Chapter 617 The Meaning of Saving Her
Yvette had never received the miracle drug—not once.
Shock flickered across Clifford's face. His eyes widened, pupils contracting slightly as he struggled to process what he'd heard.
All this time, he'd assumed Yvette was taking the same medication he was, which explained how she'd managed to hold on for so long.
Otherwise, given how rapidly this condition deteriorated—something he knew all too well from personal experience—she should have...
Clifford's entire body went rigid, as if he'd been flash-frozen. Even his fingertips felt stiff and numb. His throat seemed to close up, rendering him momentarily speechless.
He leaned forward slightly, straining to catch every word of Felix and Gabrielle's conversation, desperate to confirm he hadn't misheard.
Gabrielle's voice drifted through the air, "Yvette's health has been declining precisely because she hasn't had access to the miracle drug. Clifford's condition is more severe than hers. We can't let it get any worse."
The confirmation hit like a sledgehammer. Yvette had never received the medication. Clifford found it impossible to breathe.
He'd always prided himself on being level-headed and composed. Even in the face of shocking revelations, he typically maintained his equilibrium, believing there was always a solution to be found.
But now, his carefully constructed facade crumbled, his expression betraying the turmoil raging within.
His face drained of color, lips trembling despite his efforts to regain control. The shock had left an indelible mark that no amount of willpower could conceal.
For Clifford, every sacrifice he'd made to protect Yvette had been driven by one singular hope—that she would live a healthy, peaceful life.
Yet here he was, thriving on Violet's miracle drug, his condition improving daily, while Yvette remained trapped in despair, watching her body fail her.
The guilt crashed over him like a tidal wave. His hands clenched into fists so tight that his knuckles turned bone-white. A storm of anger and confusion raged in his chest. Why had his parents allowed Yvette to suffer like this?
Yvette's face filled his mind—every conversation they'd shared, every moment of vulnerability she'd revealed. The injustice of it all consumed him.
Unable to contain himself any longer, Clifford burst from his hiding place. The door flew open with such force that Felix and Gabrielle jumped in alarm.
His eyes blazed with accusation, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Yvette has never received any of Violet's miracle drug?" The words came out as a roar. "What exactly did you tell me before? What promises did you make? And what have you actually done?"
Felix and Gabrielle froze mid-conversation, fear evident in their expressions. The room plunged into suffocating tension, the kind that makes breathing feel like a conscious effort. Clifford's sudden appearance had transformed the peaceful living room into a battlefield.
His parents exchanged panicked glances, clearly at a loss for words.
"Clifford, how did you—" Gabrielle stammered, her voice trailing off as she looked helplessly toward Felix.
Neither parent understood how Clifford had discovered their conversation or what he intended to do about it. The atmosphere grew so thick with tension it felt almost tangible.
"How did I find out?" Clifford's laugh was bitter and cold. "What if I hadn't overheard you today? Would you have kept this from me forever?"
"Clifford," Felix began, opening his mouth to explain, but Clifford cut him off sharply.
"If I hadn't stumbled upon your little chat, you would have continued lying to me indefinitely, wouldn't you?" His voice rose with each word. "I asked you directly whether Yvette had access to medication. You assured me she was well-supplied. That's the only reason I felt comfortable taking mine!"
Tears welled up in Gabrielle's eyes as she stepped forward, gently grasping Clifford's hands. "Clifford, we know this is difficult. We care about her too—I genuinely believed she had medication."
Her voice cracked with emotion. "We only just learned about her situation ourselves. Do you really think we wouldn't help her if we could? We're doing everything in our power."
"Everything in your power?" Clifford's voice dripped with incredulity. "You've done nothing! If you truly cared about her, this never would have happened!"
Felix spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness. "Clifford, we did care about her initially. But you're our priority now—naturally, other concerns fell by the wayside."
Clifford's voice turned arctic. "But you just said she's 'never' had access to medication. 'Never'—that was your exact word. Surely you understand what that implies?"
Felix and Gabrielle shared another meaningful look, both realizing their deception had finally been exposed. Someone as intelligent as Clifford was bound to piece together the truth.
Gabrielle sighed heavily, attempting to justify their actions. "Clifford, we truly had no choice. If we'd raised this issue with the Swift family and Violet, they might have refused to provide your medication. What would happen to your health then? We're your parents, not hers. Surely you can understand our position?"
"You don't understand anything!" Clifford's emotions reached a breaking point, his voice nearly hoarse with anguish. "I risked my life to save her! If she can't survive, then what was the point of any of my sacrifices? Have you even considered that?"
"We simply can't do what you're asking, Clifford!" Felix's voice was heavy with sorrow. "We're your parents. While you may be willing to sacrifice your life for her, we cannot—and will not—stand by and watch. All we want is for you to live. Can't you understand that?"
"If you want me to live, then find a way for Yvette to get this medication too." Each word was deliberate and unwavering. "Otherwise, I'm done taking it."
"What? Clifford, how can you be so unreasonable!" Gabrielle's composure finally shattered as she grabbed his hands frantically. "Are you threatening us by refusing your medication? We're your parents! How can you treat us this way over some woman?"
Clifford looked down at Felix and Gabrielle, his gaze filled with something that resembled recognition of strangers.
His parents had always embodied integrity and compassion. They'd built their lives from nothing through hard work and kindness, always choosing to help others when possible. But ever since Yvette had entered their lives, they'd become unrecognizable.
"I'm not treating you poorly because of 'some woman,'" his voice trembled slightly. "I'm acting according to the values you instilled in me from childhood. But why? Why have you suddenly changed so completely?"
Felix and Gabrielle exchanged a look of profound pain.
"Clifford," Gabrielle's voice was barely above a whisper, "we taught you to help others when you have the means. But never at the cost of your own life."
Clifford shook his head slowly, his voice resolute. "Her survival—that's the entire point of saving her in the first place."
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