The Great Ethan Lee

Chapter 39

In the VIP ward of Greenhill City Hospital, several doctors silently removed the equipment from Charles' body and sighed, "I'm sorry, but we did everything we could."

With red-swollen eyes, Sophia shook her head in disbelief, "No! This can't be possible! My dad can't die. He can't die!"

Beside her, although Ethan's face was as pale as a ghost's, his entire being exuded a chilling, murderous aura.

Ethan wasn't dead! At the critical moment, Charles stepped in front of him, taking the fatal bullet. Although Charles shielded him, Ethan was severely injured and fell into a coma.

After he was taken to the ICU and the doctors performed life-saving surgery on him, Ethan barely survived. Ethan softly said, "Sophia, stop crying. Dad wouldn't want to see you like this." Sitting in a wheelchair, Ethan held Sophia's hand, his eyes filled with deep sorrow.

"Cough, cough!"

Suddenly, Charles, lying on the hospital bed, coughed heavily, and his eyes suddenly opened; he looked like he was bursting with energy.

Sophia exclaimed with joy, "Dad?! Dad, are you awake? I knew it. I knew you'd be okay!" Sophia was delighted, "Don't move, I'll go get the doctor right away!"

However, Charles suddenly reached out and grabbed her, "No... don't go, Sophia, I have something to say to you."

Sophia anxiously replied, "Dad, don't talk yet, I'll go find..."

At this moment, Ethan suddenly spoke, "Sophia, listen to Dad." Ethan, being a skilled doctor, could see that Charles was only experiencing a brief moment of lucidity before finally taking his last breath.

Hearing Ethan's voice, Charles forced a smile and shakily pulled Ethan over, placing their hands together. His gaze, filled with endless love and sadness, fell on Sophia, "Sophia, in the past, I was foolish and did many things that hurt you. I hope you don't hate me."

Sophia, already in tears, shook her head vigorously, "I don't hate you! I don't hate you! How could a daughter hate her father?"

Charles smiled contentedly, "That's great news… Truly great news..."

Charles looked at Ethan pleadingly, "Ethan, I know you're a powerful man, but I have only one daughter. I failed her in the first half of her life, and only you can be with her in the second..."

With tears in his eyes, Charles continued, "I've always cherished my reputation, but now I beg you, as a father, please take care of my daughter for the rest of her life. Make sure she is happy."

Ethan felt a wave of sorrow wash over him. Despite all his mistakes, this old man still loved and cared for his child deeply.

Ethan solemnly said, "Dad, I promise you. I will take good care of Sophia; I’ll never let her suffer."

The light in Charles's eyes grew brighter, "Good boy, Ethan!" Charles held their hands tightly and spoke with difficulty, "I don't wish for great wealth for you two, just that you live a peaceful and happy life together. That will make me content."

Sophia cried, "Dad! Don't say that! I... I promise you! I will be with Ethan and live well..."

Charles murmured, "July... my granddaughter July, is she alright?"

July, with tears in her eyes, said, "Grandpa..." July was already crying her heart out.

Charles shakily caressed July's small face, his eyes full of infinite love, "My dear granddaughter, Grandpa won’t be here to see you grow up, but I will watch over you from the sky. I’ll watch my little July grow up happily!"

July cried, "No! I don't want you to watch me from the sky. Grandpa, please get up and hold me. You promised to take me to the amusement park! You can't break your promise…"

Charles shook his head, "I'm sorry. Forgive Grandpa. I may not be able to keep my promise. My children, this past month has been the happiest time of my life. Please continue to live happy days."

Charles's breath grew weaker. After finishing that sentence, he closed his eyes slowly and made no further sound. Even though he had passed, Charles still had a smile on his face. This smile, although making him seem peaceful, held a deep sadness. It wasn’t his time but fate had other plans...

"Dad!"

"Grandpa!"

Crying and wailing was all that could be heard in the hospital room. Ethan felt great sorrow; his fists were clenched tightly as silent tears streamed down his face. Since he had grown up without a family; over the past month, he had began to see Charles as a great father figure.

Time passed slowly. Sophia and July cried themselves to exhaustion and eventually fell asleep as their now hoarse voices cried out for Charles.

Outside the hospital, the night wind blew. The tear stains on Ethan's face had long dried. His anger was like a sharp sword, ready to pierce through the dark night.

Ghost Wolf pushed Ethan's wheelchair, respectfully saying, "Madam and July have fallen asleep. I've arranged for people to guard the hospital 24/7 to ensure their safety. Additionally, your other disciples have also arrived. Master, please give your orders!"

Ethan looked up, his gaze deep and directed northward, towards Saint York City, the Governor's residence.

Ethan softly said, "Give the order to craft an exquisite coffin. When an elder in the family passes away, as the younger generation, we must do everything to send him off with grace…"

Ghost Wolf moved quickly, and in just two hours, a gold-inlaid coffin worth over a million dollars was delivered to the hospital.

After gently placing Charles's body into the coffin, Ethan lightly caressed the coffin lid and whispered, "Dad, rest assured, I will fulfill my promise to you. When you were alive, Sophia was your beloved daughter. From now on, I promise you, I will protect her happiness for as long as I can with my entire being. And I promise you, I will avenge you. The Peterson family will pay the price for their crimes!"

In a deep, commanding voice, Ethan gave out an order to his men, "Raise the coffin. Tonight, we avenge Charles."