Chapter 130
Today was different. Albert could tell this whole thing was way out of Scott’s usual routine.
Who was at the hospital that Scott cared about? Or was it something between Dorothea and Scott? The thought made Albert’s chest tighten until he could barely breathe.
He gripped his phone. “Did you find anything p>
“Yeah, Albert. Turns out their department admitted a special patient today, so they put the whole floor on lockdown for privacy p>
The tension in Albert’s shoulders eased. “Alright, I get it p>
“Want me to check where Dorothea is p>
“Yeah, do that p>
Albert closed his eyes and tried to compose himself, but all he could picture was Dorothea’s face—so vivid, so unforgettable. He couldn’t help but linger on the memory a little longer.
Dorothea stared at her phone, hesitating. Should she call Latham? After a moment, she gave in and pressed his number.
He picked up almost immediately. “Hello p>
“Latham, it’s me p>
She could tell it was quiet wherever he was. “When are you coming back p>
“You miss me already?” Latham’s voice was soft, almost teasing. “I’ll be home in about three days p>
“Oh, it’s not that. Just… Grandma’s in the hospital. I thought you should know p>
Latham’s tone turned sharp. “What happened? Why is she suddenly in the hospital p>
His concern made Dorothea’s throat tighten. For a second she almost lost her composure. “It’s okay. She’s in the ICU, but don’t worry. I just wanted to let you know. I’m not asking you to do anything. I just didn’t want you to say I was keeping things from you again p>
“Alright. Got it. Are you at the hospital now p>
Dorothea sniffled. “Yeah. I’ll head home soon p>
“Okay p>
Then, softer, he said, “Dorothea, wait for me to get back p>
She did her best to keep her voice steady. Okay p>
She ended the call. Just then, a news alert popped up.
“Elise publicly announces she’s cutting ties with her daughter p>
Dorothea’s breath caught. Her hand shook as she tapped open the story.
“Elise and her biological daughter
have always had a rocky
relationship: A few days ago, her daughter lost her temper over a trivial matter and things turned physical, Elise says she’s had enough and is ending the relationship p>
WIT
The article included a cold, official-looking statement.
Dorothea almost laughed. “Turned physical.” “Had enough.” What a joke.
She was still too soft-hearted.
Lenard, who knew all about her and Elise, messaged her. “Dorothea, are you okay p>
Dorothea was about to type a reply when she heard a nurse say her grandmother’s name. She rushed over.
“Nurse, how’s my grandma p>
The nurse looked serious. “She just had a seizure. Please stay calm. We’re doing everything we can p>
Maybe it was exhaustion, maybe she hadn’t eaten, but suddenly everything went dark and Dorothea collapsed.
“Miss? Miss p>
When she woke up, something cool was pressed to her forehead.
“Don’t move, you’re getting an IV,” someone said gently.
Dorothea blinked and saw a familiar, handsome face looking down at her. “Latham p>
Panic shot through her. “Where’s Grandma? I need to see her. She was being resuscitated p>
“She’s stable now,” Latham said
quietly. “Don’t worry. I found the best specialist from Emberfall to take
of her. As long astm here you don’t have to worry about anything p>
He leaned closer, his eyes softer
than usual. “Dorothea, I was on/et
gone a few days. How did you go manage to work yourself into collapsing already p>