Chapter 298
A few minutes later.
Caitlin finally released Harlan’s wrist, her expression grave. “Mrs. Somerset, does Harlan usually have a lot of extracurriculars? Is he under a lot of pressure p>
Mrs. Somerset smiled warmly. “Harlan is our only son, the future heir to the Somerset family. My husband and I have always raised him with that in mind.” Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
No wonder the weight of being the heir would be a lot for any child.
“That explains it,” Caitlin said. “Harlan’s condition is due to overwhelming stress. It’s caused his heart cells to become ischemic, which is affecting his cardiac function. He’ll need open-heart surgery within the next two weeks. If we miss the best window for treatment, the risk of heart failure increases. By then, it might be too late for surgery p>
Two weeks?
“Is it really that serious?” Mrs. Somerset’s brows knitted in concern.
“Yes,” Caitlin nodded, her tone somber. “It’s very serious p>
Caitlin’s severity clearly rattled Mrs. Somerset, who pressed further. “Miss Gonzales, couldn’t you just prescribe him some medicine? I’d prefer to wait until next summer break to have Harlan’s surgery p>
There are only about twenty days in winter break, but summer vacation lasts two months.
Caitlin frowned slightly. “It can’t wait until next summer. The surgery must be done within fifteen days, Mrs. Somerset. I’m not trying to scare you this is something you absolutely must take seriously p>
“How long would it take for Harlan to recover from the surgery?” Mrs. Somerset asked.
“I’d recommend he take a semester off from school,” Caitlin replied.
Keira, who trusted her granddaughter’s skills implicitly, quickly chimed in, “Mrs. Somerset, don’t let Caitlin’s age fool you-she’s a talented doctor. Please, take her words to heart. If you miss the best window for treatment, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life p>
“Thank you, Keira.” Mrs. Somerset nodded, her worry evident.
With that, Keira led Caitlin away.
Mrs. Somerset watched the pair leave, anxiety clouding her eyes. She knew she’d have to take Harlan to the hospital for further treatment immediately.
Ann narrowed her eyes, calculating.
She knew this was her moment to make an impression.
The Somerset Group was the Gonzales family’s biggest business partner. If she could win Mrs. Somerset over, her own position within Gonzales Holdings would become unshakable-even Caitlin wouldn’t be able to compete with her.
The thought lit a spark of excitement in Ann’s eyes.
Moments later, Ann sidled up to her mother. “Mom p>
Amanda turned. “What is it, Ann p>
Ann leaned in, whispering a few words in Amanda’s ear.
Amanda nodded when Ann finished. “Go on, Ann p>
Fifteen minutes later.
Ann reappeared in front of Mrs. Somerset.
“Mrs. Somerset p>
“Miss Templeton p>
Ann’s face was full of remorse. “Mrs. Somerset, my little sister just came back from the countryside. She hasn’t even finished high school yet-she doesn’t always think before she speaks. Young Master Somerset looks so healthy-how could he possibly have heart problems? Much less something as serious as heart failure! Please, don’t take her words to heart p>
“Miss Gonzales hasn’t even finished high school?” Mrs. Somerset looked genuinely surprised.
“That’s right,” Ann nodded. “Didn’t my grandmother mention that earlier p>
“She didn’t,” Mrs. Somerset replied, then added, “But to be fair, Miss Gonzales wasn’t wrong about everything. Harlan has had some minor heart issues diagnosed at the hospital before p>
Back then, it was just a minor problem. Mrs. Somerset hadn’t expected things to become so serious.
“Minor heart issues are pretty common-I have heart palpitations myself sometimes, but it’s nothing to worry about. Mrs. Somerset, your son is about to start third grade. If he has surgery now and misses half a year of school, it’ll definitely affect his studies p>
Ann’s words hit home for Mrs. Somerset. That was exactly her worry-she didn’t want Harlan’s education derailed. He was her only son, born after two daughters. She desperately wanted him to excel and come out on top in everything, to be a worthy heir.
Ann pressed her advantage. “Besides, who isn’t stressed these days? I’ve never heard of stress causing heart failure-certainly not in children. Kids’ hearts are supposed to be stronger than adults’, and we grown-ups handle much more pressure all the time. My sister is just being alarmist she’s not even a real doctor p>
The more Mrs. Somerset listened, the more reasonable Ann sounded.
Caitlin hadn’t even finished high school! What did she know about medicine?
“Oh, by the way, Mrs. Somerset-I have a bottle of Dr. Nanthea’s cardiac supplements. Give these to Young Master Somerset for two weeks, and I promise he’ll be good as new p>
Cardiac supplements! And prescribed by Dr. Nanthea, no less.
Dr. Nanthea was second only to Dr. Oracle-a miracle worker in her own right. Her remedies were worth their weight in gold.
Compared to advice from a country girl, Mrs. Somerset naturally put her faith in the respected Dr. Nanthea.
Ann had truly done them a great favor. Without her, Mrs. Somerset might have rushed Harlan into open-heart surgery for nothing.
Mrs. Somerset’s eyes lit up as she gratefully accepted the box from Ann. “Miss Templeton, when Harlan recovers in two weeks, I’ll personally come thank you at the Gonzales estate p>