Chapter 149

Elena's POV

After finalizing the contract with Connor, William questioned Dennis while I was gathering my things.

"How did you find that sniper?" William asked bluntly.

Dennis tensed visibly, his eyes darting nervously to the door. "I... I found him through your friend's connections. The one who owns the place we're staying at."

"It cost a fortune," Dennis added quickly, turning to me. "Five thousand dollars for just one job, Elena."

I patted his head. "I'll compensate you when we get back."

---

Later that evening, after successfully transferring all the money to my uncle Mason's account, Dennis approached me.

"You gave everything to Mason?" he asked, his voice tinged with doubt. "Are you sure he won't just keep it all?"

I looked down at my hands, a familiar weight settling in my chest. "He won't. And even if he did, I wouldn't blame him. What I owe his family... I can never repay in this lifetime."

Dennis's face went pale. I knew he understood what I was referring to.

"I heard his daughter's death was actually her own fault," Dennis ventured cautiously. "Why do you keep carrying this burden?"

"It may have been her fault," I admitted quietly, "but Mason and Cinda only had that one daughter."

Dennis's expression darkened. He retreated to his room without another word and didn't emerge for the rest of the night.

---

The next morning, I noticed Dennis's room remained quiet. I assumed he was still sleeping, so I didn't disturb him.

"Dennis must have gone for a morning run. Let's eat first and bring something back for him," William said.

As we enjoyed our peaceful meal, William frowned, seemingly deep in thought.

"I'm worried about Oliver's retaliation," he said, sipping his coffee. "Even though Dennis scared him off with that sniper, he won't let this go easily."

"Maybe we should return to Moonhaven?" he suggested hopefully.

I shook my head firmly. "No. I'll handle Oliver myself."

Just then, my phone rang. I didn't recognize the number but answered anyway.

"Ms. Winter?" a woman's voice asked. "You're over an hour late for work. Is everything alright?"

I frowned in confusion. "Work?"

"Mr. Grey said you'd be coming in today. He has an important project he needs you to handle."

I was so shocked I sprayed a mouthful of milk across the table. I didn't expect that after the conflict with Oliver last night, he not only didn't take revenge but also let me continue working.

Richard's POV

"What happened? How did Lily suddenly develop such a high fever?" I demanded as Ethan drove me from the airport directly to the hospital.

I'd barely stepped off the plane when I received the alarming call about Lily's condition. My mind was racing with worry.

"While you were away, the children were staying at the Blackwood Manor," Ethan explained carefully. "Your father was concerned that Anna might not be providing adequate care, so he brought Kathy, Max, and Lily to stay with him."

"Were they not taken care of properly?" I asked.

Ethan hesitated before answering. "I believe there may have been some... relaxation of the dietary restrictions."

As we pulled up to Sunrise Medical Center, I spotted a familiar figure by the entrance—Emma was holding a trembling Lily in her arms, apparently trying to leave.

"Emma!" I called out, my voice dropping to a dangerous tone. "What are you doing here? Where are you taking my daughter?"

Emma's face lit up with what appeared to be genuine delight. "Richard! You're finally back!" She adjusted Lily in her arms. "I'm taking her to get proper treatment. This hospital is completely inadequate—they can't even cure a simple illness!"

Ethan stepped forward, his voice firm but respectful. "Ms. Wells, this is one of the best medical facilities in the region. What makes you think they can't help her?"

"She's already so weak," he added, looking at Lily with concern. "Moving her now could be dangerous."

I ignored their argument, focusing entirely on my daughter. I took Lily from Emma's arms, alarmed by the heat radiating from her small body.

"Lily?" I called softly, my heart clenching at how fragile she looked.

"Daddy..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Fear shot through me like an electric current. Without another word to Emma, I turned and carried Lily back into the hospital.

In the pediatric chief's office, the doctor explained Lily's condition while I struggled to control my mounting anger.

"Mr. Blackwood, according to our diagnosis, your daughter is suffering from a common fever and gastroenteritis," the doctor said, consulting his notes.

He gestured toward Emma, who had followed us inside. "This lady insisted our treatment plan was incorrect and attempted to remove the child from our care. We were quite concerned."

"This is absolutely unacceptable!" Emma suddenly jumped up from her chair, her face flushed with anger as she confronted the doctor. "She came in last night with a high fever, and now it's even worse! How can you call this proper treatment?"

I watched silently as Emma's tirade continued, my focus entirely on Lily's small, feverish body on the hospital bed. Her usually rosy cheeks were now pale and clammy, her breathing shallow.

"Ma'am, we're following standard protocol," the doctor argued, visibly struggling to maintain his professional composure. "These symptoms take time to—"

"Time?" Emma scoffed, cutting him off. "You don't understand what's happening in her body! This isn't just any fever – it's dangerous for a six-year-old to maintain this temperature for so long!"

The doctor's face turned crimson with indignation. "I've been practicing pediatric medicine for fifteen years. I know what I'm doing."

Emma's laugh was cold and dismissive. "Then why is she getting worse instead of better? You haven't even identified the real cause. You have no idea what's happening inside her body."

I remained silent, but my patience was wearing dangerously thin. Every labored breath Lily took sent a spike of fear through my chest.

Emma turned to me, her eyes intense. "Richard, trust me. This isn't working. At this temperature, she could go into seizures any minute."

The doctor spluttered in protest, but I'd heard enough.

"Enough," I growled, my voice low and dangerous. "Ethan, get the car ready. We're leaving. Now."

Ethan's eyes widened slightly, but he nodded and immediately left the room. The doctor stepped forward, alarm written across his face.

"Mr. Blackwood, I strongly advise against this. Removing your daughter from medical care at this stage could—"

"I said enough." The edge in my voice silenced him instantly. I carefully gathered Lily in my arms, feeling the heat radiating through her nightgown.

Emma nodded approvingly. "Smart decision, Richard."