Chapter 32 "Itâs been so long-itâll be hard to uncover anything now," Joseph murmured, his eyes darkening at the memory.
As the siblings continued their discussion, their cars approached an intersection. Suddenly, a speeding truck barreled toward Danielleâs car. The crash was deafening. Metal crumpled, and Danielleâs car was thrown dozens of yards before flipping onto its roof in the middle of the road, a twisted wreck.
Joseph slammed on the brakes and leapt out of his car with Danielle close behind. They sprinted to the wreck. Blood trickled from Julianâs mouth, staining his shirt. The air reeked of iron and dread as death loomed over the crash site.
Joseph immediately called for an ambulance and the police. When the authorities arrived, they found the truck driver trembling in shock. After a brief exchange, they escorted the man away for questioning. Danielle crouched beside Julian, checking his pulse. It was faint. Pulling a pill from her bag, she slipped it into his mouth. The pill slowed the bleeding as she worked to stabilize him. Though she managed to stop the blood loss, his injuries were severe- likely internal damage.
When the ambulance arrived, paramedics loaded Julian onto a stretcher and rushed him to the hospital. Danielle and Joseph followed closely behind in their car.
Operating Room.
Julian was in critical condition as he was wheeled into surgery. Danielle donned a white coat and mask, stepping into the operating room herself to take charge.
The atmosphere was tense but focused. Danielleâs eyes, steady and sharp, were the only part of her face visible. She gripped the scalpel with unwavering determination. Julian had taken her place in the accident-she wouldnât let him die. Julian lay on the hospital bed, pale and barely clinging to life. He had lost too much blood, multiple bones were broken, and his internal organs were damaged. Shards of glass from the crash had embedded themselves deep into his flesh.
The operating room was brightly lit, stark like daylight.
"Anesthesia."
"Disinfect the skin."
"Scalpel."
Danielleâs voice was calm but commanding as she directed the team. "Carefully remove the glass shards from his body. Be precise-no unnecessary damage to the surrounding tissue. Once thatâs done, disinfect thoroughly to prevent infection."
The scalpel glinted under the bright lights as Danielle made the first incision. Her movements were precise, slicing through the skin without excessive bleeding. The hours passed in painstaking concentration, her skill and composure ensuring Julianâs survival.
At last, the monitors steadied, and Julianâs vital signs stabilized. The other doctors exhaled in relief, exchanging glances of awe. When Julian had arrived, theyâd thought he was beyond saving. Yet Danielleâs steady hands had pulled him back from the brink.
Outside the operating room, Josephâs expression darkened. âIf Julian hadnât been driving her car today, it wouldâve been Danielle hurt in that crash.
Sheâd be the one lying in surgery right now. His eyes turned icy, his thoughts hardening with resolve.
Pulling out his phone, he made a call. "Dig into the truck driverâs background. I want every detail."
When Julian was wheeled out of surgery, Danielle followed, sweat beading her forehead. She hadnât eaten all day, and exhaustion tugged at her from hours of work in the lab, caring for her grandparents, and now this surgery. Still, relief softened her expression. "Danielle, are you all right?" Joseph asked, noting her pale complexion.
"Iâm fine," Danielle reassured him. "Julianâs stable. Heâll wake up tomorrow, but heâll need time to recover."
Joseph nodded, his thoughts dark. Julian had been his trusted aide since he took over Darling Group, loyal and capable.
Danielleâs gaze turned icy as she reflected on the accident. The truck had clearly targeted her. If sheâd been driving, sheâd be the one in Julianâs place now. She couldnât help but feel a pang of guilt.
"Iâve asked someone to investigate the driver," Joseph said, his tone sharp. "It wasnât random. The truck ran a red light-deliberately."
Danielle agreed. This attack, coupled with the poisoning of her grandparents, hinted at a deeper conspiracy.
Pulling out her phone, she sent a message. [Look into the truck driver from todayâs accident near Summit Hospital.]
Shortly after, Emery responded: [Are you okay? Which hospital are you at? Iâll come by.]
[It wasnât me-it was Julian. He was driving my car. Donât come.]
[Iâll investigate and send you what I find.]
Not A Small Town Girl (Danielle and David)
ï¤Chapter 31 Danielleâs thoughts churned. âWas this attack connected to my grandparentsâ poisoning? Or could it be tied to whoever kidnapped me as a child?â
"Joseph, letâs go to the police and see what the driver has to say," Danielle suggested.
On the way, Emery sent over the driverâs information.
[Jack Smith, 47 years old, a truck driver known for being honest and hardworking. A few months ago, he was diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer.
His parents, wife, and son live in a rural hometown.
Two days ago, an offshore account transferred three hundred thousand dollars to Jack. The source is untraceable.]
Police Station.
Joseph and Danielle arrived at the station, where the police chief, Ethan, greeted them personally. "Mr. Darling, youâre here," Ethan said, extending a hand.
Josephâs expression remained cold. "Ethan, has the truck driver said anything?"
Ethan signaled to a man nearby. "Ben, come over. This is Mr. Darling. Update him on the case."
Ben, the lead investigator on the truck driverâs case, nodded respectfully to Ethan before addressing Joseph. "Mr. Darling, the driver, Jack, was heavily intoxicated. We questioned him for hours, but he insists it was just a drunk-driving accident and denies any intent to harm."
Danielle, who had remained silent until then, turned to Ben. "Can I go into the interrogation room?" Ben hesitated, glancing at Ethan.
"Sheâs my sister," Joseph said in an even tone.
Ethan nodded. "Take Miss Darling with you."