Chapter 324 Helplessness
Susan tried to see things from Henry's perspective and realized, if she were in his shoes, she'd be in a tough spot too.
Deep down, Susan still had a soft spot for Henry. He wasn't a bad dude; actually, he had a strong sense of right and wrong.
But she was clueless about how to comfort him now. She reached out, thinking about giving Henry a pat on the shoulder.
Then she hesitated. Maybe it wasn't the best idea. Better to keep her distance for now; she'd had enough of Dorothy's nasty comments.
So, she pulled her hand back and looked at the heartbroken Henry, saying, "I know you're going through a rough patch. Maybe letting it out will help. Dorothy and Amanda aren't in any real danger. Chill out before you head back in."
With that, Susan turned to get out of the car.
Henry lifted his head and said, "Susan, what should I do?"
Susan frowned and said, "This is your call, man. But think it through and try not to hurt anyone, including yourself."
Then she got out of the car.
Susan walked quickly toward the emergency department, feeling all sorts of conflicted. Honestly, she hoped Henry could calm Dorothy down first. Dorothy was on the edge, and if things went south, it could get dangerous. Amanda was just a kid and didn't need more drama.
But if Henry gave in to Dorothy, he'd be miserable, stuck in that toxic vibe every day. He'd lose it eventually.
Susan knew she couldn't change how things would go, so she shook her head, trying not to overthink it. She was just thankful her family was okay today.
Susan peeked into one of the emergency rooms. Inside, Dorothy and Amanda were on hospital beds, with doctors checking them out.
Dorothy's eyes were full of spite, her face stiff, while Amanda's big eyes looked so empty and pitiful.
Seeing that Dorothy and Amanda weren't in any real danger, Susan felt a bit of relief.
She didn't go in because she knew Dorothy had too many issues with her. Going in would just piss Dorothy off more, and that could lead to more drama.
So, Susan turned and walked into another emergency room.
Catherine was half-lying on the bed, looking pale.
James, standing by the bed, quickly asked the doctor, "Doc, how is she?"
"She got really worked up, which spiked her blood pressure, but it's down now. No big deal. Just make sure she rests and keeps her cool." With that, the doctor left.
After the doctor left, James saw his chance to show he cared. He handed over a cup of water, saying, "Catherine, have some water!"
"I don't want any." Catherine turned her face away, looking both disgusted and helpless.
"Just take a sip. I checked; Dorothy and Amanda are fine. Chill out!" James insisted, shoving the cup in Catherine's face, making it impossible for her to refuse.
Seeing this, Susan stormed in and snapped, "Didn't you hear? My mom doesn't want any water!"
James, taken aback by Susan's sudden entrance, said, "Watch your mouth!"
Susan ignored him, walked up to Catherine, and asked with a frown, "Mom, you feeling any better?"
"Much better," Catherine replied.
"Help me go see them," Catherine said afterward.
"Okay." Susan nodded, then helped Catherine off the bed and headed to Dorothy and Amanda's room.
As they reached the door, Susan and Catherine saw Henry sitting by Dorothy's bed, making them pause.
Henry said, "Dorothy, I just called the lawyer and told him to drop the lawsuit immediately."
Hearing this, Catherine and Susan were stunned.
Dorothy, who had turned her face away, was also surprised. She slowly turned her head to look at Henry, her eyes showing more life than before.
"Do you mean you're not divorcing me?" Dorothy asked in disbelief.
Henry shook his head. "No, I'm not."
Upon confirmation, Dorothy immediately sat up, happily taking Henry's hand and placing it on her face, saying emotionally, "Henry, I knew you wouldn't let Amanda and me down. You're not that heartless!"
Henry said nothing. Susan couldn't see his expression, but she could imagine Henry's misery at that moment.
Amanda, sitting on the bed, looked at Henry and then at Dorothy with a vacant expression, showing no emotion.
Susan deeply regretted it. If she hadn't dragged Dorothy to find Henry and make him take responsibility back then, maybe Henry and Dorothy wouldn't be living like this now.
At this moment, Dorothy looked at Henry and said, "Henry, Amanda and I are fine. Can we go home now? I want to go home right now."
Henry nodded blankly, as if in agreement.
"Then go and handle the discharge papers for Amanda and me," Dorothy urged.
"Okay," Henry said, then turned and walked to the door. Seeing Catherine and Susan standing there, he nodded at them and left expressionlessly.
Susan then helped Catherine into the room.
"Dorothy," Catherine said, stepping forward to touch Dorothy's forehead. Despite her anger, she felt more relief and excitement seeing Dorothy and Amanda safe and sound.
"Mom, I'm sorry for worrying you," Dorothy said, hugging Catherine and shedding a couple of happy tears.
"Don't do anything foolish again," Catherine said, stroking Dorothy's head.
"Okay," Dorothy nodded obediently.
Susan stood by the window, coldly observing everything.
Although she had been extremely worried about Dorothy earlier, they could no longer be close.
Susan noticed Amanda sitting on the bed and felt something was off with her.
But looking at Dorothy, Susan ultimately didn't step forward to check on Amanda's condition. Dorothy might accuse Susan of wishing her ill, and Susan didn't want to continue hurting each other with Dorothy.
At this moment, Dorothy looked up, her gaze sweeping over Susan, then sneered, "Henry suddenly decided not to divorce me, and we've reconciled. Are you disappointed?"