Chapter 450
Margaret Lefèvre paced anxiously across the living room until Scarlett Galatea appeared at the doorway. Only then did her racing heart settle slightly.
"The Dowager's condition has suddenly worsened."
Scarlett's chest tightened. Her fingernails dug into her palms unconsciously.
"What happened?"
"After dinner, she complained of dizziness. When she lay down to rest, she started vomiting." Margaret's voice trembled. "I couldn't reach the Master."
"Father is on a flight." Scarlett recalled her father's parting instructions, her brow furrowing.
"Has the doctor arrived?"
"He's upstairs examining her now."
Scarlett glanced at the open door on the second floor but didn't rush up. Standing at the foot of the stairs, her chest felt like it was weighed down by a stone.
Her grandmother's health had been declining over the past two years, but only minor ailments. Tonight's episode was the first serious one in a long time.
Even if her father turned around immediately, it would take hours for him to return. Too late to be of any help.
"Doctor!" Scarlett hurried forward as the family physician descended.
"I recommend immediate hospitalization for further tests." The doctor's expression was grave. "The Dowager's condition isn't promising."
Scarlett's vision darkened momentarily. She nearly lost her balance.
"Is it critical?"
The doctor's silence spoke volumes.
"Let's get her to the hospital first for a full examination." His words were carefully measured.
After seeing the doctor out, Scarlett rushed upstairs. The elderly woman on the bed looked gaunt, aged years in mere days.
"We're leaving for the hospital now!"
In the ambulance, Scarlett clutched her grandmother's hand so tightly her nails left crescent marks in her own palm.
"You must stay strong, Miss." Margaret's eyes were red-rimmed as she tried to comfort her.
Scarlett nodded mechanically, her fingers moving on their own to dial a number.
On the terrace of Château Blanc, Sebastian Valdemar arched an eyebrow at the name flashing on his phone screen.
"Scarlett?"
He glanced at Evelyn Roland beside him before answering.
"Sebastian..." Scarlett's voice cracked through the line, thick with unshed tears. "My grandmother is critically ill. Can you come to the hospital with me?"
Evelyn's wine glass paused mid-air.
"Send me the address." Sebastian's response was clipped.
"Massachusetts General Hospital! We're en route now!"
Too distraught to notice Sebastian's use of "we," Scarlett hung up.
Turning to Evelyn, Sebastian asked, "Coming to the hospital?"
"Of course." Evelyn's lips curved into a cold smile as she drained her glass.
An inexplicable weight settled in Sebastian's chest.