Chapter 230
Kelley picked up the phone.
“Hello p>
Whatever was said on the other end caused her expression to change dramatically. “What? What did you say? Yes-yes, we’re already at the airport. We’ll head back right away p>
As soon as Kelley hung up, Willis turned to her. “What’s going on p>
Kelley’s face was tense. “It’s Mom. Something’s happened p>
“Something happened to Mom p>
She hurried to explain. “Don’t panic. The driver just called-Mom fell while she was on her way to say a prayer for Freya and Carey. She’s in the hospital, and they’re trying to save her p>
It was nearly the end of the year. Around this time every year, Hannah would go in person to the church to pray for her daughter and granddaughter.
Hearing this, Willis grew even more anxious. He immediately looked to the assistant at the front of the group. “To the hospital! Now p>
He didn’t bother specifying which hospital-everyone knew the best one in Neon Spire belonged to the Richards family.
After all, if Hannah was in an accident, she’d be taken to their own hospital.
“Right away, Mr. Willis. I’ll arrange it now p>
Meanwhile
Caitlin and Celeste had already hopped into a cab on their way to the hotel.
Since Celeste had booked the first-class plane tickets for both of them, Caitlin took care of the hotel reservation.
She’d picked out a luxury king room.
The hotel was perfectly located-standing at the floor-to-ceiling windows, you could take in the best waterfront view in all of Neon Spire.
Well, not exactly the ocean-a harbor, actually.
But still, the scenery was unbeatable; plenty of classic movie scenes had been shot right here.
Celeste was on a video call with her parents.
Caitlin, meanwhile, was chatting with her grandfather, Fortune.
“Grandpa, look! This is the harbor at Neon Spire. The view is amazing. Next time, I’ll bring you here and we’ll stay at this hotel together p>
Fortune chuckled. “Grandpa’s getting old, honey. All that traveling back and forth wears me out. You go have fun, don’t worry about me. It’s my day off-I’m just here playing cards with my friends p>
As he spoke, he angled the camera toward three old friends gathered around the table.
Truth be told, Fortune much preferred these quiet afternoons at home playing cards than sightseeing.
He’d always loved cards, but when money was tight, he tried to save every penny for Caitlin. Things were different now.
His granddaughter was all grown up, doing well for herself.
With a day to rest, he could finally enjoy his favorite pastime.
A little low-stakes poker, just for fun.
“Hello, Catie!” the three card players greeted her with a wave.
Caitlin smiled and greeted each of them in turn.
Just as Fortune was about to say something else, someone called out,
“Kensington, someone’s here to see you p>
“I’m coming, I’m coming.” Fortune turned the camera back to himself. “Catie, have
a wonderful time, sweetheart. Grandpa’s got to run p>
“Okay, Grandpa p>
Caitlin ended the call.
Celeste had just finished her own call as well. “Catie, the view here is gorgeous. Let’s go downstairs, take some nice photos, and see if there’s anything good to eat nearby p>
“Sounds great.” Caitlin nodded with a smile.
Elsewhere-
At the hospital.
Hannah’s accident had already brought Warren Richards-the eldest son and current head of the family-his wife Jade, and Lyle Richards and his wife Stephanie to the hospital by the time Willis and Kelley arrived.
Willis rushed forward. “Warren, Jade, Lyle, Stephanie-how’s Mom p>
Kelley waited anxiously for the answer as well.
Warren shook his head. “By the time we got here, Mom was already in the ER. Dr. Fairchild said she’s taken a bad fall. Given her age, there’s some bleeding in her brain. The outlook isn’t good p>
Jade added gently, “But don’t lose hope. She’s always been strong-she’ll pull through, I’m sure of it p>
Kelley pressed her palms together in prayer. “God, please bless my mother, please let her be all right. She hasn’t even seen Carey and Freya come home yet p>
Willis asked, “Have you told everyone else p>
Lyle nodded. “I’ve already called Theodore, Justin, Zachary, Hugo, and Frederick. They’re all on their way here p>
Luckily, with the holidays approaching, Justin and Zachary had flown in last night to spend the season at home.
Only Theodore, Hugo, and Frederick were trying to get back on short notice.
Creak-
At that moment, the doors to the ER swung open.
Dr. Fairchild stepped out.
The three brothers and their wives rushed over. “Dr. Fairchild, how’s our mother p>
Dr. Fairchild pulled off his mask, regret etched across his face. “Mr. Warren, Mr. Willis, Mr. Lyle—the surgery went as well as we could have hoped, but the bleeding in her brain is too deep to remove right now. She’s on a ventilator. Unless a miracle happens, I’m afraid… it will be difficult for her to make it through the year p>