Chapter 363

Chapter 363
Serena’s POV
A gentle knock on my door woke me the next morning. When I opened it, Benjamin Kennedy stood there, his face showing signs of fatigue.
I wondered silently if he'd just returned from the hospital. How was Hattie doing? I was genuinely concerned.
"I'm sorry to disturb you so early," Benjamin apologized.
He didn't know about my insomnia. These few nights at the Kennedy estate, I'd forgotten to bring my sleeping pills. I hadn't slept at all, so he hadn't really disturbed anything.
"How is Hattie?" I asked directly.
I was worried about her condition. Although yesterday's incident wasn't my fault, I still wanted to know how she was doing.
"She's out of danger now," Benjamin said, breathing a sigh of relief.
Hearing she was okay made me feel better, but I was confused by the severity of the situation.
"Was it that serious? What exactly is wrong with her?" I couldn't help asking.
"She has a congenital heart condition," Benjamin explained. "Back when she was born, medical technology wasn't as advanced as it is now. They couldn't detect it during pregnancy. After Hattie was born, there were several times when her condition was critical, but she pulled through each time. The Langston family sent her abroad for treatment when she was very young. She's been away for years. All we knew was that her treatment overseas was going well. I hadn't seen her since she was five until yesterday."
I listened silently, surprised to learn about the complexity of Hattie's health situation.
"When I accompanied her to the hospital yesterday, I learned that Hattie has had a heart transplant," he continued. "Fortunately, it was a good match. The doctors say as long as there are no major complications, she'll live a normal lifespan. One of the potential complications is allergic reactions. Her body's response to allergens puts immense pressure on her heart and could cause it to stop functioning. That's why Mateo was so angry with you yesterday—Hattie could have died."
"I understand," I nodded.
I'm a rational person. I wouldn't let personal feelings cloud my judgment. I truly understood why Mateo had been so angry. If Hattie had been in life-threatening danger due to an allergic reaction, anyone would have been concerned and furious.
"But don't worry," Benjamin added. "Hattie was successfully resuscitated, and there's no damage to her heart. This incident won't cause any long-term harm to her, but of course, it can't happen again. We might not be so lucky next time."
I murmured in acknowledgment, then said with concern, "You should get some rest. You've been up all night."
"It's alright, I'm not too tired. Sometimes when I'm working on a case, I stay up all night too. I came to tell you not only that Hattie is fine, but also something else," Benjamin looked at me intently.
"Go ahead," I responded calmly, wondering what else he needed to tell me.
"Hattie woke up and said she wants to see you," he said. "I didn't make the decision for you. If you want to go, we'll go. If not, that's fine too. My grandfather will know how to explain things to the Langston family. He won't let you be wronged. I know this incident wasn't your fault—I've seen the video the butler sent me, and it was Hattie's own doing. But I didn't bring up the evidence. Sometimes between relatives, being too confrontational only damages relationships. As you've seen, my grandfather and his sister are very close."
Hearing that Hattie wanted to see me, I was puzzled, but I quickly made up my mind.
"I'll go," I answered decisively.
I understood Benjamin's concerns. Using the video to clear my name would embarrass the Langston family. They were relatives and both prominent families; such an approach would only create awkwardness between them. Since Hattie had specifically asked to see me, I should go.
"I'll come with you," Benjamin stated firmly.
I could tell he wanted me to go but wouldn't let me face any discomfort alone. His protectiveness gave me a warm feeling.
"That's not necessary. You were up all night; you should rest today," I politely declined his offer.
"I'm fine. Let's go," he insisted.
I hesitated before accepting. I knew for Benjamin, resolving this matter was important. As the eldest grandson, he had a responsibility to help his father and grandfather handle family affairs. He had that sense of duty. At the same time, he was letting me know that he always stood by my side and would protect me.
I honestly didn't understand why Benjamin was so kind to me. Yes, I had a significant reputation and substantial financial resources, but I never felt Benjamin approached me for any personal gain. Perhaps it was simply the bond of blood relations.
"I need to tell Milo and Stella where I'm going," I remembered my children.
In this unfamiliar environment, I worried that Milo and Stella might feel insecure if I wasn't around. Telling them where I was going and when I'd be back would reassure them.
"Of course," Benjamin nodded in agreement.
When I told Milo and Stella, they surprisingly agreed without protest. More significantly, they didn't ask to come along. This was unexpected, but I didn't dwell on it.
I planned to go to the hospital with Benjamin and return as quickly as possible.
Walking into Washington's most prestigious private hospital, I noticed that Hattie was staying in a high-end VIP ward—individual villa-like buildings that showcased the Langston family's status and wealth.
When Benjamin and I arrived, Hattie's personal medical staff informed us that she had just fallen asleep. During her recovery period, they explained, she needed more rest. Sleep would help restore her health, so they hoped we wouldn't disturb her.
I noticed Benjamin's expression darkening. I understood his displeasure. When he left earlier, Hattie had said she wanted to see me. He had clearly told her that he would immediately return home to ask for my opinion, and if I agreed, we would come quickly. He had even sent her a message before leaving. Now suddenly she was asleep?
"It's alright, we can wait. The patient's health comes first," I found myself reassuring Benjamin.