chapter581

She didn't let her guard down, not even for a second. Her grandma's life was resting in her hands, and she had to make sure she didn't slip away.

She was determined to keep her here, no matter what it took.

After what felt like an endless twelve hours, the surgery was finally wrapping up. Everyone in the operating room let out a quiet breath of relief, exhaustion etched in their smiles. For now, they'd managed to fend off death. As long as her grandma was alive, there was still hope.

Lydia's eyes were bloodshot, her face under the mask so pale it was almost translucent. Twelve hours of non-stop pressure had drained every drop of energy from her. Even so, she couldn't shake her disappointment with the result.

The moment she stepped out of the OR, Connor was waiting for her. He rushed over, worry written all over his face.

"Lydia."

She was so tired, her eyes rimmed red, and when she saw Connor, she let it all out. "I did everything I could."

Connor's voice was gentle but firm. "Lydia, you did amazing. As long as Grandma's still here, there's hope."

Kylie and Cameron had already talked to Dr. Hady about Grandma's condition. The injury to her brain had been so bad, she'd almost died right there on the table. They'd managed to keep her alive, but the damage to her brainstem was severe. She was deep in a coma, and there was a real chance she might never wake up.

Lydia was a famous doctor, which only proved how serious Mrs. Smith's injuries

were.

Dr. Hady spoke in a low voice. "Honestly, this is the best outcome we could've hoped for."

Better than losing her completely.

Given how bad things were when Grandma arrived, Dr. Hady wasn't even sure he could've saved her if he'd been the one operating. So, really, this was as good as it could get. He believed that with Lydia's skill, it was just a matter of time before Grandma woke up.

Cameron and Kylie felt the weight of guilt pressing on them. They hadn't even had a chance to thank Mrs. Smith for raising Lydia. They should've come to see her earlier.

Lydia forced herself to calm down. Her red eyes turned cold, almost frightening. "Where's Sandy?"

"I have her locked up in the hospital basement."

"Take me to her."

The basement was damp and cold, even in the middle of summer. There were no windows just a single gloomy bulb overhead Sandys hands and clothes were smeared with blood, making her look almost frightening.

She was banging on the heavy iron door, shouting herself hoarse. Let me out! You can't do this to me! This is illegal! Is anyone out there? Please, let me out!

Suddenly, the rusty door swung open. Lydia stormed in, eyes blazing, every inch of her radiating fury.

Sandy, a complete mess, lunged forward and grabbed Lydia's sleeve. "Lydia! Grandma really fell on her own, I swear. It has nothing to do with me. You can't just lock me up!"

Lydia yanked her arm free, shoving Sandy hard so she stumbled back. At the same time, Lydia pulled out a surgical scalpel, crouched down, and held the blade right to Sandy's neck.

"Don't move. If you so much as twitch, I'll cut your carotid artery. You'll bleed out in ten minutes."

Sandy's face went even paler, fear crowding her eyes with tears. Lydia, killing someone is a crime!"

Lydia's voice was cold. "Oh, so you do know murder is against the law?"

She pressed the blade closer. Sandy felt a sharp sting, something warm trickling down her skin. She froze,

wide-eyed, staring at Lydia, too scared to

looking desperate

and helpless.

"I get it. I was the only one with Grandma, so you think I did something But weren't there bodyguards outside? Didn't you have security cameras? Why don't you look at the footage instead of taking it out on me?"