Chapter 697

Chapter 697:

Her mind raced with possibilities, each one more terrifying than the last. Without wasting another second, she threw back the covers and shot out of bed.

She barely registered slipping into her clothes. By the time she reached the staircase, a pair of headlights flashed through the window. Phillips was already there.

The ride to the hospital was a blur.

By the time they arrived, Ernest had already gotten there, waiting just outside the emergency wing.

“Ernest,” Hadley called, her voice tight. She rushed toward him, her face pale.

“Don’t worry,” Ernest said with a sigh. “The doctors did an initial check—Eric’s injuries aren’t life-threatening.”

Hadley exhaled, nodding slightly.

“Oh…”

But the words didn’t comfort her. Not life-threatening? That was too vague.

What about the rest of his injuries? Broken bones? Permanent damage? Before she could ask, the door to the trauma center swung open, and a doctor stepped out. Ernest was on his feet in an instant.

“How is my brother?”

“Mr. Flynn, your brother needs to be taken to the operating room immediately. His injuries are extensive—beyond what the trauma center can handle.”

Hadley felt an invisible force press against her chest.

Ernest, however, wasted no time. His jaw tightened, his decision immediate.

𝖀𝗉𝖉𝖆𝗍𝖊𝗌 𝗈𝗇ɩү 𝓰⍺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀ꞏⅽ𝗈𝗆

“Understood. I’ll sign the papers. Just make sure you do everything you can.”

The doctor nodded.

“We’ll do our best, Mr. Flynn.”

Within minutes, the necessary paperwork was signed, and Eric was wheeled out of the trauma room and straight into the operating theater. Hadley didn’t even get a glimpse of him.

A hollow feeling settled in her stomach as she and Ernest found themselves in the waiting area outside the OR.

Ernest exhaled, breaking the silence. He reached out and gave her shoulder a reassuring pat.

“Don’t be afraid.” His voice was calm, unwavering.

“Eric will be fine. The doctor said his injuries aren’t critical.”

Hadley swallowed hard, her throat dry.

“I know, Ernest,” she murmured. Her hands were tightly clasped in her lap, her knuckles pale.

“I’m not afraid.”

This was Ernest Flynn. He wouldn’t let anything happen to his brother. He had the resources, the best doctors, modern medicine—Eric would survive. And yet, Hadley’s heart refused to settle.

After what felt like an eternity, Quentin arrived.

He looked tense, his eyes scanning the room, but Hadley quickly realized—he hadn’t come just for Eric. Linda was here too.

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