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.

stopped them. “Your dad has just been resuscitated. Don’t

hospitals. It will be helpful for Dad’s treatment.” Of course, she assumed that Naomi also wanted to save her father,

Naomi heard it, she blatantly rejected the offer. “I don’t believe in any hoax of better technology. I just don’t want my husband to suffer again. He’s

me, but Dad’s health is more important now.” Anastasia

was beside Naomi, also spoke out to support her mother. “Dad is still weak now. Why do you have to torment him? If something goes wrong on

the mother and daughter insisted on not transferring Francis to another hospital, Anastasia could only hold back temporarily. Nodding as she compromised and said, “Okay,

Francis was 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

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

have arranged for a

in her eyes. At a time like

fell asleep, so I had Grandma take

at Presgrave

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

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

looked up and scanned over Erica and Alex, he exuded a

to make him show her

Alex went to get water for Naomi and Erica, he also bought some for Anastasia. She took them and handed a bottle to Elliot, who was obviously reluctant to accept anything given by another man.

opened the one in her hand before she took

then did Elliot take it before he took a few

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

her. Erica was wearing Alex’s

men in suits appeared in the corridor while looking dapper with a scholarly aura. They went straight to Elliot’s side and greeted him respectfully, “Hello, Young

in response. “All of you are

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

to you to discuss the details.”

got up to ask, “Who are these people

her exaggerated reaction, she uttered lightly,

doctors instead. She then exchanged glances

Do you want to go in and take a

them

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

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

back her temper

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

fine,” Elliot reassured her and

warmth of his palm, but she still returned the suit to him as she felt bad. She then snuggled into his embrace and the two of them shared his

while his thin lips kissed her hair

The guys who just came are the leading cardiologists and neurologists

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

came over. “Elliot, Miss Tillman,

Anastasia’s hand as they followed

three experts and the two doctors who revived Anastasia’s father earlier were present. Through their gaze, one could tell that they were

doctors gave a detailed explanation of Francis’

was unfortunate that he was admitted too late to the

my dad to

heart failure has caused various complications, especially his brain which is most affected. Therefore, the possibility of

suddenly rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably. As

hand and uttered in a deep voice, “Please think of

be implemented right now. It’s gonna take a period of observation.

do

During this period, we will do everything in our power to maintain your

needs. Money

will, Young Master Elliot. We guarantee to provide the best available treatment for Mr. Tillman,” they

took the opportunity to ask,

wine, it would not cause his heart failure. We suspect that your father had ingested the

drug for the cardiovascular system. Rather than strengthening the heart, it has

wrong pill?” Anastasia was shocked to hear

someone who stays with your father about the situation and the

bottom of it while I collect some samples of my dad’s

“That would be great.”

hospital. Take Miss

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

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

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

check on the kind of medicines

drive you

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

“Where did they go?”

take you guys home! Let’s come

exhausted Erica then prodded her mother to leave. “Mom, let’s go!

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

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

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,

other accomplice, also breathed a sigh of relief. “Anastasia definitely won’t suspect

keying in the passcode at the door, Anastasia found that the lights were still

back. What about President

you

just now, she asked me to stay and watch the house,

me about the situation last

of gifts in the car, so I turned back.

my

President Tillman to the

moment you witnessed it and the time you

fifteen to

log. When she added up the time it took for her to receive the call, the time it took Joe to process the situation and the time it took

minutes. Alex said that he had taken the wrong way, but did it really take him more than twenty minutes to detour? Why did he not take Dad to People’s

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

you know what kind

discomfort. After the last time he fainted, President Tillman took it with

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

the cabinet. She wanted to

“Mr. Bachelor, I got some

tug in his chest. He had always been

as Anastasia and Elliot were about to go out, they saw Naomi and Erica rushing in through the

not expect Anastasia to come back

taking care

wrong with me

at her reply, then saw Anastasia and

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

came out to smoke earlier, madam. If there is nothing else, I will be leaving too.” Joe quickly covered

must be up to no good if she came

feeling this isn’t entirely an accident. When Naomi and Alex took him to

you suspect

plotted something, I won’t let her

once again. Not only

back to the hotel, it was

her. She thought about what she had

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…

much into

him about Francis. All he divulged was that Francis had suddenly

angry when she sensed how wary and secretive Alex was toward her, seeing as the end she sought to achieve was for Anastasia and Elliot to call off their

in light of the grim situation at present, and besides, the cheerful novelty of her upcoming

at the hospital across the road. Worry was evident

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

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

a restful slumber. Elliot, on the other hand, hardly slept a wink, for he woke up as soon

to tell him that Francis’ condition had not changed much since last night, though there were several tests

sign the consent form if we want to bring your father

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

phone. “Bring him over to the hospital

sign the patient transfer paperwork. It wasn’t until she saw her father being wheeled into an idling ambulance that she felt hope course through her. She prayed furtively that Francis would receive better treatment over at the

name flashing on the screen, she knew that her

Anastasia demanded fearlessly, sparing no niceties as she picked up

gave you the right to have your father transferred to another hospital? Your father is in no condition to be moved around willy-nilly! You better pray that

full responsibility for anything that might happen,” Anastasia replied curtly. “He’s my father, and I want

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 the one

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