Chapter 315: Put My Mind at Ease

“Dad, if you don’t want to rat, just don’t. Why do you have to criticize me like that? If it’s such a big deal, I just won’t bring you medicine anymore!”

With that, Eunice clutched the medicine and ran off. Derek sat where he was, watching her flee. For a moment, he felt utterly dejected.

“Dad,” Madelyn said, seating herself beside him. “Do you believe what I just said?”

Derek held the medical report, trembling slightly. He had never considered that those closest to him had been plotting against him.

Then, with teary eyes, he smiled. “I do. You are my precious daughter. Of course, I believe you. I just never expected Eunice to be as vicious as her mother! They’re vicious women!”

His tone intensified as he spoke those final words. He was utterly disappointed. Regardless of everything, they had lived together for nearly twenty years; surely, some familial affection had developed. However, he hadn’t known how truly evil Regina and Eunice were.

Derek questioned himself. He had always treated them kindly. How could they sabotage the company, jeopardizing his life? How could they be so inhumane?

Madelyn watched her father’s anguish, her heart heavy. She could only comfort him, saying, “Dad, it’s okay. We’ve exposed Eunice’s true colors. She won’t dare to do it again. However, in the future, limit what you accept from her. She’s fickle-hearted, and who knows what she might do under Regina’s influence? It’s better to be cautious.”

Derek nodded solemnly. Suddenly overwhelmed with sorrow, he sighed. “Maddie, do you think this is retribution for me? If I had treated your mother better, would we be here?”

He expressed his remorse incessantly. “I’m reaping what I sow. I can’t bear this! If only I had treated you and your mother better… If I’d understood Regina’s nature and disciplined Eunice, none of this would have happened. Yet, under that vicious woman’s influence, Eunice has become just as ruthless! What else is she capable of?”

The more he spoke, the more his heart ached, as if suffocating from the pain. He had sincerely given his love in vain.

It’s often said that a father and daughter share a deep bond. Madelyn saw the worry etched on Derek’s face and profoundly sensed his sadness.

Moreover, considering Derek’s age, it was natural that his spirit aged with each experience. His ability to withstand hardship inevitably diminished with time. Regina and Eunice’s actions were undeniably a bolt from the blue.

Madelyn couldn’t bear to see him upset. However, if she hadn’t exposed them sooner, it would have caused even greater harm to their family. The consequences would have been unimaginably worse.

With that in mind, Madelyn sighed helplessly. She nestled close to him. “Dad, how about I don’t go anywhere tonight? I’ll stay home and keep you company, maybe even take care of you a bit?”

Seeing his despair, Madelyn genuinely worried. However, Derek shook his head with a heavy sigh. “No need… Although I’m old, I can still handle this. You should save your time and attend to your own matters. I’m looking forward to the day when you take over the company. By then, I can truly retire and live out my years in peace.”

“Okay,” Madelyn nodded vigorously. “Dad, rest assured, I will definitely devote myself to learning about company management. I won’t let you down again.”

Upon hearing this, Derek managed a weak smile. “Maddie, you’re always the best behaved… You should head back quickly, I also need some rest.”

With that, Derek stood, ready to head upstairs. The moment he took his first step, his heavy body lost control, tipping to one side and collapsing face-first onto the couch.

“Dad!” Madelyn cried out, lunging forward. “Dad, wake up! Please! Wake up!”

“Ms. Thornton, what happened to Mr. Thornton?” The butler hurriedly approached.

“Call an ambulance! Quick!” Madelyn yelled.

The butler immediately called for help. Soon, the sound of an ambulance echoed closer. Nurses carefully placed Derek on a stretcher and lifted him into the ambulance.

Madelyn stayed with him, clutching his icy-cold hand. She was on the brink of tears, praying, “God, please protect my father! He’s the only family I have left! Please don’t let anything happen to him…”

Five minutes later, they arrived at the hospital.

Madelyn paced anxiously outside. Unbeknownst to her, half an hour passed. Suddenly, the emergency room doors swung open.

Immediately, Madelyn grabbed a doctor, asking anxiously, “Doctor, how is my father’s condition?”

The doctor sighed in relief. “Rest assured, Miss. Your father suffered a brief cardiac shock due to extreme emotional agitation. He’s out of danger now. All he needs is rest and recuperation.”

He paused. “And remember, prevent future major shocks. We were lucky this time, but we might not be next time.”

Madelyn breathed deeply, her anxious heart settling. She thanked the doctor profusely. “Doctor, I can’t thank you enough. Without your help, my father might have…”

“Miss, there’s no need for such formality,” the doctor said calmly. “It’s our duty to save lives and nurse the injured. We’re merely doing what we should.” He walked away.

Derek was ushered into a luxurious ward, where he peacefully fell asleep. Madelyn looked at his peaceful face, letting out a worried sigh. She silently vowed in her heart, “Dad, you’ve always protected me. From now on, I will definitely protect you!”