Chapter 134 It's Not a Delusion
Somewhere in an abandoned housing development in Majestic City, in a room inside one of the unfinished buildings.
Anthony stood in the empty doorway smoking.
This development had been started by a small developer, but with the real estate market struggling these past two years, funding had dried up before construction was complete. The property had been transferred to the Watson Group as collateral for debt.
Anthony had brought his team today to assess the asset's value.
Fall was setting in, and the cool wind blew through the unglazed window openings, making the red tip of his cigarette glow intermittently in the breeze.
Leo walked over after taking a phone call, looking somewhat hesitant. "Mr. Watson, still no news."
Anthony's expression remained blank. He pulled out another cigarette and lit it, taking a few drags before saying, "She can't get out of Majestic City. Keep looking—focus on powerful, well-connected families."
It had been almost two weeks since Cassidy ran away. During those two weeks, he'd had people search over and over, but they still hadn't found her.
He didn't believe Cassidy had the ability to escape from his network. She had to still be in Majestic City—he just hadn't found her yet.
For someone to hide a person under his nose this long, they had to have some serious connections. He suspected the Tucker family first, but they were involved in military and political circles, so he couldn't afford to offend them lightly.
Still, finding Cassidy was just a matter of time.
Leo nodded. "Got it."
But he didn't leave, still standing there looking like he wanted to say something.
Anthony turned to look at him. "Something else?"
Leo hesitated before saying, "Just got word that Arabella was in an accident."
Anthony turned away, his back to Leo as he continued smoking. After exhaling a puff of smoke, he asked slowly, "What kind of accident?"
Leo silently wondered if Mr. Watson no longer cared about news regarding Arabella. Maybe he'd been meddling today and Mr. Watson would be displeased with him.
But he'd already brought it up, so he had to report truthfully. "She was waiting for a bus when a large truck hit her head-on."
Anthony's hand holding the cigarette froze. He turned around, frowning. "Was she injured? How badly?"
Leo shook his head. "I only know she was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. That hospital has strong privacy policies—not sure if higher-ups blocked the information, but we can't get details about her condition."
Anthony's expression changed, his voice dropping three notches. "Which hospital?"
"PrimeHealth International Medical Center." Leo hesitated for three seconds before adding, "The accident happened an hour and a half ago."
Anthony threw out a quick "Check that truck that lost control" and turned to leave.
He walked so fast that Leo didn't have time to react. Seeing the half-smoked cigarette thrown on the ground, Leo sighed softly.
He'd been wrong—Mr. Watson still cared deeply about Arabella. Good thing he probably wouldn't face Mr. Watson's anger.
But then he frowned again. Mr. Watson and Arabella were already divorced, and now Cassidy was the lady of the house. If Mr. Watson still had feelings for Arabella, would he try to get her back?
Thinking about those complicated scenarios, he shook his head. Whatever—these weren't things a small assistant should worry about.
He'd better go do what Mr. Watson had assigned him.
Meanwhile, Anthony drove to PrimeHealth International Medical Center.
His hands trembled the entire drive. He couldn't describe the feeling—actually, his mind was pretty calm. Since childhood, few things could make his emotions fluctuate dramatically. But ever since the divorce, many things involving Arabella seemed to make him lose control.
When he got out of the car and stood at the medical center entrance, he actually felt a bit panicked.
When the accident happened, she'd been waiting for a bus, completely unprepared. A truck that big, hitting her head-on... could she even survive?
Anthony's breathing quickened. He glanced at the medical center's entrance, then strode inside.
He asked at the information desk for the location of today's car accident victims and made his way to Arabella's room.
Arabella was awake, talking with Daniel. Marilyn stood nearby quietly but had peeled an apple for Arabella.
Percy had been discharged a few days ago. Marilyn had been home caring for him when she heard about Arabella's accident. After some hesitation, she'd taken Daniel's advice and come with him to visit.
They'd only just arrived and hadn't said much when Anthony pushed open the door. Marilyn saw him first—after her initial shock came delight. "Anthony, you came! Oh my, this really is..."
But when Daniel saw Anthony, he hesitated and glanced at Arabella. Seeing the wariness on her face, he instinctively stepped forward, positioning himself between Anthony and Arabella.
Anthony didn't argue with him. Seeing Arabella lying safely in the hospital bed, he breathed a sigh of relief first, then exchanged pleasantries with Marilyn. "Marilyn, you're here too?"
Marilyn was somewhat flattered and quickly moved a chair over, saying eagerly, "Anthony, please sit. You know, it really is true what they say about original married couples. When Arabella had her accident, you still came to see her. Such loyalty and righteousness."
Anthony smiled but didn't sit down. Instead, he looked at Arabella and asked, "Are you okay?"
Arabella's expression remained unchanged as she looked at him. "Thanks for your concern. I'm fine. Did you need something from me?"
Anthony's blue eyes fixed on her intently. His eyes were actually quite beautiful—when he looked at someone seriously, it made them feel like they were the only person in his world. Very romantic.
He said, "When I heard about your accident, I ran three red lights getting here as fast as I could. I was afraid something had happened to you. Now that I see you're okay, I can finally relax."
Marilyn's eyes darted around before she grabbed Daniel's arm to pull him outside.
Daniel shook off her hand. He didn't want to leave—he wanted to stay here and watch over Arabella.
Marilyn was furious. This foolish boy, didn't he understand social cues? They were obviously about to rekindle their old romance, and he was standing there like a stone statue. How could they relax and have a proper conversation?
Did he have any idea how much benefit having a Watson Group president as a brother-in-law could bring him and the family?
But Daniel was completely stubborn. No matter how much Marilyn tried to signal him with her eyes, he pretended not to notice.
Anthony glanced at Daniel and said, "Daniel, I have some things I'd like to say to your sister. Could you step out for a moment?"
Daniel shook his head. "No."
Anthony's expression stiffened, displeasure flashing in his eyes. Just as he was about to speak again, he heard Arabella say, "You don't need to tell me anything. I appreciate that you sped here to see me after my accident, but it's really not necessary. I'm fine. You can go now."
Anthony paused mid-motion. Before he could speak, Marilyn looked disapprovingly at Arabella and scolded, "How can you not tell good from bad? Anthony is already divorced from you, but when he heard you were hurt, he immediately rushed over to see you. You should appreciate this kind of loyalty! In today's society, there aren't many men with such integrity!"
The anesthesia had worn off by now, and Arabella's leg hurt, her shoulder hurt—her whole body hurt so much she had no patience. "Marilyn, this is my own business."
Marilyn's eyebrows shot up, about to explode in anger, when Anthony interrupted her. "Marilyn, Arabella's always had this temperament. I'm used to it."
He smiled good-naturedly at Arabella. "Don't get upset. If you don't want to see me, I'll leave. You rest well—I'll come see you again tomorrow."
With that, he nodded at Marilyn and turned to go.
Watching Anthony's figure disappear outside the door as the room door closed again, Marilyn was practically speechless with Arabella. She looked at her with exasperation. "Seriously, Arabella, what are you thinking? Someone of his status came to see you without holding grudges, and you didn't even say a kind word. You really make me..."
"Marilyn, I told you, this is my own business." Arabella repeated herself, looking at her with some irritation. "If there's nothing else, please go back and take care of my dad."
"You..." Marilyn unhappily put her hands on her hips. "I'm doing this for your own good, you understand? Without the Watson family..."
Before she could finish, Daniel stopped her. "Mom, you should go back."
Marilyn glared at him. Daniel wasn't intimidated at all and reminded her, "Uncle Percy can get around now, but his body still needs care. You've been out long enough."
Marilyn came to her senses. Lately Arabella had been cold toward her, and if Percy's leg really healed, who knew what Arabella might think. She couldn't upset Arabella at this critical moment.
She was still counting on Percy as her long-term meal ticket!
Thinking this, she could only swallow her words and say reluctantly, "Fine, I'll go then."
After Marilyn left, Daniel looked at Arabella. "I have classes at school, so I'll head out too."
Arabella endured her physical discomfort to ask him, "You have just over half a year until college entrance exams. What direction are you thinking of pursuing?"
Daniel was stunned at first, then said casually, "With my crappy grades, I'll go to whatever school will take me. I haven't really thought about what to do after... if..."
He paused, then continued in an even more casual tone, "If nothing else works out, joining the military could be pretty good."
Hearing this, Arabella smiled and looked at him. "I saw your monthly exam results from last month. Overall pretty good—if you keep it up, you should be able to get into college. You're really smart. Just a few months of effort and you've improved this much. You'll definitely do even better on the SATs."
She was in considerable pain, and saying so much at once left her somewhat breathless. She paused before continuing, "If you want to get into a military academy, you might need to work a little harder. But don't put too much pressure on yourself. Even if you don't get in, you can apply for military service after starting college. You'd still be able to develop a career in the military."
Daniel looked at her with some surprise. After a long moment, he asked, "You don't think... I'm delusional?"
Someone who'd been a troublemaker just six months ago, always causing problems, now wanting to be a soldier and serve his country—wasn't that delusional?
Hearing his words, Arabella was first stunned, then looked at him with confusion. "Why would you think that? A young person's dreams aren't delusions—they're directions to strive toward for life. I'm really happy for you that you've found your direction at this age."
Daniel stared at her blankly.
She looked absolutely terrible—covered in bandages, pale as a ghost, wearing an oversized ugly hospital gown.
But her eyes looking at him were so bright. In them, he saw understanding, trust, and even admiration...
Daniel suddenly felt his nose sting. He snorted disdainfully and said, "I might not even join the military. Maybe in a few days I'll change my dream again."
Arabella smiled and said, "Then I'll support you in that too."
Daniel uncomfortably picked up his backpack, stood up to leave, and tossed out, "I'm going."
"Okay."
Arabella didn't know that after Daniel left the room, he stood outside the door for a long time.
He tilted his head back, forcing the tears back, his heart more determined than it had ever been. He would definitely get into military academy, definitely become the most outstanding soldier.
Most importantly, he wanted to make her proud of him.
With reddened eyes but firm steps, Daniel left.
Meanwhile, Arabella pressed the nurse call button and pitifully requested more painkillers.
The nurse looked troubled. "Ms. Bourbon, your current condition isn't suitable for additional pain medication. It'll hurt for two days at most. Please try to bear with it."
Hearing this made Arabella's heart sink. She'd never had major surgery before, and her body had never been this seriously injured. It really hurt.
The little nurse had been told earlier by her supervisor that the patient in this room had a special status and must be treated carefully. When Arabella asked for more pain medication, she'd found it tricky, afraid she might cause a scene and bring down a scolding from her boss.
Unexpectedly, after her disappointment, Arabella said to her with resigned acceptance, "Okay, thank you. I'm fine now, you can go back to work."
The little nurse was stunned. This high-status patient was actually so approachable and easy to talk to?
But she was happy not to have any trouble. She nodded at Arabella and left with light steps.
When Alexander returned, he brought Daisy with him.
Vera had been cooking soup at home and set the kitchen on fire. While Arabella was sleeping, he'd gone back to check—fortunately no one was hurt, just some burns on her arm. After crying and wailing while the family doctor treated her wounds, she'd been whisked away by people sent by her father, who'd rushed over in panic after getting the news.
He'd had to go to the nearest upscale restaurant to order some easily digestible, nutritious meals to bring back, which had wasted quite a bit of time.
When he came in, he happened to run into Daisy downstairs asking about Arabella's room. The hospital couldn't randomly give out patient information, so Daisy was wandering around like a headless chicken. Alexander brought her up with him.
Seeing Arabella in the hospital bed, Daisy's tears immediately started falling. "You poor thing, how did this happen?"
She carefully touched the bandages on Arabella's body, her voice soft with concern. "Does it hurt?"
Arabella was in so much pain that she'd become emotionally fragile. She looked pitifully at Daisy and nodded. "It hurts, really bad. The anesthesia wore off and it feels like someone's carving out my flesh."