Chapter 388 A Ray of Hope
On the way, the two snapped a ton of pics. Landscapes, selfies, you name it.
Kelsey threw some up in the family group chat.
The Jose family chat used to just be the four of them. But after Nina got accepted into the fam, a few more folks joined. Besides Nina, there was Isabella and Seb. Richard wasn’t into social media, so he wasn’t in it.
Isabella saw the pics and hit up the group chat asking what was going on.
Kelsey told her she was on the road back to Jack's hometown with him.
Zaire threw in a big eye-roll emoji.
Margaret sent a voice message, "When you get to his place, be polite and mind your manners. Since you and Jack aren’t engaged yet, it’s best not to crash at their place. Find a decent hotel nearby and have Jack stay with you. Call us if anything comes up; don’t go off on your own in a huff!"
Kelsey replied: [Got it, Mom.]
Steven had just wrapped up a morning meeting. Seeing the message, he immediately sent some cash.
Jack watched, a smile playing on his lips.
The Jose family vibe was really chill, no wonder Kelsey turned out so sunny and cheerful. This was exactly what Jack had always wanted growing up. His eyes showed a hint of envy.
Seeing this, Kelsey said, "How about I add you to the group too?"
Jack shook his head and smiled. "Let's hold off a bit. We'll wait until we’re engaged and I’ve formally met Margaret and Steven."
Jack was all about doing things right and taking it step by step.
Kelsey respected that. "Okay."
Elodie's surgery took four hours.
Richard and Quentin waited outside the operating room the whole time.
When the doc came out, they immediately asked about Elodie's condition.
The doc threw out a bunch of medical jargon, but the bottom line was it failed.
Elodie's surgery was a bust. According to the doc, she’d never stand again.
Before the surgery, there was still a twenty percent chance. Now, even that was gone.
Richard’s brow furrowed. He couldn’t imagine what was next for him and Nina.
Quentin took a call, then came over and said to Richard, "Burno wants to see you."
In the swankiest hotel suite in the city.
Richard and Quentin walked in, immediately hit by the strong scent of blood.
A figure knelt on the carpet, head bowed, clothes soaked in blood. The smell was overpowering.
"Michael!" Richard’s voice was heavy.
He should’ve seen this coming. Even if Bruno wouldn’t touch him for now, he’d definitely take it out on someone. Michael, being Richard’s closest guy, was the perfect target!
Michael slowly lifted his head, face battered and bruised, half of it swollen, with a nasty cut at the corner of his mouth, covered in a thick scab, looking like a hideous centipede.
Michael said, "I'm fine, Richard."
Richard frowned deeply and turned to look at Bruno, who was calmly sipping tea by the floor-to-ceiling window.
Without a word, Richard dropped to his knees with a thud.
Quentin walked over, bent down, and carefully poured tea for Bruno, his attitude super humble. "Father."
Bruno picked up the teacup, took a sip, and placed it on the edge of the table. "Richard, I ask you, do you want Michael's life, or that woman's life?"
Richard frowned. "Elodie's situation was an accident. I'm here today to give you an explanation."
As he spoke, Richard pulled a short knife from his pocket, removed the sheath, and the sharp blade flashed coldly. Without any hesitation, Richard aimed the knife at his own heart and stabbed down.
"Richard!" Michael let out a low groan, crawling forward a few steps. The movement tugged at his wounds, causing him to feel as though he were being torn apart.
The blade pierced Richard's chest, but thanks to Quentin's timely intervention, it only went halfway in, with a large part still outside.
Richard had aimed for his heart, but the blade had shifted slightly, missing the vital spot.
Quentin turned to Bruno. "Father, Richard cannot die."
Bruno sipped his tea calmly. "Why, do you also think the Black Family can't do without him?"
"That's not what I mean." Quentin shook his head. "I'm just worried about Elodie."
Bruno said nothing.
Quentin continued, "Paralysis is already a fatal blow to Elodie. If Richard also dies, I'm afraid Elodie won't survive!"
Michael glanced at Quentin, feeling grateful to him at that moment. Only by saying this could Richard's life be saved! As long as there was room for negotiation, everyone still had a chance. It all depended on how they played their cards!
After a brief silence, Bruno spoke slowly, "Richard, I'll give you a chance. Marry Elodie, become my son-in-law, and give her a stable life. Then we're good."
Richard supported himself on the ground with one hand, blood gushing from his wound.
He didn't respond to Bruno's demand. The person he wanted to marry was Nina.
Richard had promised Nina that once he finished his tasks, he would retire, marry her, and live a normal life. But now...
Bruno said, "If you don't agree, then let Nina pay for Elodie's legs. Even if you die for her, it won't matter! I'll send her down to meet you soon. Besides her, there are many others; including the Jose family and the Landon Group. I'll deal with them one by one."
Richard's eyes shifted. Nina had suffered too much in the first half of her life; she deserved some happiness now.
Richard asked, "Bruno, can you give me some time?"
Bruno stood up. "I'll give you three days to clean up the mess. Return to Silvercrest, and I'll arrange your wedding with Elodie."
Richard bowed his head, trembling from his wounds, barely able to stand. "Thank you, Mr. Black."
"Coming." Isabella went to open the door. The moment it swung open and she saw Nina standing there, she was initially taken aback. But then, joy spread across her face. She reached out, pulled Nina inside, and embraced her tightly. "Nina!"
Nina seemed to be in a daze. Her clothes were too thin, her face pale, and she didn't look well.
Nina said, "Bella, don't ask anything. I just want to take a shower and change clothes here."
Nina didn't go back to the Jose family or Richard's villa because she didn't want them to see her like this.
Nina wanted to clean herself up first, calm down, and then go back.
"Okay. Okay," Isabella agreed repeatedly, "I'll take you upstairs."
After settling Nina in the bathroom, Isabella quickly called the Jose family.
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