring to falsely accuse our Danielle like this! If youâre itching for trouble, just say it!" Taylor and Emery couldnât stand by any longer, firing back at the pair for their blatant lies.