Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 501-510

Alex parked his car on the side of the road and after he was done with his thumbprint, he drove to the hospital again.

A black SUV rushed into the night like a black panther out of Presgrave Residence. Anxiety was evident in Anastasia’s eyes as she sat on the passenger seat. How can this be happening? Did he really pass out because of the two glasses of wine he had?

“Don’t worry. Let’s go to the hospital and check out his condition first.” Elliot comforted her tenderly. When he heard the news earlier, he drove her out without a second of hesitation.

Over at General Hospital, Francis was placed on a stretcher and quickly taken to the emergency room. Naomi and her daughter followed behind while crying uncontrollably.

Naomi weeped as she begged the doctor, “Doctor, you have to save my husband. You must save him!”

“Ma’am, we’ll do our best.” reassured the doctor as he shut the door of the operating room.

Alex, Naomi and Erica exchanged glances with each other; they were all silently praying for the same thing—a ‘sorry, we have done our best’ from the mouth of the doctor.

About fifteen minutes later, Anastasia and Elliot hurried over from the elevator. She glanced at the operating room where her father was still being treated and looked at Naomi and Erica. “When did Dad faint? Was he still conscious when he was brought here?”

“Anastasia, was your dad drinking at the Presgrave Residence? If you knew that your dad shouldn’t be drinking, why didn’t you stop him?” Naomi snapped at Anastasia as if Anastasia had caused Francis’ to be admitted to the hospital.

Of course, Anastasia knew that her dad had two glasses of wine. Hence, all that was on her mind right now was guilt and regret. I should’ve stopped him…

“If something happens to Dad, know that it’s all your fault!” Erica cried and scolded.

“It is indeed not advisable for President Tillman to drink any alcohol. The doctor suggested that it is best to not even drink a sip,” added Alex.

Anastasia’s figure shook with remorse, but a strong arm behind her supported her firmly while reassuring her, “Don’t worry. Let’s see how things go.”

In the operation room, an emergency rescue was being carried out; the doctor put in all his effort to revive Francis. Though the doctor had shaken his head several times, he still tried every means possible to carry out a second rescue.

Fortunately, when they used the defibrillator for the second time, the still line on the machine had started showing weak signs of a heartbeat.

“Heartbeat’s back. The patient’s will to survive is strong.”

This time, Francis’ condition was considered a severe heart failure. If he had been a minute late, he might have not been able to survive. However, due to the prolonged cardiac arrest, the oxygen supply to his brain was insufficient, so he was now in a severe coma.

Even after a successful resuscitation, there might be a risk of him being in a vegetative state.

Two hours later, the exhausted doctors came out with layers of cold sweat on their foreheads.

“What happened to my dad? Is he still alive?” Erica was the first to ask.

“Did you save my husband? Is he still alive? Tell me!” Naomi acted like a desperate wife.

Anastasia also clenched her fists tightly and stared at the doctors.

“Since the patient has missed the golden hour, we’ve done our best. So far, the operation was successful, but due to the prolonged cardiac arrest, the patient’s brain was severely deficient in oxygen supply and that has caused a certain amount of brain damage. Please prepare yourselves mentally as the patient is likely to be in a long coma or at the risk of a vegetative state.”

“What?” Naomi’s entire body went limp, so Alex reached out to help her. When she raised her gaze to meet Alex’s, both of them expressed joy in the depths of their eyes.

Erica covered her mouth and looked distraught, but there was a flash of delight in her eyes.

Even if Francis was not dead, he would never wake up. This is exactly what they would want.

Anastasia was the only one who seemed to be drained of strength. Pain shrouded her face as she let tears roll down her cheeks.

Standing behind her was a heartbroken Elliot as he felt sorry for Anastasia. As a daughter, this is the last thing she’d ever want to hear.

“Francis! Francis…” Naomi began to cry and sat on the ground bawling while Erica hugged her as they cried together.

Not to forget the remaining ‘actor’ Alex, who also looked solemn. He glanced at Anastasia whose face had paled under the lights. Elliot, on the other hand, had been supporting her from the back and assisted her to the bench.

Now, how could Naomi miss such an opportunity? She rushed over suddenly and she slapped Anastasia before Elliot could even react. A burning sensation grew on Anastasia’s face, but the very next second, a sturdy arm blocked her as Elliot questioned in a deep voice, “What do you think you’re doing?!”

“It’s you… You’re the one who did this to your dad! Why did you let him drink?! He had been fine taking his medications regularly! It’s all because of you! You Presgraves are guilty of killing my husband!” Naomi seized this opportunity to curse them hard.

This time, she even scolded the Presgrave Family.

“Exactly! If my dad ends up in a vegetative state, you’ll be overjoyed, won’t you?!” Erica chimed in.

Anastasia’s ears went deaf for a few seconds as finger marks slowly appeared on her pale face.

Elliot could not bear to see her in such a state anymore. He glared at Naomi and Erica with cold eyes, then warned, “I dare you to touch her again.”

His gaze was murderous. If Naomi were not a woman, he would have definitely fought back.

Frightened by his aura, she took a step back as Elliot’s gaze stopped her from acting aggressive.

“Mrs. Tillman, please calm down. Our priority is to save President Tillman at this moment.” Alex came to drag Naomi away as he did not want her to cause any more trouble.

“Mom…” In truth, Erica was satisfied to see her mother slapping Anastasia.

Anastasia covered her cheek and remained silent. If it was not for the nerve-wrecking and guilt-inducing circumstances that she was in, she would not have stayed quiet about this.

“Does it hurt?” Elliot gently touched the side of her face that had been slapped.

“It’s fine.” Anastasia shook her head.

Elliot’s eyes shot at Naomi once again like a dagger with a killing intent present through his gaze.

When Naomi’s eyes met his, she instantly jumped up in shock as she quickly thought of an excuse. “I’m going to the bathroom.”

As she returned, Francis’ attending doctor, who was the Head of Neurology, came over and inquired, “What kind of medicine does your husband usually take? What’s the dosage of the medicine? We found a residual pill in his mouth just now. Why is it there?”

“Doctor, my husband usually takes supplements for his heart. He came back today and felt uncomfortable, so he took a few more pills at a time. But before he could swallow the medicine, he fainted,” Naomi explained while sobbing again.

Funny how the act of shoving pills down Francis’ throat has now become a voluntary act of his, thanks to her great storytelling.

“He shouldn’t have prescribed his own dosage. In cases like this, you should have sent the patient to the hospital right away, but you’ve delayed for way too long. That’s why you missed the golden hour.” After the doctor finished speaking, he left.

Although Anastasia was in grief, she was in a clear state of mind. She stood up beside Elliot and questioned while looking at Naomi, “Why didn’t you send Dad to People’s Hospital and took a detour to this hospital instead?”

Naomi was startled, but Alex came over and apologized, “I’m sorry, Miss Tillman. It’s all my fault. I took the wrong turn because I was not familiar with the road to the nearest hospital, so I ended up here.”

“I’m grateful enough that Alex came and took your father to the hospital. How dare you come at us for being late! Did you think I was going to harm my own husband?” Naomi turned around and retorted aggressively. “What about you?! When your dad passed out, where were you, and what were you doing?”

“She was busy preparing for her engagement, of course! Why would she even have time to care about her father?” Erica insulted.

“Your father is in a coma and in a vegetative state. The audacity to even still think about engaging! Aren’t you afraid of karma? How could you even do such an awful thing at a time like this?” Naomi scolded again as if Anastasia becoming engaged was an unfilial thing to do.

Elliot’s eyes scanned the mother and daughter as their malicious intentions against Anastasia were getting clearer by the minute…

Alex, who was enjoying the show on the side, sneered inwardly. Elliot’s dream of marrying Anastasia might as well be flushed down the drain now.

As long as Francis remained unconscious, Anastasia would not be able to marry with a peace of mind, which meant that Elliot could not be the son-in-law of the Tillman Family anytime soon.

“Are you done? Can’t you see that she’s already stressed out? What else do you want?” Elliot stared at Naomi and Erica with a cold gaze.

“Young Master Elliot, I’m sorry but Anastasia belongs to our family. I’m afraid that her engagement will be off,” Naomi stated boldly.

“This matter is up to us to decide. You don’t have the right to intervene.” Elliot glanced at her coldly, not bothering to save any respect for her.

Naomi choked in surprise and looked at Anastasia. “Your father is in serious condition now. You can’t get engaged without his presence!”

As long as Anastasia was not engaged, Elliot was not the son-in-law of the Tillman Family. Despite how powerful he was, he could not interfere in the affairs of their family.

She looked up at him and inquired, “Can I arrange for my dad to be transferred to your hospital?”

Even without her request, Elliot already had that plan in mind. Presgrave Hospital had state-of-the-art medical equipment and technology, so it was more likely for them to cure Francis.

“Sure. I’ll make an arrangement right now.” Elliot nodded.

fell and she immediately stopped them. “Your dad has

took a deep breath and explained, “Presgrave Hospital has more advanced technology than other hospitals. It will be helpful for Dad’s treatment.” Of course, she assumed that Naomi also wanted

offer. “I don’t believe in any hoax of better technology. I just don’t want my husband to suffer again. He’s merely just landed his foot back in the world; therefore, I

is more important now.” Anastasia was furious because Naomi insisted on going against her at

do you have to torment him? If something goes wrong on the way… or if he encounters

not transferring Francis to another hospital, Anastasia could only hold back temporarily. Nodding as she compromised and said, “Okay, I will let Dad stay here tonight. We’ll see how his

went in to visit for ten minutes as the representative. She sat in front of Francis’ hospital bed and looked at his lifeless and pale face. She

quietly through the glass window. During dinner, her father was still

comforted her. “Rest assured that I have

eyes. At a time like this, he was her warm

so I had Grandma take care of

safe leaving her son at

chill was still vaguely present despite the heater that was switched on outside the ward. Elliot took off his suit coat and draped it over Anastasia’s body. Since she was in such a hurry to come to the hospital earlier, she only wore a sweater, forgetting her thick

at Anastasia with jealousy. A rich and young master like Elliot was considerately by Anastasia’s

exuded a dark and cold aura that made her feel pressured

does Anastasia have such an ability to make him show her only his best

Anastasia. She took them and handed a bottle to Elliot, who was obviously reluctant to accept anything given by another man. Even if it was just a bottle of

set the bottle aside and opened the one in her hand before she took a few sips and handed it to

Elliot take it before he took a few sips

a seat beside Erica, she could not help but hint, “I’m

hurriedly took off his suit and gave it to her. Erica was wearing Alex’s suit, but she did not receive the feeling she was looking for. Despite being

corridor while looking dapper with a scholarly aura. They went straight to Elliot’s side and

response. “All of you are

was delighted to see Benedict among them. It seemed that these three were the doctors from

check on the patient’s condition first, then we’ll come back to you to discuss the details.” After saying that,

got up to ask, “Who are these people and what are they going

Anastasia saw her exaggerated reaction, she uttered lightly, “Just

friends but doctors instead. She then exchanged glances with Erica and Alex before sitting

go in and take

them went over

soon they entered, Naomi hurriedly looked at Alex and inquired, “The three people just now should be doctors sent by Elliot. Do

here, so we shouldn’t raise his suspicion,” Alex reminded her that Elliot was not an

back her temper and reply, “We’ll

Elliot was wearing only a shirt and a vest. She then asked out of concern, “Are you cold?

her and held

she felt bad.

his thin lips kissed her

worry. The guys who just came are the leading cardiologists and neurologists in

she saw a glimmer of hope and instantly felt relieved. At this moment, she realized how honored

over. “Elliot, Miss Tillman,

Anastasia’s

conference room of the hospital, the three experts and the two doctors who revived Anastasia’s father earlier were present. Through

of the doctors gave a detailed

your father’s analysis. It was unfortunate that he was admitted too late to the hospital.

possible for my dad

absolute, but your father’s heart failure has caused various complications, especially his brain which is most affected. Therefore,

Anastasia had been resisting suddenly rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably. As she heard their statement with closed eyes, she felt immense pain

her hand and uttered in a deep voice, “Please think of some other ways

implemented right now. It’s gonna take a period of observation. We can’t undergo the brain treatment until

do

we will do everything in our power to

medication he needs. Money is

We guarantee to provide the

on her mind, Anastasia took the opportunity to ask, “Does my dad’s episode have something

only drank two glasses of wine, it would not cause his heart

for the cardiovascular system. Rather than strengthening the heart, it has the opposite effect. As for

My dad took the wrong pill?” Anastasia was shocked to hear that. Why would her father take

stays with your father about the

the bottom of it while I

“That would be great.”

the hotel opposite the hospital. Take Miss

and looked at Anastasia. “Benedict and the others will

or two. She had to maintain

out of the hospital and entered the car, she was thinking about one thing—why is there even a chance for a poisonous drug

home and check on

I’ll drive you there.” He

Alex quickly walked in and informed them, “I

“Where did they go?”

I’ll take you guys home!

prodded her mother to

home. Along the way, Alex asked Naomi if the pills were left at home which she then answered, “I only

get rid of it! We can’t let anyone discover it,” he

She threw the pills into a nearby river and returned to the car and assured, “Don’t worry, Anastasia will never know what medicine we gave

also breathed a sigh of relief. “Anastasia

After keying in the passcode at the door, Anastasia found that the lights were still on. She also saw the driver, Joe, sleeping on the sofa. When Joe

back. What about

you here, Mr.

me to stay and watch the house, so I

about the situation last night

President Tillman back home and left, but I suddenly recalled that Old Madam Presgrave gave a lot of gifts in the car, so I turned back. When I walked in with

my

were all crying in fear and I wanted to take President Tillman to the hospital, but Mr. Hunter came, so they took his car

moment you witnessed it

fifteen to sixteen

the time it took for her to receive the call, the time it took Joe to process

him more than twenty minutes

motives and thoughts, but their unreasonable time on the

know what kind of medicines my dad

last time he

anymore as she went to the master bedroom on the second floor. In the cabinet, she found a bottle of heart medication that her father often took. Other than that, no other medicine

more pills from several bottles of medicine in the cabinet. She wanted to clarify if the pills left in her father’s mouth

cover for her. “Mr. Bachelor, I got some pills from home, but please keep it

could not help but feel a tug in his chest. He had always been loyal to Francis, so he

go out, they saw Naomi and Erica rushing in through the door. Judging from

Anastasia to come

running around instead of taking care of your dad in the hospital?”

wrong with me coming back? This is my home

saw Anastasia

immediately entered the hall and saw Joe, who was about to leave. She hurriedly asked, “Joe, what did Anastasia do when she came

out to smoke earlier, madam. If there is

be up to no good if

her eyes and calmed herself down for a few seconds before uttering, “I have a feeling this isn’t entirely an accident. When Naomi and Alex took him to the hospital, they took way too long. It was the delay that caused him

suspect your

treats her well. I really hope that she has nothing to do with this incident, but if I really find out that she plotted something, I won’t let her get away with this.” Anastasia gritted her teeth and clenched her fists

If it’s her, she’ll definitely leave a trace.” Elliot comforted her once again. Not only did he find Naomi suspicious, he also thought that

Elliot took Anastasia back to the hotel,

the sofa while panic took over her. She thought about what she had done at this moment and she suddenly got

go home, then. Otherwise, things would become more troublesome. But… What did Anastasia do here? Did she suspect something? I thought the performance by Erica and I was convincing enough, even in front of Joe! No… there’s no way they could have found

reading too much into this, Naomi

asking him about Francis. All

nodded. She was not angry when she sensed how wary and secretive Alex was toward her, seeing as the end she sought

Anastasia would continue with the engagement; it was not proper in light of the grim situation at present, and besides,

the floor-to-ceiling window and stared out at the hospital across the road. Worry was evident in her eyes, and for each

his arms around her from behind. “Let’s get some

everything else in her life was tossed up in the air. Faith came with the sense of calm that suddenly washed over her; she

on

and heard Elliot speaking on the phone with Benedict, who had called to tell him that Francis’ condition had not changed much since last night, though there were several tests that the hospital had scheduled for

to need you to sign the consent form if we want to bring your father back to

to it. You can bring Dad over

immediately gave instructions over the phone. “Bring him over to the hospital and run

hospital to sign the patient transfer paperwork. It wasn’t until she saw her father being wheeled into an

She glanced at the caller ID, and upon seeing Naomi’s name flashing on the screen, she knew that her stepmother had already found out about Francis’ transfer to the Presgraves’

Anastasia demanded fearlessly, sparing no niceties as she picked up

Anastasia! Who gave you the right to have your father transferred to another hospital? Your father is in no condition to be moved

for anything that might happen,” Anastasia replied curtly. “He’s my father, and I want him to wake up more than

father to die so that you can take over his company. That’s it, isn’t it? I know exactly how that mind of

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