Chapter 4 Brain Cancer
Marlowe rushed over, cradling David's head as she sobbed. Jennifer, equally alarmed, quickly called for an ambulance. As the only daughter of the Brown family, Jennifer had always been well-protected.
Now, with her father collapsed, Jennifer realized it was her turn to protect her family.
The ambulance arrived quickly, and the paramedics lifted David onto the stretcher, asking about the cause of his collapse. Jennifer climbed into the ambulance, fighting to keep her fear in check as she answered the doctors' questions.
"I understand the patient's condition," the doctor said, "but we need to do a detailed examination at the hospital to confirm."
David was taken to Riverside General Hospital, the top private hospital in Golden Harbor. Recently, a young director named Francis Carter had taken over the hospital. He had returned from studying abroad and was a top-tier surgeon, especially skilled in intricate brain surgeries. Of course, only the hospital staff knew these details.
As Francis walked through the second-floor corridor, he heard the commotion downstairs and glanced over casually. His gaze froze—there she was, the woman from last night. The one who had stirred his desires but had fled while he was in the shower, leaving cash behind as payment.
Francis, born into a prestigious family with striking looks and high intelligence, couldn't believe she thought he was only worth that much. No, she must have poor eyesight to mistake someone of his elite caliber for a gigolo! It seemed the man on the stretcher was her elder, and she was in tears with worry. Fine, seeing her so pitiful, he decided to let it go for now.
Smiling wryly, Francis shook his head and walked into his office.
After a series of examinations, the doctor called Jennifer into the office with a serious expression. "Given that the patient's mood can affect the progression of his condition, and since you're his daughter, I'll explain his situation to you first. Your family can then decide when to tell him about his condition. David has a tumor in his brain. We can't yet determine if it's benign or malignant. The tricky part is that the tumor is very close to the brainstem. Removing it surgically could easily affect the brainstem's functional area, potentially leading to sensory disruptions or, in the worst case, a vegetative state."
Jennifer grew more and more shocked, her lips trembling as she asked, "What should we do for treatment?"
"David likely had headaches for a while, and this collapse was triggered by stress. So, it's best to keep him calm and avoid further stress to prevent the condition from worsening. We can start with a biopsy to determine the tumor's nature. If it's benign, the cure rate is quite high. Meanwhile, you should look for a highly skilled surgeon, particularly one experienced in delicate brain surgeries, to improve the chances of a successful operation and recovery."
"Thank you, doctor. We'll be careful," Jennifer nodded repeatedly.
Leaving the office, Jennifer leaned weakly against the wall, tears streaming down her face.
Just then, Marlowe called to tell her that David had woken up, urging her to come quickly. Jennifer hurried to the restroom to wipe her tears and touch up her makeup. She decided to keep the diagnosis from David to avoid worrying him.
"Dad, the doctor said you were just too stressed, which made your blood pressure spike and caused you to faint. Just listen to me and take it easy in the hospital for a few days. Get all the necessary tests done. Don't worry about the company; I'll handle things with your team," Jennifer said softly, tucking David in as she spoke.
Marlowe chimed in, "Your blood pressure's been high. Have you been too busy and skipped your medication again? I've told you, you're not young anymore and can't push yourself like you used to. Now that Jennifer has spoken, you better listen."
Not knowing about the tumor, Marlowe truly believed it was just as Jennifer said.
After taking their advice, David finally agreed to rest in the hospital for a few days.
Jennifer then found a moment to tell Marlowe the truth, making Marlowe's face turn pale with fear. "Cancer?"
Jennifer reassured her, "It's not confirmed yet. If it's a benign tumor, it won't be considered cancer, and we can just remove it. Marlowe, please help me keep this from him. The doctor said a positive mood is beneficial for his condition. If anyone from the company comes looking for him, redirect them to me."
Marlowe worried, "Jennifer, you studied jewelry design. Can you handle the company's operations? And what about Eugene, who always opposes you? I'm afraid you won't be able to manage."
Jennifer replied firmly, "Even if I can't do it alone, we have Clarence and Madison at the company. They'll help me. Dad's health is the most important thing right now. He can't be stressed."
Clarence Fisher and Madison Wright were company veterans—one the deputy general manager and the other the finance director. They had been with David since the company's founding, both capable and loyal.
Marlowe nodded, "You're right. I'll take good care of your dad." She wiped her tears and stood up to return to the ward. Before leaving, she turned back to remind Jennifer, "Make sure you find the best doctor for your dad."
Jennifer nodded resolutely, "I will." She had heard that Riverside General Hospital had a new head surgeon, Francis, who was an internationally renowned surgeon. Having him operate would give the highest chance of success.
Despite the nurses' reminders about Francis's busy schedule, Jennifer was determined to do everything she could for David's treatment. The Brown family knew several doctors, including her father's old friend Harry Ford, a chief physician at the hospital. Unfortunately, Harry was an internist and couldn't help with David's brain tumor.
Jennifer approached the surgical reception desk and asked, "Hi, can you tell me which office Dr. Carter is in?"
The nurse looked up to see a young, beautiful woman and responded warily, "Do you have an appointment?"
Jennifer explained, "It's not for me. My dad is a patient here. I heard Dr. Carter is very skilled and wanted to consult with him."
The nurse replied, "You can make an appointment through our hospital platform. Without an appointment, I can't take you to see Dr. Carter." Francis was young and handsome, with many nurses and patients' families vying for his attention. Who knew if this pretty woman was just looking for an excuse to get close to him?