Chapter 457 Believing Patricia Is Not a Murderer
At the hospital, Patricia's condition was assessed as relatively minor. The MRI scans revealed no signs of a concussion, and her recovery was expected to be swift. The cut on her forehead, though initially alarming, was merely superficial and, once disinfected, would heal within days.
After receiving emergency care, she was transferred to an observation ward, accompanied by Martin and two police officers ensuring her custody.
In stark contrast, Shane's situation was far more critical. The medical team dedicated over three hours to his emergency treatment, leaving Jeremy and Ariel in a state of anxious anticipation outside the ER.
When the doctor finally emerged, Jeremy immediately sought an update, his concern palpable. "Doctor, how's my granddad? Is he going to be okay?"
The doctor removed his mask, his expression somber. "The attack on Shane was vicious. I'd speculate that the assailant was either a professional hitman or someone with medical training. The precision of the stab wound aimed directly at Shane's heart was unnervingly accurate."
At these words, Jeremy and Ariel turned ashen. Ariel, overwhelmed by the doctor's grim prognosis, nearly collapsed but was caught by Jeremy.
"Sis, are you alright?" he asked.
Ariel shook her head fiercely, trying to stay conscious. "Patricia is a doctor!"
Her quiet words sent a shiver down Jeremy's spine.
"Sis, you... you think it's Patricia?" he blurted out, before quickly scrambling to defend her. "No way, I can't imagine Patricia doing anything to hurt Grandpa. Why would she? Our whole family has been nothing but kind to her."
Ariel's mind was a whirlwind of confusion, unsure of what she was thinking or saying, just shaking her head incessantly.
Seeing her silence, Jeremy turned to the doctor. "How's he doing? Is he in danger?"
The doctor let out a sigh. "The outlook isn't great. But... the attacker probably didn't count on Shane's heart being on the right side. Had the knife pierced his heart, he would have died on the spot, not even making it to the hospital."
"What? Grandpa's heart is on the right side?" Jeremy and Ariel were stunned.
Why had they never heard Grandpa mention that his heart was on the right side?
After the initial shock subsided, boundless relief swept over them.
"Does that mean Grandpa might be alright?" Jeremy asked, his voice tinged with excitement.
The doctor shook his head. "Hard to say. The heart wasn't hit, but Shane is of advanced age, and the wound is deep. His survival hinges on his resilience and will to live. We are doing all we can."
His words echoed in Jeremy and Ariel's minds, over and over. As they regained their composure, Jeremy and Ariel realized the doctor had departed, Shane had been moved to the ICU, and they were stationed outside the intensive care unit's doors. It was here that Riley and Sebastian found them, sitting in a daze on the bench.
They exchanged a glance before Riley asked, "How's Grandpa?"
At the sound of his voice, Ariel and Jeremy slowly looked up. Fear was evident in their eyes, but as they focused on Riley, a glimmer of awareness returned.
Ariel collapsed into Riley's embrace, her grip tight around his waist as she sought solace in his presence. She buried her face in his chest and wept softly. "Riley, I'm so scared. I'm terrified that Grandpa will never wake up, that something terrible has happened to him."
Her parents were no longer with her, having passed away, and her grandmother had left them a few years prior. Now, her grandfather, her unwavering supporter and the biggest fan of her life's journey, was fighting for his life. He had always been her safe haven, showering her with unconditional love and support. Losing him meant facing the world utterly alone.
Riley, understanding her feelings, gently pated her back to comfort her. "Don't be afraid. You still have me, Jeremy, and Sebastian. We're all here for you."
Ariel knew their kindness was sincere, but it couldn't compare to the unique bond she shared with her grandfather. Grandpa's love was unconditional, making her feel protected and cherished. Amidst her despair, she felt powerless, her tears the only release for her pent-up fears and frustrations.
Jeremy, though worried, managed to maintain his composure and relay the doctor's words clearly.
Riley's gaze, intense and somber, betrayed a deep concern that was not immediately apparent. However, those close to him recognized the simmering anger beneath his composed exterior. Known for his extraordinary patience, Riley's rare displays of temper were formidable, often leaving others at a loss.
Jeremy glanced at him cautiously. "Riley, even though everything points to Patricia, I believe she's innocent. We've always been good to Patricia. Why would she harm Grandpa, especially today of all days?"
Why kill in such a brazen way? Couldn't she have done it secretly?
Riley didn't seem to hear him and didn't respond, his expression unchanged. "Take Ariel back home. Leave this to Sebastian and me."
Jeremy shook his head firmly, refusing. "No, I want to stay with you. I'm so worried about Grandpa. I wouldn't be able to sleep even if I went back now."
Riley's brows furrowed. "Ariel needs to rest. You can both come back tomorrow."
His stern demeanor left Jeremy with no room to argue. Reluctantly, he agreed and departed with an initially resistant Ariel.
Riley and Sebastian then occupied the seats that Jeremy and Ariel had vacated. A profound silence enveloped the room, with both men lost in their thoughts, neither speaking a word.
The silence was eventually broken by the ring of Sebastian's phone. He answered with a terse, "Okay, got it," before ending the call and standing up. "The cops just called. Patricia's awake."
Sebastian, being Patricia's lawyer, was naturally the point of contact for the police.
Riley rose to his feet as well. "I'm coming with you."
Understanding Riley's concern and sensing the mystery surrounding the events, Sebastian simply nodded. After a brief word with the nurse, they headed to the observation room together.
Patricia had just regained consciousness, a bandage on her forehead. Her complexion was pale, and her lips were colorless, telltale signs of her recent trauma. She was still disoriented, grappling with her cloudy mind.
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