Chapter 216

Mateo didn't address Liam as Mr. Hall, instead calling him by his name. Liam looked down with a blank expression, remaining silent. He should have respected and cared for Emma's family, but knowing how much she hated them and how they had mistreated her, he felt no goodwill toward Mateo.

"I didn't expect to see you here," Liam said.

Mateo laughed awkwardly. "Liam, what are you saying? The hospital called me. As a father, how can I not come? Something serious happened to my daughter."

Liam ignored him. Despite Mateo's show of concern, a leopard never changes its spots.

Mateo continued, "I've been reflecting lately. Looking back, I realize I was so blind. Now, after experiencing so many tragedies, I understand what it means to be a decent human being. I was a coward to Emma in the past." Tears streamed down his face. "In the past, we only had Aria in our eyes. Who knew Emma suffered so much and was even… Ugh!"

His tone was sincere and touching. A nurse approached with Emma's medical bill.

"Are you Emma Wilson's family? Here's the bill for her treatment. The family needs to pay for it first," the nurse said, handing it to Mateo.

Mateo's expression changed instantly. Moments ago tearful, he now avoided eye contact, stammering, "How… how much is it?"

Liam's sullen face darkened further. He seemed to reach his limit, taking the bill from Mateo and heading to the cashier.

Mateo breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he'd avoided paying. But seconds later, Liam instructed Levi, "Get this man out of here!"

Levi, already displeased, loudly replied, "Yes," and dragged Mateo out. Levi thought, Son of a bitch! One second he's playing the sympathy card, the next he's unwilling to pay. What a hypocrite!

Mateo cursed as he was dragged out, "Who do you think you are? I'm Liam's father-in-law! You're just a lowly worker… How dare you treat your boss's father-in-law this way?"

Levi ignored him. Reaching the hospital entrance, a crowd had gathered, watching and pointing. Levi shoved Mateo out, spitting, "Get lost! Your daughter had a car accident, and you only care about money! Do you have a conscience? Get away and stop bothering Mrs. Hall!"

After Levi finished scolding, onlookers nodded in agreement, expressing their disdain.

"He looks respectable. I didn't expect him to be so shameless." "Yeah, another one who favors sons over daughters!" "How unlucky to have such a father!"

Mateo's face flushed, then paled. Too ashamed to face them, he scurried away.

Inside, Emma had awakened, hearing a commotion but missing the details. After the doctor left, a man in a black trench coat entered. His face showed worry and anxiety; his eyes were bloodshot. Emma's wounds hurt, but seeing Liam's condition, her concern for him outweighed her own pain.

"Honey…" Emma said.

"Emma," Liam's voice was hoarse. He couldn't imagine what he would do if anything happened to her.

Emma, still unaware, anxiously asked, "Where's Lane? How's she?" She remembered Lane's sacrifice. Her heart pounded, hoping for reassurance. Liam's silence spoke volumes. Tears welled in her eyes. "She…"

"She's not dead," Liam comforted her. "She's still being resuscitated."

Emma cried. Lane was in critical condition. The atmosphere was heavy.

Liam said gently, "Don't worry. She'll be fine. I'll arrange the best doctors. You get some rest, okay?" His voice was gentle, unlike his usual commanding self. Emma bit her lip and nodded. After comforting her, Liam walked into the corridor alone.

Chapter 210

Levi, having just ejected Mateo, angrily returned. Liam asked, "How long until Lawson arrives?"

Levi replied seriously, "I just confirmed. He's a block away, about ten minutes."

Liam nodded. Lawson was a world-renowned neurosurgeon. The accident had damaged Lane's brain nerves. While the operation was a race against time, they could wait ten minutes. With Lawson, Lane would likely survive.

Liam's eyes grew colder. His voice, chilling, carried boundless killing intent. "Find out who did this," he instructed.

Levi nodded solemnly. The target was obviously Emma. If they didn't eliminate the threat, there would be future dangers.

"Yes, Mr. Hall. I'll notify Team Thunder and have everyone act tonight," Levi said.

Liam clenched his fists. "Whoever did this, I want them dead." Each word seemed forced from his throat.

At ten o'clock that evening, at the Allen family residence, Owen was preparing to go out. Silas was on a business trip, giving Owen a rare night of freedom. He whistled, then realized his card limit might be insufficient. He went upstairs to get Gina's card, but she was in bed, applying a face mask.

"You're going out so late again?" Gina sighed but indulged him. "Alright, have fun. But be careful. Don't let anyone bump into you again."

Owen grinned. "Got it, Mom. Have you settled that matter?"