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Chapter 158: Saving Lives
Joseph had barely finished speaking when he noticed Jared’s pen, which he was using to sign a paper, suddenly broke due to too much pressure. A sharp cracking sound reverberated in the quiet office, making it seem even louder.
Hastily, Joseph showed his phone. “A fan, who people suspect might be Yasmin’s supporter, attacked Miss Julia. And because of that, the entire internet is criticizing Madam. Some are even saying she deserves it. News spread like wildfire, and I can’t imagine what Miss Julia’s feeling now. She’s in a tight spot.”
Still not responding, Jared examined the image, his eyes landing on Julia’s slashed forehead. Seeing her being mistreated so harshly made him feel very protective. He clenched his fists, angry at Yasmin’s fans for their violent actions.
Jared couldn’t believe the extent of the damage inflicted on Julia, and he couldn’t understand how anyone could justify such brutality.
With that, he reached for his phone and dialed Julia’s number, concerned about her well–being. “Julia…”
Answering, Julia began, “Jared? Why are you-
“Where are you?” Jared’s voice quivered with worry.
A pained ‘hiss‘ came from the other end of the line as Julia grimaced from the pressure on her forehead.
As he heard her pain, Jared’s worries grew. “Did you get hurt?”
“I’m okay. I just-”
But Jared interrupted her. “I know about the attack. Just tell me.”
Taking a deep breath, Julia replied, “I’m alright, just a bit shaken. But I need to see Sheldon at the hospital.”
Jared asserted, “Okay. I’m on my way.”
She could hear the determination in his voice. With that, Julie quickly answered, “Alright, meet me at the hospital.”
After ending the call, Julia turned to Ethel. She was sitting on the floor with tears streaming down her face, gasping for air. Moving closer to the grieving woman, Julia said, “Crying won’t change anything. It won’t also help your husband recover.”
Ethel shot Julia a fierce glare. If looks could harm, hers would have torn Julia apart into fragments right then and there.
“I know you’re upset, but blaming me won’t solve anything. We need to focus on getting Sheldon the help he needs,” Julia said firmly.
Still silent, Ethel’s anger seemed to intensify, but she remained silent, her eyes filled with a mix of pain and resentment.
“Ms. Parker, let’s be clear for once. It wasn’t me who hit your husband,” Julia reasoned.
Ethel glared at Julia, her face showing a mix of doubt and concern. Whether or not she believed her, Julia needed to clarify the situation. She couldn’t let the woman blame her for someone’s mistake.
Despite her efforts, Ethel was still relentless. With fuming eyes, she spat out, “Are you willing to
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take responsibility for it or not?!”
Observing Ethel’s reaction, Julia understood that she was still skeptical.
“I stand by my actions. If I’m guilty, I’ll admit it. If I’m not, I won’t be blamed without reason.” Julia’s eyes reflected her determination and sincerity.
For a brief moment, Ethel appeared conflicted, questioning her accusations against Julia.
Could she really be innocent?
Ethel barely let herself consider the thought before she dismissed it. “Everyone thinks you’re behind it. If it’s not you, then who did it?”
Julia shot back, “If everyone’s saying I did it, where’s their proof?”
“The only reason you’re not in jail is because there’s no evidence and, conveniently, no security cameras around!” Ethel’s anger was palpable, and she glared at Julia with pure loathing. Seeing Ethel’s deep–seated anger, Julia decided not to argue. “I’ll accompany you to the hospital. Maybe I can help your husband.”
Ethel looked at Julia skeptically. “And why? Do you want to kill him off? Want him to be dead for real? You’re heartless! Are you even human? You’re no better than an animal!”
Each word from Ethel was sharper than the last.
Julia’s patience was wearing thin.
“Are
you
finished?” she shot back. Her icy demeanor made Ethel feel chilled all over. Julia said. more calmly, “I’ve considered helping your
suffering. Soon, you’ll find out who hurt you and out of sympathy for you. I didn’t cause your
husband. For the last time, I can save your husband with my medical knowledge and expertise. Do you need my help or not?”
While she sympathized with Ethel, she wasn’t one to rush in thoughtlessly, like a savior. If Ethel had continued to be hostile or even attacked her with ill intentions, she would have kept herself out of the situation.
Still skeptical, Ethel asked, “You’re saying you can save him? But even if you know a bit about medicine, can you do what the hospital can’t?”
Julia replied, her confidence evident, “I won’t know until I see him.”
As Ethel observed Julia, she pondered whether she was an expert, given her age. Even if she knew medicine, her expertise might have been limited. Still, it’s human nature to hold on to a shred of optimism even in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite realizing the odds were against them, a tiny spark of hope often lingered in their hearts.
In the end, Ethel drove Julia to the hospital out of desperation. Ethel hoped that Julia’s optimism would be justified despite her doubts. As they arrived at the hospital, she couldn’t help but wonder if this last attempt would truly save her husband’s life.
After Julia checked Sheldon’s pulse and looked through the test results, her eyebrows raised confidently.
“So, can he make it?” Ethel, observing Julia’s assurance, felt a glimmer of hope.
“He can be saved,” Julia replied firmly.
“My husband can be saved?” Ethel gazed at Julia in disbelief.
Julia nodded, her eyes filled with determination. “Yes. And with the right treatment and immediate intervention, there is a good chance we can save him.”
With that, Julia pulled out her phone and dialed a number. As soon as the call connected, she began, “Nathan, can you lend me five minutes of the hospital’s facilities? Please get in touch with the people at Valley Health Medical Center and tell them I must use their operating room.”
“Got it, ma’am,” Nathan replied, his voice filled with urgency.
Meanwhile, Ethel watched in awe as Julia swiftly coordinated the necessary arrangements. Sheldon’s main doctor approached four minutes later, asking, “Are you Miss Julia Watson?” “Yes, that’s me.”
“The operating room you requested is ready,” the doctor said respectfully to Julia.
Hearing this, Ethel felt even more amazed and rooted to the spot like a statue, watching her husband being taken away by the surgical team.
Just as Julia entered the operating room, Jared showed
“Where’s Julia?” Jared inquired with a stern expression.
- up.
Having never faced someone as imposing as Jared, Ethel was taken aback, standing frozen in place, especially with Jared exuding a threatening presence that made it hard to meet his gaze. “Um, she went in,” Ethel stammered.
Hearing her, Jared even got more irritated. “Why didn’t she first treat the bruise on her forehead?” Ethel’s mouth opened, realizing that fear had robbed her of her voice. She stood there, gaping and motionless, not daring to make a move. Jared wasn’t naturally frightening, but his eyes were on the verge of erupting with
anger.
For him, Ethel’s matter had nothing to do with his wife. But because of it, Julia got hurt. Without a doubt, the woman in front of him had a part to play, even though she didn’t throw the soda can. So, how could he treat Ethel kindly?
Time slipped by as Julia operated Sheldon. Jared waited outside, anxious about Julia’s forehead. injury. Conversely, Ethel was sitting across from Jared, who kept her head down, occasionally sneaking glances at him, becoming increasingly convinced that he was somebody one shouldn’t trample on.
When twenty minutes had passed, Joseph received a call. His face changed from worry to shock when he received important news. He quickly hung up the phone and rushed over to Jared. “Boss, we’ve got some information. The person responsible for the incident two nights ago was indeed Yasmin.”
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