Lucinda was too shocked by the news to notice his cut.
She stood up, opened the door, and a
sked in disbelief, âWhat did you just say?â
Abel choked back tears as he explained, âHis heart rate suddenly became abnormal last night.
The doctor has checked on him and said he doesnât have much time left.
But Mr.
Hilliard needs to confirm it.
Mr.
Cyrus is also on his way back to Stastle.
Please come with me!â
Overwhelmed with sorrow, Lucinda couldnât move from the sudden impact of the news.
Nathan gently wiped the blood from his hand with a wet tissue and wrapped it carefully.
Concealing his wounded finger, he stood up and approached Lucinda, holding her hand with his uninjured one.
âSomething terrible has happened to the Simmons family.
You must go back, and Iâll go with you.
â
Half an hour later, Lucinda and Nathan arrived at the Simmons familyâs house.
The atmosphere was tense, and Violeta was anxiously pacing in front of the gate, awaiting their arrival.
âLucinda, youâre finally back,â Violeta said tearfully as she rushed over to greet them.
Concerned, Lucinda asked, âHowâs Dad?â
Violeta shook her head sadly.
âHeâs not in good condition.
The doctor said he is barely holding off, but we want to wait for Hilliard to come back and check on him again.
â
âOkay.
â
Understanding her desire to have Hilliard confirm the situation, Lucinda nodded in agreement, and they hurriedly entered the villa.
In Atticusâ room, Graham was sitting on the edge of the bed.
It had been about a whole week since Lucinda last saw him, and he appeared completely different now.
He had lost some weight, and his skin looked rougher than before.
A beard had grown, making him appear much older than his actual age.
He was merely in his 30s, but in just a few days, he looked ten years older than that.
Lucinda didnât want to know what had happened to him recently; her focus was on her father.
âGo out.
I want to talk to Dad alone.
I donât want to see you.
â
She coldly told Graham to leave, sounding as if he had been a mere stranger.
Without saying a word, Graham silently stood up and left the room.
However, Lucinda noticed an unevenness in his gait as he walked away.
Something must be wrong with his knees.