Chapter 8 No More Without Dad

The doctor said, "Your dad had a sudden brain bleed from getting too worked up. Luckily, we got to him in time, and he's stable now."

Just as I was about to breathe a sigh of relief, the doctor added, "But we found a valve issue in his heart. He'll probably need surgery, and it's pretty risky."

I asked, "What if he doesn't get the surgery?"

The doctor replied, "Without it, he might not make it past three years."

It felt like a ton of bricks hit me, and everything went black as I passed out. Before I lost consciousness, I saw a look of panic on Howard's handsome face. No way, that couldn't be real. Must be my imagination.

I had no idea how long I was out, but when I came to, I was lying in bed with an IV in my hand.

"Ms. Brown, you're awake," said a guy with gold-rimmed glasses sitting by my bed.

I looked around but didn't see Howard. With a bitter smile, I thought to myself, 'Wishful thinking. He's too perfect to stick around for me.'

Seeing me quiet, the guy asked, "Ms. Brown, are you feeling okay? I'm Mr. Wilson's assistant, Malcolm Moore. If you have any questions, just let me know."

Malcolm stood up, looking genuinely concerned.

I croaked out, "How's my dad?"

Malcolm said, "Your dad's in a VIP room. Mr. Wilson's already contacted top doctors from abroad. The surgery can be scheduled for next week. Don't worry."

I hesitated, then asked, "Mr. Wilson? Howard?"

Malcolm nodded with a smile and handed me a room key card. "Ms. Brown, you just had low blood sugar and were shocked, so you fainted. It's nothing serious."

"This is from Mr. Wilson. He asked me to tell you: 8 PM, Azure Palace Hotel, Room 601. Don't be late." Then he left without another word.

I looked at the room key in my hand, feeling a mix of emotions. I knew what Howard wanted. He's a businessman; he wouldn't do anything without expecting something in return. Having already lost Tammy, I couldn't afford to lose Beckett too. I needed his help.

After the IV was done, I went to see Beckett. He was being well taken care of, which made me feel better.

Then I went to the morgue to see Tammy. She was lying there, lifeless. She always hated the cold; she must not like it here.

I said, "Mom, please wait a little longer. I'll come to take you home with Dad."

After that, I forced myself to go home, take a shower, and change my clothes. At 8 PM, I arrived at the Azure Palace Hotel on time.

As soon as I got out of the taxi, I saw Malcolm, Howard's assistant. He was still polite and courteous, a stark contrast to my nerves. Like a businesslike robot, he always wore a perfect smile that left no room for error.

In the elevator, I looked at Malcolm and couldn't help but ask, "Malcolm, do you do this kind of thing often?"

Malcolm responded, "What?"

"You know, helping Howard find bed partners..." As soon as I said it, I realized how rude it sounded and wished I could slap myself.

Malcolm still smiled, showing no emotion. "I'm Mr. Wilson's assistant. Whatever Mr. Wilson asks me to do, I do. After all, Mr. Wilson pays my salary."

I nodded, not daring to say anything more, afraid I'd say something stupid again.

Soon, the elevator reached the top floor. Malcolm led me inside, and I was surprised to see there was only one room on this floor!

Malcolm said, "Ms. Brown, Mr. Wilson is waiting for you inside."

I nodded and thanked Malcolm, then took out the room key from my bag, opened the door, and walked in nervously.