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.

expression fell and she immediately stopped them. “Your dad

helpful for Dad’s treatment.” Of course,

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 will not allow you to move

you hold a grudge against me, but Dad’s health is more important now.” Anastasia

is still weak now. Why do you have to torment him? If something goes wrong on the way… or if he encounters an

another hospital, Anastasia could only hold back temporarily. Nodding as she

transferred to the ICU for monitoring, Naomi went in to visit for ten minutes as the representative. She sat in front of Francis’ hospital bed and looked at his lifeless

her father lying quietly through the glass window. During dinner, her father was still happily drinking and talking to her, yet now, he was lying in the cold ward sound

I have arranged for a few doctors from Presgrave Hospital to

looked at him with gratitude filled in her eyes. At a time like this, he was

asleep, so I had

at Presgrave Residence,

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

rich and young master like Elliot was considerately by Anastasia’s side, taking care

exuded a dark

ability to make him show

some for 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

accept the water bottle, she set the bottle aside and opened the one in her hand before she

took a few

beside Erica, she could not help

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 a man,

men in suits appeared in the corridor while looking dapper with a

“All

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, Benedict and the other two went to the

“Who are these people and what are

her exaggerated reaction, she uttered lightly,

they did not look like his friends but doctors instead.

you want to go in and take a rest? It’s quite cold

of them went

hurriedly looked at Alex and inquired, “The three people just now should be doctors sent by Elliot. Do you think

reactions for now. Elliot is here, so we shouldn’t raise his suspicion,” Alex reminded her that

her temper and reply, “We’ll just have to risk

the corridor outside, Anastasia noticed that Elliot was wearing only a shirt and a vest. She then asked out of concern, “Are you cold? Do you want to take

her and held her

as she felt bad. She then snuggled into his embrace and the two of them shared his

thin lips kissed

who just came are the leading cardiologists and

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

a while, Benedict came over. “Elliot,

to hold Anastasia’s hand as they followed

father earlier were present. Through their gaze, one could tell that they were looking at

gave a detailed explanation

that he was admitted too late to the hospital. If he could have arrived ten minutes

for my dad to

father’s heart failure has caused various complications, especially his brain which is most affected. Therefore, the possibility of him being in a vegetative state

rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably. As she heard their statement with closed eyes, she felt immense pain and

a deep voice, “Please think

gonna take a period

long do

three months! During this period, we will do everything in our power to maintain your father’s treatment while he is in a

prescribe him with whatever medication he needs. Money is not

guarantee to provide the best available treatment for Mr.

had been lingering on her mind, Anastasia took the opportunity to ask, “Does my dad’s episode have something to do with his alcohol intake—specifically two glasses

only drank two glasses of wine, it would not cause his heart failure. We suspect that

Rather than strengthening the heart, it has

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

should inquire with someone who stays with your father about the situation and the

of it while I collect some samples of my dad’s medications for

“That would be great.”

at night. We’ve arranged a room in the hotel opposite the hospital. Take Miss Tillman over to rest! Rest assured we’re here to take care of Mr. Tillman!” suggested

at Anastasia. “Benedict and the others will guard here. They’ll inform us right away if something

long battle that would take more than a day or two. She had to maintain her physical strength and body in order

thing—why is there even a chance for

on the kind of medicines

I’ll drive you there.”

other side, Naomi and Erica were in the lounge when Alex quickly walked in and

“Where did they go?”

but I’ll take you guys home! Let’s come back tomorrow morning,” he

then prodded her mother to leave. “Mom,

at home which she then answered, “I only bought two bottles. One is in my hand now and the other is at your place. I

and get rid of it! We can’t let anyone

told him to stop by the road. 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

other accomplice, also breathed a sigh of relief.

outside the gate of Tillman Residence. 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 heard the noise at the door,

you’re back.

are you here,

stay and watch the house, so I didn’t leave.

gaze turned serious as she inquired, “Mr. Bachelor, tell me about the situation last night when you saw

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 the gifts, I already saw President Tillman lying on

my stepmother

Tillman to the hospital, but Mr. Hunter

witnessed it

fifteen to sixteen

she added up the time it took for her to receive the call, the time

him more than twenty minutes to detour? Why did he not take Dad to People’s Hospital,

did not want to overthink Naomi’s motives and thoughts, but their unreasonable time on the road was the very

you know what kind of medicines my dad

the last time he fainted, President Tillman took it with him every day, saying it

Joe’s statement, she rose to her feet searched for the medicine in the cabinet. She could not bother much 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

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

gathered, Anastasia requested Joe to cover for her. “Mr. Bachelor, I got some pills from home, but please keep it a secret from my stepmother,

feel a tug in his chest. He had always

Anastasia and Elliot were about to go out, they saw Naomi and Erica rushing in through the door. Judging from the luxury car parked outside, they must have assumed that it was

Anastasia to come back at

running around instead of taking care of

with me coming back? This is my home after

reply, then saw Anastasia and

she immediately entered the hall and saw Joe, who was about to leave. She

madam. If there is nothing

must be up to no good if she came home

calmed herself down for a few seconds before uttering, “I have a feeling this isn’t entirely an accident. When

you suspect

that she plotted something, I won’t let her get away with this.” Anastasia

trace.” Elliot comforted her once again. Not only did he find Naomi suspicious, he also

took Anastasia back to the hotel, it was

her. She thought about

things would become more troublesome. But… What did Anastasia do here? Did she suspect something? I thought

too much into this, Naomi

started asking him about Francis. All he divulged was that Francis had suddenly collapsed and was sent

not angry when she sensed how wary and secretive Alex was toward her, seeing as the end she sought to achieve was

light of the grim situation at present, and besides, the cheerful novelty of her upcoming nuptials would have already worn off

not sleep. She stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window and stared out at the hospital across the road. Worry was

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

moment, his embrace was the only thing that kept her grounded when everything else in her life was tossed up in the air. Faith came

sleep as Elliot held her through the night, but it was not a restful slumber. Elliot, on the other hand, hardly

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

facilities in the hospital are limited. We’re going to need you to sign the consent form if we want to bring your father back to

care if Naomi objects to it. You can bring Dad over to your

over the phone. “Bring him over to the hospital and run all

It wasn’t until she saw her father being wheeled into an idling ambulance

phone rang. 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’

sparing no niceties as she picked

to have your father transferred to another hospital? Your father is in no condition to be moved around willy-nilly! You better pray that he wakes up, because if he doesn’t,

might happen,” Anastasia replied curtly. “He’s my father,

That’s it, isn’t it? I know exactly how that mind of yours works, you wench! You’ve been eyeing his company all along!” Naomi accused, twisting the situation to make it sound like Anastasia was

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