Chapter 483 Wait a Moment
Ron barely glanced at the street thugs, saying nothing. But that single look sent a chill of terror through their bodies.
They all knew what happened to people who crossed the Harvey family, Sovereign City's most powerful clan.
After Ron ushered James into the Rolls-Royce, another black vehicle pulled up to haul the thugs away. Their fate was sealed.
James paid little attention to their predicament. His mind was on more pressing matters.
"Ron, how is Riley's condition now?" he asked, recalling the brain damage he'd noted in her medical files last night.
"She remains unconscious, Mr. Williams," Ron replied with unwavering deference. "Madam gathered renowned specialists for a consultation today."
He sighed softly. "She hoped their collective wisdom might achieve a breakthrough, but the morning passed without progress." A pause. "Now our hopes rest with you, sir."
When Ron first saw James, he'd been shocked that someone so young could possess such legendary medical skills. But knowing that even Doctor Knoll was James's disciple had forced him to believe.
James didn't mind the family consulting other experts—people in the Harveys' position would grasp at any thread of hope.
"Has Daryl arrived?" James asked.
"Dr. Fields remains elusive as always," Ron smiled ruefully. "However, Miss Edith Fields is here—his granddaughter who inherited his techniques and studied briefly under Brooke."
"She arrived in Sovereign City at noon," he added. "She should be at the mansion by now."
James frowned slightly. "Riley and Brooke are close friends. He couldn't come himself?"
After the Simon incident, Brooke's reputation had skyrocketed. The Apollo Team was now sought after by the wealthy and powerful both domestically and internationally, commanding astronomical fees.
"Madam invited him," Ron explained, "but he's in the middle of a critical treatment and couldn't return immediately."
James fell silent, gazing out the window.
"Mr. Williams, this is Sovereign City Forest Park!"
"Here are the landmark Twin Towers!"
"This is the new urban district under development..."
Noticing James's interest in the passing scenery, Ron offered a running commentary of the city.
James studied Michelle's hometown with narrowed eyes. Sovereign City was a port with rich cultural heritage, evident in the breathtaking traditional architecture that dotted the landscape.
Unlike other cities that readily demolished old structures, Sovereign City preserved its ancient buildings, focusing development in carefully selected new zones.
As they passed the vibrant new district, James's attention was drawn to a large, overgrown plot of land sitting untouched amidst dozens of construction sites.
"What's that place? Prime location, yet completely undeveloped?"
Ron leaned forward to look, then smiled knowingly.
"That was once Apricot Blossom Forest, purchased by the Garcia family over twenty years ago."
"Back then, this area was practically wilderness—no subway, no commercial centers, just scattered farmhouses and orchards."
"I heard a young Garcia girl loved playing in the Apricot Blossom Forest, so her father bought the entire area as a birthday gift for her."
"About a hundred acres for just over a million dollars."
"Its value has multiplied exponentially, especially now that it's within the new urban center. The land is worth a fortune."
"It's arguably the Garcia family's best investment, worth more than their decades-old tea brand."
"However, the property rights are complicated. The Harvey family offered five billion dollars for it, but the legal ownership isn't with the Green family corporation, making a transaction legally impossible."
Ron's face showed regret. "And since it wasn't zoned as commercial land originally, the government can't reclaim it despite its abandonment."
The Garcia family's daughter? A birthday gift?
James froze momentarily, thoughts turning to Michelle. The Garcias were notoriously biased toward their male heirs—the only one who might have spent a million dollars on a daughter's gift would have been his late grandfather.
He didn't pursue the subject, instead pulling out his phone to send quick messages to Olivia and Patrick.
Twenty minutes later, the Rolls-Royce glided into the Harvey estate. While not as imposing as the Lee Mansion gardens, it possessed an elegant refinement. The car circled halfway around before stopping at a small castle-like structure.
Ron opened the door with a bow. "This way, Mr. Williams."
James nodded and followed him toward the main hall.
"The wound on the back has significant necrosis."
"The bullet fragment near the scapula has shifted under pressure. Immediate surgery is essential to prevent complications."
"Most critically, there's an intracranial hematoma, and severe central nervous system dysfunction."
As they entered, the hall opened before them—several round marble tables surrounded by state-of-the-art medical equipment. Projectors displayed images on two walls.
Dozens of distinguished medical experts sat in chairs, their expressions both authoritative and concerned as they examined various test results.
Their discussion was intense but hushed, their solemn faces betraying anxiety over the patient's condition.
Around the perimeter stood more than a dozen men and women—servants and bodyguards—silently attending to the doctors' needs.
Among the crowd, James noticed a young woman in white, perhaps in her mid-twenties, with striking features and an air of superiority. Her resemblance to Daryl was unmistakable.
The appearance of Ron and James drew only momentary glances before everyone returned to their urgent work.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for your efforts!"
As Ron prepared to lead James upstairs, several people descended the spiral staircase.
At the front was a woman in her forties wearing purple, with a perfectly proportioned figure that moved with effortless grace.
She reminded James of a bottomless well—no dramatic waves or currents, yet impossible to gauge her depths.
Her tranquility wasn't affected but forged through years of life's trials. Something about her calm presence felt strangely familiar to James.
"Madam!" The doctors, including Edith, rose respectfully at her appearance.
This was clearly Acacia Harvey.
James thought to himself: Truly elegant and beautiful, as expected.
"Thank you all for your hard work," Acacia acknowledged them warmly, without a trace of arrogance. Then her tone shifted:
"Despite implementing your treatment plans, Riley remains unconscious. Her vital signs have declined somewhat—not dangerously, but it's not a good sign."
"This indicates her body cannot withstand much more experimentation."
"Moving forward, I need all treatment protocols to be optimized as much as possible."
Her noble face conveyed genuine concern. "Today, Riley can only endure one final treatment."
"You're too kind, Madam. This is our duty," the medical experts responded respectfully, though their tones grew heavier. The declining indicators meant their previous efforts had been in vain.
They would need to proceed with even greater caution, knowing only one attempt remained.
Edith, however, lifted her head with confidence and began writing a prescription.
"Madam, Mr. Williams has arrived," Ron announced, guiding James forward.
James smiled at Acacia. "Hello, Mrs. Harvey."
"Mr. Williams, you're here. Excellent. Thank you for making the journey." Acacia shook his hand lightly. "Riley's fate rests in your hands."
She had extra confidence in anyone Brandon recommended.
"You're too kind, Madam. Saving lives is my responsibility," James reassured her. "Please don't worry. I will wake Riley."
"I believe in you, Mr. Williams." Acacia gestured toward the stairs. "Please, follow me. I'll take you to the patient."
James didn't hesitate, falling into step behind her.
"Wait, Madam!"
Before they could take more than a few steps, Edith stepped forward to block their path.