Chapter 2236
Bella wasted no time. She rushed to the hospital with Steven by her side.
On their way to the hospital, Steven noticed how pale Bella was. His heart was filled with worry, and he could not help but urge her.
"Ms. Bella, you should go back and rest. You haven't fully recovered yet. You're pushing yourself too hard now. This late-night rush will take a toll on your health."
"I'm alright. I'm just worried about Grandpa Nigel..." Bella closed her tear-filled eyes. She felt a sharp pain in her chest, a bitterness rising within her.
Nigel's sudden illness stemmed from his distress over his gravely injured, unconscious grandson.
Yet, the one who had inadvertently caused this tragedy was none other than herself, the granddaughter whom Nigel had always cherished as his own.
By the time they reached the hospital, Bella's cold sweat had drenched her suit. She felt her steps were unsteady, as if she were walking on clouds. Outside the hospital ward, Matt was already waiting. "Uncle Matt, I'm sorry I'm late." Bella's voice choked as her eyes welled up with tears.
"It's never too late. Please come in."
Matt stepped aside to make way for Bella. Bella, who had always been fearless and forthright, now hesitated at the door, feeling anxious.
"Aside from the second young master, you're the one Mr. Salvador loves the most among his grandchildren."
Matt saw through her turmoil and gently reassured her. "Go on, Ms. Thompson. Old Master Nigel has been waiting for you."
As she stepped into the ward, warm sunlight bathed the space where Nigel lay. He weakly propped up against the headboard, half-awake.
"Grandpa Nigel..." Bella walked softly to the bedside, her voice tightened with guilt.
Nigel forced his tired eyes open. A faint smile broke through his sickly demeanor as he reached out a frail hand toward her.
"Anna, you've come? I knew you would... You were always the most filial child."
Bella thought she had her emotions under control. But with just a few simple words from Nigel, her defenses crumbled. Like a child who had done something wrong, she stood by his bedside, sobbing uncontrollably. "Grandpa Nigel... I'm so sorry... It's all my fault... I caused Justin's suffering..."
"Silly child. I knew... You'd say this the moment you got here."
Nigel held her thin, cold hand, heartbroken by how much weight she had lost. "I've never blamed you. Remember, no matter what
happens, you will always be
my
most beloved child. I was worried
you'd overthink things, that you'd exhaust yourself... That's why I had Matt reach out to you."
Tears streaked Bella's delicate face. It was a sight that would break anyone's heart.
"My dear, do you know what I fear the most?"
Nigel sighed deeply. "If Justin never wakes up, what will you do then? Your family is all in Hatchbay Your brothers will eventually marry and have wives, children, and responsibilities. If Justin doesn't wake up, who will be there to stay by side and protect you? Besides, I Read
You
know how deeply you love my grandson. I know you both would give your lives for each other. But if, just if, Justin never wakes up..."
"Grandpa Nigel, please don't scare
yourself like this. Justin will wake up. He definitely will!" Bella lifted hem trembling hand fiercely wiping away the hot tears from the corners of her eyes, her voice determined. "As long as he remains unconscious, I'll stay by his side. If it takes a lifetime for him to wake up, I'll wait a lifetime!"
"What's the point of saying all these lofty, empty words when the situation is already like this?!" Someone interrupted.
Bella turned back, tears brimming in
her eyes, only to see,
see Gregory storm
into thexbom/radiating anger and En frustration. He stopped before her.
"Gregory... Why are you shouting?" Nigel asked.