Chapter 1978: Mature and Reserved
At the hospital entrance, nurses assisted the Centers for Disease Control in maintaining order. Jonathan's arrival to take charge was recorded and sent to the hospital's group chat.
Madilyn's surprise was evident upon watching the video. Her heart pounded wildly at Jonathan's declaration that he was her representative. Lucian must have informed Jonathan of the situation, but Madilyn doubted Lucian had coached him on that specific statement. Had it been spontaneous?
The weight on Madilyn's heart lifted; she felt relieved and deeply touched by his gesture. Lucian soon received a call from Jonathan, confirming the situation was under control. Reporters, recognizing Jonathan, focused on the hospital's response rather than publishing unsubstantiated stories.
Jonathan remained at the entrance, patiently answering family members' questions. Meanwhile, Coralie observed through binoculars, noting every detail of Jonathan's expression. Her envy burned; she ground her teeth, a malicious grimace twisting her face.
"Three hours? My men said Jonathan claimed a three-hour solution. Impossible! Even with pathogen identification, vaccine acquisition from Moranta, and air shipment, it would take longer!" Christina's face darkened. She realized Jonathan had deliberately misled the families. Their scheme couldn't be resolved in under three hours, not even by Lucian. Reassured, she informed Coralie she was returning to Alphonse's side.
Focused on Jonathan, Coralie simply replied, "Go." Christina, observing Coralie's devotion, saw a reflection of her own past follyโdedicating her life to a man. Leaving, Christina felt safe. Mr. Goldstein's influence, extending beyond Starlight Group to Hawen, ensured her protection, even in Horington.
Coralie's mood was undeniably affected by Jonathan. The sight of him aiding Madilyn, resolving the crisis, was a dreaded reality. Something had changed him. His former straightforward innocence was replaced by a reserved maturity, a wisdom that deepened his allure. What had caused this transformation?
Coralie remained uncertain, yet her affection for Jonathan, coupled with her envy of Madilyn, deepened. Minutes later, Christina exited the elevator to find the hospital across the street restored to normalcy. Nurses gently guided patients outside to reassure their families.
"We're doing well," a patient reassured his family. "Dr. Xander often visits. It's nothing serious. Did you fall for a lie?"
"Really? We're relieved! We heard about the infection and were worried. We considered transferring you, but thankfully, it was a false alarm. We'll visit later."
More patients joined their families, and gradually, the crowd dispersed.