Chapter 55 Not Everyone Has A Golden Heart
At 8:15 PM sharp, Teresa's flight landed at River North International. She immediately switched on her phone and called her brother William.
"I've just landed. How's Dad?" Her voice betrayed her worry.
William's response was grim. "Dad's critical. He needs brain surgery tonight."
Teresa's heart sank. "Brain surgery? What happened?"
"He slipped in the bathroom—a severe cerebral hemorrhage."
Hearing this, Teresa felt her world would implode. Her father's life was hanging by a thread.
"Why wasn't I informed sooner?" Teresa's tears welling up.
"We'll talk later. Just get here," William urged, his tone was heavy with concern.
Despite the high risks, the surgery was less daunting with top neurosurgeon Patrick Shen in charge. William wanted Teresa to see their father before he was sent into the operation room.
Teresa agreed and ended the call, struggling to keep her composure.
She raced off the plane and into the Bennett family car waiting outside. As she was driven to the hospital, a video call from her son, Croissant, came through. His sweet voice and innocent concern for his mother's tears brought a smile to Teresa's face.
After reassuring Croissant and his caretaker Diana, she switched her focus back to the urgent drive to the hospital.
Arriving at the hospital, Teresa bolted to her father's bedside. Seeing him there, prepped for surgery, she couldn't hold back her tears.
"It's okay," her mother, Sophia, consoled her. "He'll be better after the surgery."
William informed her that their father had been unconscious since his fall. Teresa, gathering her strength, spoke words of hope and love to her father, promising to be there for him and her mother.
The family's reunion was cut short as the medical team arrived to take Mr. Bennett to the operating room. William confirmed that Dr. Shen Luanqing, a renowned specialist, was performing the surgery offered them a glimmer of hope.
As they waited outside the OR, William decided to thank Liam for getting Dr. Shen to operate. Teresa was surprised, she hadn't spoken to Liam in years. Sophia explained that Liam had arranged for Dr. Shen's involvement, smoothing over Teresa's confusion.
Teresa supported her mother, suggesting they could at least be friends with Liam. Sophia agreed, but the conversation was interrupted by Liam's call. He was unaware of Mr. Bennett's condition and offered to come to the hospital immediately.
William stood pensive after the call. If Liam hadn't arranged Dr. Shen's involvement, who did? Suspecting Gabriel's hand in this, William's thoughts were interrupted by Sophia's questions about the call.
Liam arrived shortly after, and his presence was a shock to Teresa. He looked at her with a warmth that stirred old feelings. They decided to catch up, and as they walked together, Liam held her hand and apologized.
Liam proposed, willing to leave his family and declare their son publicly to protect Teresa. But she couldn't accept such a sacrifice. Liam understood, explaining how he had prepared to stand by her, no matter what.
"Liam," Teresa hesitated, "Let's wait until Dad's out."
Liam agreed and hugged her.
