chapter579

Lydia's arrival gave everyone a much-needed breath, breaking the heavy tension in the room.

Mr. Roth spotted her and his voice cut through the chaos, serious and urgent.

Lydia, you're finally here. Get your grandmother to the hospital. She's in really bad shape!"

Lydia had thought she was ready for anything, but seeing her grandmother lying there, unconscious and surrounded by blood, still made her eyes sting with tears. She had to hold it together. Falling apart wasn't an option right now.

Connor came in right behind her, and the moment he took in the scene, his expression hardened. His eyes, so full of anger, landed on the two bodyguards standing guard. Without a word, both men dropped to their knees in front of Lydia and Connor, their voices thick with guilt. It's our fault. We're willing to accept any punishment."

No one had expected something like this. Mrs. Smith had fallen down the stairs. The only other person in the house at the time was Sandy, which made her look suspicious by default.

Sandy was a mess, crouched next to the old woman with her face ghostly pale. Her eyes were puffy and red, and there were still fresh tears on her cheeks.

"Keep this place secure. No one gets in until we're back," Connor ordered.

"Yes, sir."

Connor turned to Lydia, his voice gentle but strained. Lydia, let's get your grandmother to the hospital."

Lydia forced herself to steady her shaking hands. She moved to her grandmother's side, quickly checked her vital signs, then pulled out her silver needles and pressed them into a few critical points on her head and body.

"The bleeding's stopped. It's finally stopped," someone breathed, and Mr. Roth's hands shook with relief when he saw.

"Mr. Roth, thank you for everything tonight. I need to take my grandmother to the hospital now, Lydia said, her voice low but steady.

"Yes, yes, go. Hurry. She's always been lucky. She'll get through this, I know it."

By the time they left, the storm outside had eased up a little.

Lydia needed to keep a close eye on her grandmother, so the driver who came with them took the wheel G

Fre

helicopter rose slowly climbing higher and higher before fading into the night.

Standing in the soft drizzle, Mr. Roth let out a long sigh. "She'll be alright.

The helicopter landed right on the rooftop of Capital Hospital. Dr. Hady was already waiting, everything in the operating room prepped and ready.

Lydia stayed by her grandmother's side as they rushed her into surgery. Connor called out, worry clear in his voice. "Lydia, trust yourself. Trust your grandmother.

Lydia's eyes were rimmed with red, but she managed a quick nod. "I will."

Connor watched her go, pushing the gurney with her grandmother through the doors. A wave of

helplessness washed over himet

In

her darkest moment, all he could do. was stand aside and watch be hated it. He wished he was a doctor too, someone who could actually help.

Inside the operating room, the team was stunned by the extent of the injuries.

"Her brain is bleeding in several places. There are epidural and subdural hematomas, even a subarachnoid hemorrhage," one of the doctors said.

"She's got a brain contusion, brainstem damage, and neck injuries too," Dr. Hady added, listing off the diagnoses one by one for Lydia.

If Lydia hadn't stopped the bleeding before they got here, her

grandmother might not have made it to the hospital at all The head. injuries were just too severe. The fact that she was still holding on felt like nothing short of a miracle.

Lydia stood in silence at the operating table, dressed in her scrubs, cap, and mask.

No one could tell what was running through her mind.

Dr. Hady watched her, his concern growing. He could see it she was fighting an intense battle inside, so close to breaking down.

He wasn't sure if Lydia was in any state to lead the surgery.

"Lydia... maybe you should let me take over," he offered quietly.