Chapter 180 A Life for a Life
Malcolm responded to Reese's question with a derisive chuckle. "You are my wife, Reese. If I can't put my trust in you, then who can I trust?" he questioned.
Upon hearing his declaration, Reese erupted into a laughter so radiant and stunning that it took Malcolm's breath away. It was a side of her he had never seen before, a side that was sincere and unguarded.
But before Malcolm could lose himself in her laughter, his sister Alyssa's voice brought him back to reality. "Brother, we need a decision, and we need it now."
Snapping back into focus, Malcolm's gaze took on a serious edge. "Let Reese handle it. If anything happens to Grandpa Flynn, I will shoulder the responsibility."
The relatives and friends surrounding them were taken aback, their whispers filled with disbelief.
"Since when did Malcolm become so reckless? He's always been the sensible one. How could he trust an outsider with such a critical task? If anything happens to Grandpa Flynn, not even he can bear the consequences," they murmured among themselves.
"Rumor has it that Reese is nothing more than a troublemaker, seducing and leading people astray, just like those spirits from old tales," another voice chimed in.
"Who in their right mind would entrust the life of a loved one to a stranger?" another added, his tone filled with incredulity.
"This is just absurd... If Reese fails and Grandpa Flynn doesn't wake up, that would be a nightmare," another voice trailed off.
Vincent, on the other hand, had no intention of getting involved in treating Grandpa Flynn. He knew that with the old man's fragile state, any slight movement could be catastrophic, especially if he was suffering from a cerebral hemorrhage. There was a high chance he might not even survive the trip to the hospital.
Despite his medical training, Vincent couldn't be certain of Grandpa Flynn's condition. But it mattered little to him. He highly doubted that Reese could save the old man. Strokes were notorious for claiming the lives of the elderly swiftly and without mercy.
If Reese failed and Grandpa Flynn passed away, all blame would fall squarely on Malcolm. Once the dust settled and Malcolm was forced to step away, severing his ties with the Flynn estate and relinquishing control of family affairs, it would be Vincent's time to shine. So, he chose to remain silent, ready to reap the benefits of the outcome.
Reese held a needle over Grandpa Flynn's head, causing the onlookers to clench their fists in anxiety.
"I hope Reese knows what she's doing. The last thing we need is more drama," one of them murmured.
"What choice do we have? Malcolm gave the go-ahead. It's all in Reese's hands now," another responded, resigned to the situation.
Alyssa, her face taut with tension, whispered to Reese, "You need to get this right, Reese. Use everything you've learned. There's no room for mistakes because if you make one, they'll tear my brother apart."
She was not joking. The Flynn relatives may have gathered under the pretense of celebrating their grandfather's longevity, but Alyssa knew better. They were all waiting for their chance to claim a piece of the Flynn fortune once the old man passed.
Reese remained silent, her focus solely on the task at hand.
Everly, skeptical of the situation, turned to Vincent and asked, "So what's the deal? Are you incapable of treating him, or do you just not want to?"
To her, it was bizarre that Vincent, with his medical background, would allow Reese, a complete amateur, to play the role of savior. It seemed like a cruel joke.
Vincent scoffed lightly, responding in a self-deprecating manner, "I wouldn't dare. I can't bear the responsibility for the potential consequences."
Everly looked at him with contempt. "You're less courageous than a country girl," she sneered.
Vincent was not one to tolerate humiliation easily. Although he maintained a smiling facade, his eyes were cold and unsettling, enough to send shivers down anyone's spine.
"If you continue to underestimate Reese as some country bumpkin, you'll never be able to surpass her. Underestimating your opponent is a cardinal sin. How can you overcome someone whose skills and identity are a mystery to you?" he retorted.
Everly curled her lip in disbelief, convinced that Vincent was merely making excuses for his own incompetence and cowardice.
Reese had finished administering the injection, but Grandpa Flynn showed no signs of recovery. This caused a restless stir among the onlookers who began hurling accusations at Reese.
"Are you even qualified to do this? Don't jeopardize Grandpa Flynn's health. The Flynn family won't let you off the hook."
"Weren't you confident just a moment ago? Why isn't there any reaction now?"
"If something happens to Grandpa Flynn, we're calling the police. You'll be held legally responsible."
"I bet she's doing this on purpose. Grandpa Flynn doesn't like her, and she wants him dead. It's hard to believe someone so young could be so heartless."
Dahlia, overhearing the crowd's insults directed at Reese, felt a surge of satisfaction. It was as if the heavens were conspiring in her favor.
What kind of education or status does Reese possess that could possibly save Grandpa Flynn? She must be intentionally hastening his meeting with the angels.
The crowd's disruptive chatter, interrupting his wife's concentration, made Malcolm's blood boil. In a fit of anger, he commanded, "Justin, if anyone else speaks out of turn, throw them out immediately!"
"Yes, Mr. Flynn," Justin responded, equally annoyed by the relatives' incessant chatter. They were of no help and seemed incapable of keeping quiet.
Lucinda was about to make another remark when Alyssa warned her. "Lucinda, you better keep your mouth shut. Malcolm will kick you out for real."
Considering Malcolm's earlier outburst, Lucinda felt a chill run down her spine and chose to remain silent. After all, she didn't believe Reese was capable.
Just wait until Reese turns out to be the death of Grandpa Flynn, she thought. It would be the perfect opportunity for her to exact her revenge.
Throughout the entire procedure, Malcolm never questioned Reese. Whatever she said, he was willing to trust and support her unconditionally.
The twenty minutes that followed felt like an eternity to everyone present. They were filled with doubt and devoid of hope, all expecting Reese to be humiliated.
Only then did Malcolm notice how his wife, whether accustomed to stormy weather or something else, remained composed and methodical, far from the novice others accused her of being. She was, without a doubt, a master at work.
At that moment, Reese gathered her supplies and stood up. "He'll wake up in half an hour. Let's help him back to his room."
Everly stepped forward, skepticism lacing her voice. "Reese, you claim thirty minutes, but it's already been over twenty. Grandpa can't take much more of this. You better be sure; if he doesn't wake up within that half-hour and something happens to him, how will you compensate?"
Reese shot Everly a chilling glare. "I'll pay with my own life."
Shock flickered across Everly's face; she hadn't expected such a bold declaration from Reese.
But she wasn't afraid – it wasn't her life on the line, after all.
Everly lifted her chin defiantly. "Fine. If Grandpa doesn't wake within the half-hour, we'll call the police and accuse you of premeditated murder."
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