Hazel Max's POV
"Sweetie, are you okay?" My mom hugged me tightly.
"Mom..." I called out to her. "How's your friend?" she asked, concern etched on her face as she glanced at the ward where Alexa was resting.
"She's fine, Mom. The doctor said she fainted from shock, but she's okay now. She's just resting," I replied.
Mom nodded and let out a sigh of relief. "That's good to hear, sweetie. Where's your father?" We sat down on the metal chairs outside Alexa's ward. We were currently at a private hospital where Alexa and her father had been brought after his sudden collapse.
"He's with the other trusted men of Uncle Julian, waiting for the results of her dad's tests," I replied, closing my eyes. I hoped Uncle Julian would be alright. Why was this happening? Just moments ago, we were all having a great time, and then this happened.
"This isn't good... I hope Mr. Blackwood will regain consciousness soon," Mom said, her voice laced with worry. I turned to her, curious.
"What are you talking about, Mom?" She took my hands in hers. "Rumors are spreading about Evelyn taking over Blackwood Industries and sending Alexa away for the time being after what happened."
My eyes widened in shock. "What? Why? Why would she do that? We don't even know the results of Uncle Julian's tests yet. And Alexa won't let that happen." I was confused and concerned about the situation.
Before Mom could respond, Dad arrived with Uncle Julian's personal assistant, Mr. Henderson. "Dad, how's Uncle Julian? Is he okay?" I asked as he approached us. He glanced at the ward where Alexa's father was being treated and shook his head.
"He's been poisoned and is currently brain dead."
I gasped in shock. Suddenly, the door to the VIP ward swung open.
"Alexa!" I called out, rushing to her side along with my mom. Dad and Mr. Henderson seemed unsure of what to do.
"You need some rest, hija," Dad said, but Alexa shook her head.
"No, I have to see my father. When he sees me, he'll definitely wake up," she replied.
I heard Dad sigh. "I think it's best to take a rest for now, Ms. Alexa. I don't want your father to see you like this," he suggested, but Alexa refused.
"Tell me what happened."
"After the doctors ran some tests, it appears that Mr. Blackwood's brain has suffered significant damage due to lack of oxygen," Mr. Henderson explained. "What does that mean?" Alexa asked, her voice shaking.
"It means that Mr. Blackwood's brain didn't receive enough oxygen, likely due to poisoning, and he's currently suffering from anoxic brain injury," Dad replied hesitantly.
Alexa's POV
After hearing those words, I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I couldn't believe my father's condition was even more serious than I'd thought.
And who would poison my dad? Why would they do that when my dad's treating everyone so well?
"They think it's an accidental poisoning, and there's a thorough investigation going on since there's a possibility that the poison is cyanide. But it's not yet confirmed if it was indeed an accidental poisoning. Doctors are still running tests to determine what really caused his sudden collapse," Uncle Edgar added.
Oh God.
"What are his chances of recovery?" I asked, trying to stay strong. Uncle Edgar's expression was cautious.
"His attending doctor said it's difficult to say at this point. They need to run more tests and observe his progress. For now, they don't know when your dad will regain consciousness. And the police are also running an investigation." I forced my eyes shut.
"I have to see my dad." I stood up straight. "Bring me to him." I felt Hazel's hand on mine, and I turned to her.
"Please follow me," Mr. Henderson said, leading us to the hallway where some men were standing, looking like bodyguards.
"Stop, you can't go in there," one of them said.
"My father's inside! I have to see him!" I replied firmly. Before the man could respond, Evelyn emerged from the room where my father was.
"I ordered them not to let you in, Alexa. You can't see your father right now. Not when you're flying to another city."
I frowned, confused. "What? What are you talking about?" She walked towards me.
"Your father has made it clear that he wants you to attend Wyndham Boarding School. And I've taken the liberty of making all the arrangements." My eyes narrowed.
"What?" I didn't believe her. Why would my dad send me away without talking to me?
"Why would he do that without talking to me?" Evelyn's smile was sweet but sinister.
"Your father knows what's best for you. And what's best is getting you out of the way so I can focus on his recovery...and our future together." Uncle Edgar intervened.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Blackwood, but I wasn't aware of such arrangements." Evelyn laughed.
"This is a family matter, Edgar. You don't need to concern yourself with what's happening within our family." She turned to me.
"You don't have to worry about your father, I'll take care of him. You can trust me, right?" I was taken aback by the sudden turn of events.
"No! I won't leave Dad. I have to see and hear it from him!" Evelyn's expression turned cold.
"You'll be flying out tomorrow morning. Don't bother trying to talk to your father; he's not in a state to make decisions." I felt a surge of anger and resentment. I knew I had to find a way to see and talk to my father.
"Now, can someone send my daughter back to the house? She needs to rest for her flight tomorrow," Evelyn said. Two tall men approached me, but Uncle Edgar and Mr. Henderson blocked their path.
"What are you trying to do, Evelyn? Alexa has the right to see her father," Uncle Edgar said. Evelyn turned to face us.
"Of course, she does, Edgar. But not until my husband regains consciousness. Alexa will need to follow my orders. Now, leave. You're disturbing everyone." Evelyn said coldly before entering the room where my father was staying, leaving us standing there. I stole a glance at my unconscious father lying in the hospital bed.
What is happening, dad? What am I gonna do?