Chapter 274 I Want My Daughter
"Where are we going now?" Laura asked, concerned.
"We follow her," Isabella replied.
"Do you know where she's going?"
Isabella paused for a moment before saying, "I have a hunch." Laura's curiosity was piqued even more, so she pressed on, "Where to?"
Turning the corner, they were greeted by a large building. Isabella glanced at the building and nodded slightly. "We're here."
Laura turned her head and stared through the windshield at the hospital's building.
Meanwhile, Emma's car had already passed through the gate and turned left into the hospital's underground parking lot.
Isabella followed quickly.
Once they were in the underground parking lot, the light became much dimmer, and after two turns, they saw Emma waiting by the elevator.
Emma had alighted from her car as soon as Isabella's approached, and her gaze had been following the car, as if she were deliberately waiting for them.
Isabella parked the car nearby, unbuckled her seatbelt, and walked towards Emma.
"Isabella, you're here," Emma smiled. "Matthew has been wanting to see you. He'll be thrilled if he knows you're here." With that, she turned and pressed the elevator button.
Isabella looked at her and asked, "Are you friends with Mrs. Nelson?"
Emma didn't answer the question directly, but instead smiled and handed Isabella a paper bag. "This is Matthew's favorite. I'll leave it to you, Bella, to personally deliver it to him."
Since Matthew was rushed to the hospital, Emma had called Isabella repeatedly, using every method available to persuade her to visit Matthew. Isabella had taken Emma's number off the blacklist only after Samantha was arrested, having told Matthew to die during one of those calls.
Today, when Isabella went to find Nathaniel, her guess about Emma's intentions was confirmed.
Isabella didn't reach out to grab the paper bag. "Mrs. Landon, if you want me to visit Matthew, besides convincing Ophelia to help me, I also need to know where my daughter is."
"Bella, I'm truly sorry about your daughter. I may not be able to help, but as long as you visit Matthew, I guarantee I'll help find her." Emma was earnest.
Isabella locked eyes with her for a moment before breaking into a smile. "Mrs. Landon, would I fall for the same trick twice? If you really want me to see Matthew, stop using these empty assurances to fool me."
"Bella..."
"I want my daughter back, and Ophelia's help. Without either, I won't be visiting Matthew. Even if you manage to force me there, remember, I can bring Matthew back to life, and I can just as easily take it away from him again."
Emma's expression was complex as she struggled to speak, "All I know is that Charles initially planned to send your daughter to Emerald Isle City. However, something went wrong, and she disappeared. Not just me, Charles himself isn't sure where your daughter ended up."
"Emerald Isle City?" Isabella frowned, completely puzzled about the connection between Lakina and Emerald Isle City.
Without waiting for her to ask, Emma said, "Emerald Isle City is Anna's hometown. I've actually been discreetly sending people to look for your daughter, and Seb has also sent a team there. Didn't he tell you?"
Isabella was at a loss for words. She couldn't determine the truth of Emma's statements at the moment, and Seb had only mentioned Seaside City, not Emerald Isle City. This was something she'd need to confirm with Seb later.
Emma continued, "That's all I know for now. If you're concerned about Ophelia, I can call her right now and arrange a meeting for you."
She pulled out her phone and began dialing.
Isabella watched quietly, not stopping her.
The phone rang a few times before it was answered, and Ophelia's voice came through, "Emma, why did you leave so soon? I just changed into the outfits you picked out for me and didn't get a chance to show you. But honestly, you have great taste—I've loved everything you chose for me."
"I'm glad you like them," Emma responded. "Actually, I know Ms. Miller, who was looking for Nathaniel at your place earlier. Ophelia, could you do me a favor and let Nathaniel meet with her?"
"You know her?" Ophelia sounded surprised. "Why didn't you mention that earlier?"
"I wasn't sure of the details, and it didn't seem appropriate to get involved. After leaving your place, I asked her, and she only wants to meet with Nathaniel. I've already promised to help her, so I'm asking you now."
There was a pause on the other end as Ophelia held the phone in one hand and adjusted her dress in front of the full-length mirror, eventually giving in, "Alright. Given our long-standing friendship and all the help you've given me with my outfits, I'll let Nathaniel meet with her. But just so you know, I won't be involved in any business matters. Whether they make a deal or not is up to Ms. Miller's skills."
"Understood," Emma nodded. "I'll let her know when Nathaniel is available."
"Great."
After a few more pleasantries, the call ended.
Emma turned to Isabella, "Is that okay now?"
"Thanks." Isabella finally took the paper bag from Emma and stepped into the elevator.
Matthew was still under scrutiny, even while hospitalized. There was always someone stationed at the ward door. His movements were restricted to the ward itself, and anyone visiting had to go through a process, including registration and security checks. Not only were dangerous items prohibited, but even phones were not allowed.
Due to these restrictions, only one visitor was allowed in at a time.
As Isabella pushed open the door, she was immediately hit by the strong scent of disinfectant.
The window in the hospital room was only cracked open a tiny slit. Matthew lay in the bed, and he looked even worse than before.
Isabella was struck with shock the moment she saw him.
His hair was disheveled, his face gaunt and skeletal, his eyes deeply sunken, and his overall appearance was weary and haggard. The man in the bed bore no resemblance to the Matthew she remembered; he seemed like a stranger entirely.
At the sound of footsteps, Matthew opened his eyes. For a moment, his dull gaze fixed on Isabella standing at the foot of the bed with a look of confusion.
But as soon as he recognized her face, it was as if a surge of energy flowed through him. Matthew shot up from the bed in a sudden, forceful movement, causing himself and the sheets to tumble to the floor. The needle in his hand was yanked out, leaving splatters of blood on the pristine white sheets.
Before Isabella could recover from her shock, Matthew was already at her side, pulling her into his embrace with a desperate urgency.
