Chapter 528:

Elyse suddenly felt dizzy after processing the information. She placed a hand on her forehead, her legs weakening, threatening to collapse. Jayden quickly supported her waist, steadying her against him. "Don't get too worked up," he said, his voice filled with concern. "Remember, you're pregnant. Try to stay calm for the baby's sake."

Elyse nodded. "Help me sit down. I feel dizzy."

Jayden helped her into a nearby chair. Morgan, who had been observing silently, bit her lip. She had momentarily forgotten Elyse's pregnancy. The harsh realities of the past weighed heavily on her. She decided to withhold further details, at least for now.

At that moment, the operating room door swung open, and a doctor entered, his expression grave. Looking at the three of them, he asked, "Who here is related to Dorothy?"

Morgan stepped forward anxiously. "I am her daughter. Is there any chance my mother will… will survive this?" Her fingers intertwined as she looked at the doctor with apprehension.

The doctor met her gaze. After a deep sigh, he delivered the somber news. "At 7:21 this evening, despite our efforts, Dorothy passed away due to unsuccessful resuscitation attempts. I am very sorry."

Morgan swayed, but the doctor caught her just in time. "Dorothy's health was already significantly deteriorated," he explained, a sense of defeat in his voice. "The car accident caused severe internal injuries. Even though there was a faint heartbeat upon arrival, we couldn't sustain it."

Elyse interjected anxiously, "But this morning, she was up and about! She was clear-minded and spoke with us extensively!"

The doctor frowned. "We informed you the day before yesterday. Dorothy's condition was precarious; her heartbeat was unstable, and her health could fail at any moment. Her physical condition was well below normal thresholds."

Shocked, Elyse turned to Jayden. "Is that true, what the doctor said?"

Jayden nodded. "The doctor said Dorothy was clinging to life, possibly due to an unfulfilled wish. This might have sustained her despite everything. So, when Dorothy was clear-minded and speaking today, I doubted the initial prognosis, but it appears I was mistaken." His gaze shifted to Morgan.

A bitter smile touched Morgan's lips. "It seems my mother was holding on all these years, waiting. It was only my return that allowed her to finally find peace."

Elyse, remembering Dorothy's words in the hospital room, recalled her mention of seeing Janet and feeling her mission fulfilled. Dorothy had expressed relief at no longer carrying the burden of her responsibilities and mission.

The doctor explained, "Based on what you've described, it seems Dorothy was resuscitated from near death and briefly regained strength. Last night, she required two cardiopulmonary resuscitations. While we were able to revive her temporarily, her time had indeed come."

The operating room doors opened again. Nurses emerged, pushing a gurney carrying Dorothy, her face covered with a white cloth.

"Dorothy's family should confirm her identity," one nurse said softly.

With trembling hands, Morgan lifted the cloth. Dorothy's face was pale, but her smile was contented and relaxed. In her final moments, she had the joy of seeing her long-lost daughter again and had used her remaining strength to shield her from harm. As Janet's mother and Rickey's former nanny, Dorothy had fulfilled her life's duties. She could now rest peacefully, perhaps finding solace in reuniting with Rickey and Jazmine in heaven.

Morgan tenderly brushed the wrinkles on her mother's face. "These lines shouldn't be here," she whispered. "Her eyes and forehead should have remained smooth."

Tears blurred Morgan's vision. Kneeling, she wept loudly. "Mom, after more than two decades, we've finally met. It breaks my heart that God had to tear you away from me forever."

It no longer mattered how much Morgan cried; Dorothy wouldn't respond. Elyse, unable to contain her sorrow, sought comfort in Jayden's embrace, silently hiding her tears.