Chapter 880 At Death's Door

Chapter 880 At Death's Door

William suddenly collapsed onto the sofa, prompting Ashley to rush forward with concern. "Oh my gosh, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

Everyone gathered around him, their faces etched with worry.

William shook his head slightly, and for a brief moment, an unusual red flash appeared in his eyes.

Ashley caught the strange color in William's eyes. She rubbed her own eyes, and when she looked again, his eyes had returned to normal.

In the corner, partially hidden from the group, Molly watched William with a complex expression.

Ethan stepped forward, supporting William by the arm. "William, if something's wrong, Ashley and I can take you to the hospital right away for a check-up."

As he spoke, Ethan prepared to help William to his feet.

William quickly waved his hand in protest. "No need, I'm fine."

Ashley and Ethan exchanged a meaningful glance.

Seeing Ashley's worried expression, Ethan knew she wasn't convinced.

"William," Ethan urged, "you've always been in perfect health. Nearly fainting like this means something's wrong. Please, let me take you to the hospital."

Ethan's genuine concern for William mirrored how Ashley treated him—with the sincere care one shows family. His thoughtfulness warmed Ashley's heart.

"William," Ashley added, "Ethan's right. Let's go to the hospital now."

Feeling the warmth of their concern, William smiled. "Ethan, Ashley, have you forgotten? I'm a doctor myself!"

He began examining himself while everyone watched tensely.

During his self-examination, William's brow furrowed slightly, and his expression grew serious for a moment before quickly returning to normal.

Though the change in his expression was fleeting, Ashley caught it.

"William, what did you find? Is something wrong?" she asked anxiously.

"It's not ideal," William admitted.

Ashley's face fell, her heart suddenly heavy.

Before she could speak, William quickly added, "Ashley, don't worry. It's just that I'm getting older and my circulation isn't what it used to be. Some nutritional supplements and proper diet will take care of it."

"Really?" Ashley asked skeptically, taking William's hand as if to examine him herself.

A flash of panic crossed William's eyes. "I'm your mentor—I taught you everything you know about medicine. What could you possibly find that I haven't?"

Despite his reassurance, Ashley couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right.

After a moment's thought, she said, "William, I'll cook some special meals for you over the next few days to help with your circulation."

"That would be nice," William agreed, then quickly changed the subject. "Ashley, Ethan, weren't you supposed to discuss wedding details with Atticus? Don't worry about me—your wedding plans are more important."

Seeing that his color had returned to normal, everyone relaxed and gathered around the sofa to discuss the wedding.

"Ethan," Atticus said, "your wedding is just four days away. The event planners will be here this afternoon for a final rehearsal and to go over details."

Ethan nodded. "What time?"

"Three-thirty."

"Perfect."

Just then, Ashley's phone rang.

Ethan leaned over to see the caller ID—it was Andy. They exchanged a smile.

Ashley answered, "Hello, Andy."

Andy's excited voice came through the speaker, "Mommy, Nate and I just landed at Gold Valley District Airport. Grandpa, Grandma, and my uncles are with us too!"

Ashley put the call on speakerphone, and everyone's faces lit up with joy.

"Andy, I thought you weren't coming for a few more days! Why didn't you tell us you were arriving early? We could have picked you up!" Ashley exclaimed.

"Mommy, Nate and I missed you and couldn't wait to see you. We took the private jet. We're heading to the palace now."

"Wait!" Ashley quickly interjected. "We're not at the palace—we're at the Grayson Mansion."

"Oh! Say hi to Uncle Atticus for me! We'll be right there!"

With that, Andy abruptly ended the call before Ashley could say anything more, leaving her both amused and exasperated.

Ethan looked distinctly annoyed. "Well, Andy certainly knows how to make me feel important—not even a hello for me."

Atticus couldn't help but chuckle. "Seems like all those years I spent doting on Andy and Nate paid off."

This only made Ethan feel worse.

He had missed the twins' lives from birth until preschool—his greatest regret. He was trying his best to make up for lost time.

Though he didn't voice these thoughts, a slight change in his expression was enough for Ashley to understand exactly what he was feeling.

She took his arm affectionately. "Darling, don't overthink it. Andy barely spoke to me before hanging up—they must be in a rush. If you're missing the kids, why don't you go pick them up while I prepare lunch?"

After considering for a moment, Ethan nodded. "Alright, you all continue your discussion. I'll go get Andy, Nate, and the others."

"Perfect."

As Ethan left to pick up the children, Ashley and Adina headed to the kitchen.

In the living room, Atticus and Garrett chatted while Doris watched television.

William, when no one was paying attention, slipped outside to the garden, his expression grave.

He sighed deeply.

"Mr. Lynch!" Molly appeared beside him, seemingly out of nowhere.

William acknowledged her with a nod.

They stood under a tree, ostensibly admiring the view.

From their vantage point, they could see Ashley bustling about in the kitchen.

William watched her with the tender affection of a father gazing at his beloved daughter.

"Mr. Lynch," Molly said gravely, "you must have discovered it during your self-examination."

She continued in a hushed tone, "You were bitten by the Hex worm and poisoned. You don't have much time left. Why didn't you tell Ms. White and Mr. Yates? They truly care about you."

William's expression remained solemn. "Yes, they do care deeply."

"Their wedding is just days away. I don't want to cast a shadow over their happiness. Besides, I'm old—I've lived a full life already."

His gaze returned to Ashley as he asked, "Ms. Sullivan, their wedding is in four days. Do you think I'll make it until then?"

He desperately wanted to see Ashley in her wedding dress, marrying the man she loved.

Molly's eyes also drifted to Ashley, her expression regretful. "I'm afraid not."