Chapter 611: Successfully Rescued

Chapter 611: Successfully Rescued

Hugo was so mad he could almost grind his teeth to dust. He thought nabbing Melinda would secure him the Elmwood fortune, but he never expected her to slip away.

What really got under his skin wasn't that the Elmwoods rescued her, but that she was snatched right from under his nose by complete strangers.

He wanted to chase after her, but the growing crowd had caused a traffic jam.

His assistant kept urging him to leave, warning that they were running out of time.

Hugo had no choice but to give up. As he got back into his car, he shot Melinda a murderous glare, his eyes filled with hatred.

Melinda knew he wouldn't give up, and she wouldn't either.

As Hugo's car sped away, Melinda collapsed, exhausted. A passerby quickly helped her to a safe spot.

"Miss, are you okay? Do you need an ambulance?"

Melinda took a deep breath. "Please, can you make a call for me?"

The passerby pulled out their phone, but Melinda was too weak to take it. She mustered the last of her strength to recite a phone number. When the passerby dialed, the call was answered immediately.

"Hello, who is this?"

Hearing Elmwood's voice, tears streamed down Melinda's face. She used all her strength to say, "It's me..."

Melinda passed out, and Elmwood's hand trembled as he held the phone. "Mel, where are you? What's wrong? Please answer me."

There was no response, only the sound of many voices on the other end.

"Hello, can anyone tell me what's happening?"

The passerby picked up the phone and explained the situation to Elmwood...

Night had fallen, and the hospital was eerily quiet.

Elmwood held Melinda's hand tightly, seeing the clear handprint on her pale face. He could only imagine the suffering she endured at Hugo's hands.

He hated himself for being useless, for failing to protect her, and for not rescuing her in time. She had to escape on her own.

The doctor said her condition was critical. If she hadn't been brought in quickly, she might not have survived.

Elmwood's eyes were red, his teeth grinding in anger. He wanted to tear Hugo apart.

"Please, wake up, my love."

Elmwood kissed her hand, his heart breaking.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway, stopping at the door. It was clear the person didn't intend to come in.

Elmwood turned to see Stanley standing outside, looking serious. He didn't want to disturb Melinda's rest.

Stanley gestured for Elmwood to join him. Elmwood sighed, released Melinda's hand, and stepped out.

Elmwood gently closed the door and followed Stanley to another room.

"How's Mel?"

Elmwood frowned. "Not good. We'll have to wait a couple of days to see."

Stanley was agitated. "You should have taken her back sooner."

Elmwood couldn't argue; he was drowning in guilt.

"It's my fault. Have you found anything?"

"We have some leads, but it's uncertain if we'll catch him. But this grudge is settled. No matter how long it takes, I'll find him."

Elmwood nodded. "I'll help too. I won't rest until he's gone."

Stanley sighed. "Mel was brave. If she hadn't escaped, we couldn't have rescued her."

"Yeah, Mel's always been tough. She never backs down, always finds a way to save herself." Elmwood would never forget the shock of that phone call.

And the situation he found when he arrived—Melinda had never let him down.

"Take care of her. Leave finding Hugo to me."

"Thanks. You've helped me a lot. I won't forget this. I'll keep my promise to let Har spend more time with you. If he wants to stay with you, I won't stop him."

Stanley smiled. "I'm not trying to take your son. Mel's safety is all that matters. Whether Har accepts me isn't important, but there's one thing I need to make clear."

Elmwood was curious. "What is it?"

"Stop trying to set me up with someone. I have my own plans."

"You're not still..."

"Stop. I'm not that foolish. I know what I want. When I'm ready, I'll find someone myself. Don't interfere, okay?"

Elmwood chuckled and nodded. "Got it. When Jade wakes up, I'll take her back."

Stanley thought for a moment and shook his head. "As for Ms. Marie, it's up to her. When she was shot and nearly unconscious, I promised to try dating her if she pulled through."

"But you don't like her. Isn't that unfair to you?" Elmwood didn't want to force anyone.

He had thought they should try, but Stanley's attitude made it clear it wouldn't work. Ending it now might be best.

Stanley smiled bitterly. "Sometimes you have to hit a wall to turn back. Even if you take her back, she might not give up. Let her try, and she'll see it won't work."

Elmwood sighed. "You still want to give her a chance."

Stanley shrugged. "Who knows what I really want? But I admit, she surprised me."

Elmwood sighed. "She did. She used to be so afraid of pain. When we played as kids, she'd cry for hours if she fell. She'd skip school for minor injuries. But she took a bullet for you. I can't imagine the courage that took."

Elmwood had been shocked when he heard about it. He never expected his pain-averse sister Jade to be so brave.

Stanley's surprise grew, making him more curious about Jade.

"No matter what, she's my savior. I'd give her my life."

"Don't tell her that. She might cling to it forever."

Elmwood hoped Stanley would genuinely like Jade, not be bound by obligation.

Stanley raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Don't worry about me. Take care of Mel. Let me know when she wakes up."

Elmwood nodded. "I will. You need to rest too."

After a few more words, Stanley left. Elmwood was about to return to the room when a faint voice called him.

"Elmwood."

Elmwood turned, surprised to see Evander in the corner, looking at him cautiously.

Elmwood quickly approached and hugged him, seeing his sad expression.

"Evander, it's so late. Why are you alone? Where are your parents?"