Chapter 1317

Chapter 1317:

At the military hospital, Madisyn and Andrew arrived breathless from their hasty journey.

The moment they entered Denby’s ward, they found Elton standing sentinel by the bedside, his posture deceptively casual.

“Lieutenant General Avila? You’re here too?” Madisyn’s greeting held a note of surprise.

Elton nodded and proceeded to explain Denby’s situation, his words flowing with practiced precision.

“I took a day off today to visit a friend at the hospital. While passing through Zenis Road, I discovered several individuals acting suspiciously around Commander Thatcher. Though I managed to apprehend them, I regret I wasn’t quick enough to prevent harm to Commander Thatcher.” A shadow of guilt darkened his features as he spoke, his voice heavy with apparent remorse.

“If I hadn’t taken today off—if I’d been by his side as usual, none of this would have happened.”

Madisyn’s sharp gaze traced Elton’s features as he delivered his account.

Something about his explanation nagged at her instincts—not wrong, exactly, but perhaps too perfectly delivered.

Madisyn cast a worried glance at Denby, wondering if her fears were getting the better of her.

A heavy silence hung in the air. Andrew hadn’t uttered a word since entering the ward. He followed Madisyn’s lead to Denby’s bedside, his footsteps echoing softly against the sterile floor.

The door creaked open as a doctor entered, his eyes moving between Madisyn and Andrew with practiced assessment.

“You must be Commander Thatcher’s family?”

Madisyn nodded, her voice tight with concern.

“We are. How is Denby doing?” The doctor’s grim expression spoke volumes before he even opened his mouth.

“Commander Thatcher’s physical condition appears stable at first glance,” he began carefully, “but our examination revealed something troubling. A bullet had been removed from his brain, and the wound has been putting pressure on his nerves and blood vessels.” He paused, choosing his next words with care.

“The recent emotional upheaval triggered significant complications, causing the injury to bleed. The prognosis is uncertain. We’ll do everything in our power through treatment, but I can’t make any guarantees.”

Madisyn’s lips drew into a tight line. She hadn’t imagined Denby’s condition would be this complex, this dire.

Guilt washed over the faces of both the driver and head of the guard team.

“We should have never let Commander Thatcher speak to those people alone when they stopped the car!” The words tumbled out, heavy with regret.

A somber cloud descended over the ward. In the shadows, Elton masked his bitter disappointment at Andrew’s survival and stepped forward with false concern.

“Surely there’s hope for Commander Thatcher’s recovery,” he suggested smoothly.

“I’ve heard of a Dr. Mia whose medical expertise is extraordinary. Andrew, perhaps we could ask Dr. Mia to examine your grandfather?”

Madisyn’s eyes flickered toward Elton, studying his expression. Andrew’s fingers found Madisyn’s hand, his grip gentle but firm.

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