Chapter 130
While I was at the office, I got a call from Oscar: "The hospital called to say my dad's awake."
I quickly asked, "What did the doctor say? How is Mr. Robert Lopez doing?"
Oscar's voice sounded a bit heavy: "He didn't give details, but my dad's situation isn't looking good. We'll know more when we get there. I'm coming to pick you up now—just come downstairs in ten minutes."
After hanging up, I organized the documents on my desk, grabbed my bag, and headed downstairs. In less than ten minutes, Oscar pulled up in his car at my office entrance.
When we arrived at the hospital, William's family was already waiting in the hospital room. Oscar subtly positioned himself to shield me and asked the doctor who was recording various readings, "How's my dad doing?"
The doctor spoke cautiously: "The patient has undergone various functional tests. From what we can see now, the left side of his body is completely paralyzed. Due to the location of the surgery, there may be some impact on the brain's nerves. His memory will be somewhat confused. For now, he can only recover slowly. You should all prepare yourselves mentally."
Oscar's expression grew serious. His gaze slowly fell on Robert, who was lying in the hospital bed with his eyes half-open, looking completely unconscious. He asked the doctor again, "Is his condition temporary or permanent? Is there hope for recovery?"
The doctor's voice was heavy: "That's hard to say, and... normally with intensive training, he might recover, but the patient has underlying conditions. His body was already at its limit, so right now he can only rest quietly. We don't recommend rehabilitation training."
I felt somewhat sad. The doctor's words meant that Robert's current condition would be hard to change.
Grace looked at Robert in the hospital bed with red eyes: "Dad, don't worry. We'll take good care of you."
William looked at Oscar: "Now that Dad's in this condition, what are you thinking?"
Oscar glanced at Robert in the bed: "Then let's follow the hospital's advice and let him rest. Have the butler arrange for someone to come take care of him."
Grace also chimed in: "I'll come often to take care of Dad too. Doctor, is there a better treatment plan available?"
The doctor shook his head helplessly: "There's no better plan for now. After the patient recovers for a while longer, we can reassess."
William said with some emotion: "Dad's health was already poor. Three years ago, after his surgery, the doctor warned him to rest and recover. This illness has drained almost all his energy."
Oscar's hand slowly clenched, his nails digging into his palm bit by bit. Looking at Robert in the hospital bed, his eyes gradually became misty.
I stepped forward and took his hand. Oscar looked at me, forced a smile, and continued asking the doctor: "If he rests slowly, is it possible he might recover a bit better?"
The doctor spoke carefully, saying medical miracles weren't impossible, telling everyone not to lose heart and to encourage the patient more. Then he left the room.
After the doctor left, everyone fell silent, looking at Robert who was still half-asleep in the hospital bed.
After a long while, William finally spoke: "Dad doesn't really recognize people anymore. Once he's more alert, let's have a good talk about the inheritance."
Gregory looked at William with some surprise, completely unable to understand why he would bring up inheritance at a time like this.
William glared at him coldly, then glanced at Oscar: "Oh right, Oscar, your name hasn't been entered in the family registry yet, right? That's going to be tricky. Once Dad recovers, he'll need to take you back to our hometown to handle it."
Oscar wore a faint smile: "That's not urgent. As for the inheritance, Dad's still here—it's a bit early to talk about that."
William smiled: "Normally we wouldn't need to discuss it, but I'm afraid you'll feel uncomfortable when you find out later. Actually, Dad already left a will. My mom had him write it before she passed away. You hadn't come back yet at that time, so maybe... I hope you won't mind."
Oscar's expression didn't change: "I think we should talk about hospital care arrangements first."
William smiled in agreement: "True, nothing is more important than Dad's health right now. You and Emily both have health issues and busy work schedules. Grace doesn't have much going on usually, so let her take care of Dad."
Grace quickly agreed with a smile: "Right, I'm not busy normally. You all focus on your own things. I'll take good care of Dad."
I quietly glanced at William. What he was doing seemed like he was deliberately guarding against Oscar and me.
Oscar didn't say much: "In that case, thanks for your trouble. Emily and I will come visit often when we have time."
Robert moved slightly in the hospital bed, making some sounds. We couldn't hear what he was saying. William quickly moved closer, grasping his outstretched hand: "Dad, what's wrong? Are you uncomfortable anywhere? We're all here."
Robert's eyes opened a bit more, his cloudy pupils slowly rolling to look at us. His words were unclear but barely distinguishable: "Who are you?"