The Billionaire Heir

Chapter 3

The sleek black town car sped through the streets of Los Angeles, it's tyres screeching as the chauffeur, Jim, expertly navigated through the crowded roads.

Inside the car, Ella Parker lay reclined on the plush seat, her face, clammy and pale.

Jim's voice sounded calm and reassuring as he spoke into the phone "Dr. Wilson, we are approaching the Medical Center now. Although the Madam's condition is currently stable, I am highly concerned about her discomfort"

As they pulled up outside the hospital entrance, Dr. Wilson, the family's trusted physician was already awaiting their arrival, his face etched with concern. He rushed to the car, opening the door to assist Ella Parker out.

"Let's get her inside, Jim" Dr. Wilson instructed, his voice sounding firm and authoritative. "I've alerted the emergency team and they are already waiting to receive her"

With Jim's help, Dr. Wilson carefully guided Ella Parker out of the car and into a waiting wheelchair.

As they rushed towards the hospital entrance, Ella's eyes fluttered close, her breathing shallow.

Dr. Wilson's expression turned grave when he noticed "Let's move quickly, Jim. We need to get her into treatment ASAP" He gently urged Jim.

Jim nodded, his face set in determination, "I'm right behind you doctor"

Together, they swiftly navigated the hospital corridors as Ella's fate hung precariously in the balance.

As Henry's shining black SUV screeched to a stop outside the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, he leapt out of the car, his face etched with worry.

His phone rang as he rushed towards the hospital entrance, he stopped and answered it, listening intently to the voice on the other end. His expression grew increasingly concerned and he quickened his pace.

Brian hurriedly caught up to his father at the reception desk.

Henry, with a firm and commanding voice was asking the receptionist for his wife's room.

The receptionist nodding efficiently replied "Let me check sir. Ah.. yes, she's in room 250. The doctor will meet you there"

Henry nodded curtly, his eyes scanning the room until he spotted Brian looking anxious and lost in the hallway.

Although he was mad at Brian for a lot of reasons, he knew it was unfair of him to pin the blame on Brian for Ella's present health condition.

He also knew that it was necessary that they stand united as one family to pass through this challenging period if Ella were to get any better.

As he went towards the elevator, he made a beckoning gesture at Brian "Come on, son. Let's go and meet your mom"

Brian's eyes widened for a second before he swiftly followed after his dad.

In the elevator, he boldly asked "Dad, is mom going to be okay?"

Henry sighed looking worn out from worry "I don't know. Dr. Wilson said her condition is stable for now but they are running some tests. We'll know more when we get there"

Brian's face became pale, his eyes wide with worry "Dad, what if...... what if something happens to mom?"

Henry placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder "Nothing bad will happen to her. We'll get through this together Brian. Your mother is strong and she will definitely pull through. We just need to be there for her and so this means, we'll have to put aside our differences and work together as a team for mom's sake. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand dad" Brian was secretly relieved to hear him say those words.

How odd did it seem for his stubborn father to call a truce on account of his mother's ill health?

The elevator doors opened and as they stepped out, they quickly scanned the room numbers, their eyes locking onto room 250.

They exchange a nervous glance before entering the room.

Inside, they found Ella lying in the hospital bed, her eyes closed and her chest rising and falling with slow shallow breaths.

Henry's face contorted in concern as he approached the bed, gently taking his wife's hand in his while Brian stood frozen, his eyes fixed on his mother's pale face and his mind struggling to process the scene before him.

Just then, Dr. Wilson entered the room, his face somber. "Ah, gentlemen, I'm glad you're here. I've been monitoring your wife's condition Mr. Parker and I'll like to explain what's going on"

Henry nodded, his eyes never leaving his wife's face "Please Dr. Wilson, tell us what's happening"

Dr. Wilson took a deep breath before launching into a detailed explanation.

"Your wife has been experiencing some underlying health issues which has been exacerbated by stress and fatigue. We've run some tests and it appears she has a severe case of pneumonia which has caused her to become severely dehydrated and weak"

Brian's eyes widened in alarm "Pneumonia? How is that possible?"

Dr. Smith nodded sympathetically "It's very possible and Pneumonia can progress quickly especially in someone who is already compromised. We're doing everything we can to get her the treatment she needs but I need to caution you that the next 24 hours will be critical"

Henry's face set in determination "Do everything necessary, Doctor. We want the best care for her"

Dr. Wilson nodded "I understand and we'll do everything in our power to ensure her recovery but for now I think it's best if you both take a seat outside the room and let her rest. She needs her rest to fight this infection"

As the doctor just finished speaking, Ella's eyes flickered open and she gazed weakly at her husband and son. A faint smile crossed her lips before she slowly drifted off to sleep once more.

Henry placed a soft kiss on his wife's temple and whispered "Ella darling, please fight to live. Brian and I will be right here with you"

Brian went to hold her hand and softly said "Mom, please get well soon. Remember you still have to meet your grandkids"

Then he turned around while Henry slowly stood up and together they both left the room.