Chapter 264
Chapter 264
"I'm her husband." Nicolas strode forward, his cold aura making the doctor's breath momentarily hitch. "Doctor, how is my wife?"
The doctor, accustomed to a wide range of patients, rarely encountered someone with Nicolas's formidable presence.
"Here's the notice of critical illness. Please sign it, sir." The doctor, drenched in cold sweat, braced himself. "The patient's condition is critical. Her blood cells are failing and she needs a bone marrow transplant.
"The hospital will do its best to save her, but you need to contact direct relatives as soon as possible."
'Direct relatives?' Nicolas's pupils constricted as his breath grew heavier.
"Sir, this is the only way to save her. Are the patient's parents or siblings alive?" The doctor's urgent voice echoed in his ears.
The pen in Nicolas's hand felt like a mountain. It hovered over the paper, unable to land. The Rowland family would be thrilled if Thea died. They wouldn't risk their interests to save her. Nicolas's mind churned with countless strategies. Joyce gritted her teeth. "I'll go all out. Even if I have to kidnap them, I'll bring that family here. Thea cannot die."
She took a step toward the door. In the sterile hallway of the operating room, Nicolas's voice sliced through the air like a blade. "Miss Maddox, I want Thea to live more than you do. Kidnapping won't work."
For years, Nicolas had hoped to reconcile with Thea. He finally realized that dream, yet she kept facing danger. He would not let the person behind this get away. But right now, the priority was to ensure Thea's survival.
This was the first time Nicolas's hand trembled over the paper. Facing the doctor, he spoke with a seriousness tinged with fear. "Please, whatever it takes, you must save her life. I just need Thea to live."
Joyce was in tears. As the door to the operating room closed, Nicolas instructed Darwin to search the global bone marrow registry for a match for Thea. He then called Max.NôvelDrama.Org owns this text.
On the other end, Max was taken aback. "Mr. Hendrix, how can I assist you?"
Even though Thea and Nicolas were close, Max didn't dare act presumptuously. He remained respectful.
"Mr. Rowland," Nicolas's voice dripped with palpable coldness. "I remember you've been interested in the amusement park bidding project in eastern Key Biskane?"
Max's heart raced. Over the years, he had faced many challenges from various shareholders of the Rowland family, struggling to maintain his position.
The Rowland family was on a downward slope, and winning the amusement park bid could propel them back to the top or even further. However, Max doubted Nicolas's goodwill.
Since Nicolas married Thea, the Rowland family had never gained a single benefit from him.
Even so, Max cautiously plastered on a smile. "Mr. Hendrix, I am indeed interested in the bidding. Is there any insider information you can share? After all, we're family, especially for Thea's sake..."
Nicolas had no time for pleasantries. "Bring everyone in your family to Silvercreek First Hospital. If they come, the project is yours."
His words were brief, leaving Max nearly stunned by the unexpected opportunity. "Mr. Hendrix, why come to the hospital?"
"Thea was in an accident and needs bone marrow from direct relatives. Don't worry. It won't cost you your life. Mr. Rowland, with your years in business, you should know better than I how profitable this deal can be," Nicolas replied coldly. 1/3
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Nicolas knew that the Rowland family would never be swayed by emotions. Only tangible benefits could move them.
Max didn't even ask about Thea's injuries. "Mr. Hendrix, rest assured. Thea is still family. In a situation like this, we must step up."
At the Rowland mansion, after hanging up, Max was met by Ivy's eager gaze. "What did Nicolas say?"
She was expecting good news. When she heard about Thea's accident, Ivy's heart skipped a beat. "I told Thea not to be so
up after her..." arrogant out there. Now that she's in trouble, of course, we have to clean
After her initial excitement, Ivy pretended to be weak. "Max, I'm getting old. Donating bone marrow will take a toll on me. I know the bidding project is important to you. Why don't you take your siblings and go?"
Ivy had just passed her health check with flying colors and even her family doctor said she was healthier than her peers, yet she now feigned frailty.
Max's expression turned cold. "Mom, Nicolas means he won't overlook any possibility. Everyone in the family has to be there."
Duncan had no objections. He had long viewed the Rowland Group as his own, believing that the better it did, the smoother his eventual takeover would be. Moreover, the chances of a successful bone marrow match were slim. Nicolas only required their presence; he hadn't said they had to donate. Even if they made the trip, it wouldn't cost them anything.
"Max, I want to save Thea, but my concert in Bangolware is coming up soon. I'm worried that if I go to the hospital, it might lead to a postponement," Emmalie said as she clenched her fingers, frustration boiling inside her.
'What is Amelia doing? If she wanted to hit Thea, she should've ensured Thea had no chance of survival. Yet she's not only keeping Thea alive but also putting me at risk of exposure, Emmalie thought.
"Emmalie, what's wrong with you?" Max said impatiently to Emmalie for the first time. "The one lying in the hospital bed is your sister and a member of the Rowland family. Do you really think Thea isn't more important than your concert? I'll have your agent post on social media to cancel the concert meeting. Everyone in the family must go to Thea."
Max's words were high and mighty.
Duncan was displeased with Max's attitude toward Emmalie and stepped in to defend her. "Max, your dedication to the Rowland Group is commendable, but this tour is an opportunity Emmalie has fought for. Postponement is acceptable, but cancellation is not."
Emmalie felt defeated. Even Duncan wasn't on her side this time. No one in the Rowland family would be willing to support
her.
She had used every means at her disposal to win favor with the Rowland family, but she understood their profit-driven nature better than anyone.
Even though she was anxious, Emmalie forced a bitter smile. "You're right. It's all my fault for being so selfish. Nothing is more important than Thea right now."
Let's see how it goes. Once I'm at the hospital, there will still be a chance to escape,' Emmalie thought.
Max drove quickly to the hospital. As soon as they arrived, the entire family was whisked away to the blood draw department.
"Emmalie, what's wrong?" Duncan was the first to notice something off about her. "Are you feeling unwell?"
"I... I've been squeamishraround blood since I was a child. Just the sight of it reminds me of being kidnapped and beaten to a pulp." Emmalie took a deep breath, leaning into Duncan's arms for support.
'I absolutely cannot be tested. If they draw my blood, everything I've worked for over the years will be ruined, Emmalie thought, desperately.
"Duncan, I'm so scared. Can you take me away, please?" said Emmalie.