Chapter 135

"Mr. Everett, answer me. Didn't Roxy look for you yesterday?"

"I called her and asked. She said she was with you, so I was relieved. Otherwise, I would have made her go home early!"

"How did this happen?"

Ingrid cried until she was breathless. She had carefully raised her daughter for so many years, hoping she would marry into a wealthy family. Now, all her hard work seemed ruined.

Bruce lowered his head in frustration, silent. Andy quickly comforted Ingrid, handing her tissues. "Mrs. Haynes, don't be too sad!"

Ingrid took the tissues, wiping her nose. She sobbed, "How could I not be sad? Fate is too cruel! Why is fate so cruel to Roxy? What sins have we committed to deserve this? Unlucky things keep happening!"

"This is a hospital. Please keep your voice down. There are still patients undergoing surgery!" The head nurse intervened.

Ingrid's wailing subsided to quiet sobs.

Forty minutes later, the ward door opened, and doctors and nurses emerged.

"Doctor, how's the patient?"

The doctor's tone was serious. "The patient's external injuries are severe. She may have difficulty conceiving in the future. The lacerations have been sutured, and she needs bed rest for the next few days. Also, pay close attention to her mental health. A psychiatrist's guidance is recommended."

Bruce couldn't bear to listen any longer. His heart ached. How did this happen? he wondered. How could such a tragedy occur right under his nose?

In the ward, Roxanne lay unconscious, an oxygen mask covering her mouth and nose. The bruises on her neck were clearly visible. Bruce couldn't believe the torture those thugs had inflicted. He blamed himself. He didn't know she had slept with Gavin, nor that she had sought him out, leading to the disaster. Ingrid caressed her daughter's face, tears streaming down her cheeks.

10:45 Sat, 24 Jun

Chapter 135

"Roxy, my dear daughter. How are you?"

Roxanne lay quietly, unresponsive. Bruce watched her, distraught.

At noon, Roxanne finally woke up, but she seemed lost, her eyes vacant. She didn't react to anything Ingrid said.

"Roxy, say something to Mommy! You're my only daughter. Don't take things too hard!"

"Roxy, don't worry," Bruce offered, unsure how to comfort her.

"The patient is still weak, and her mental state is fragile. She needs rest," the doctor advised.

"Okay," they replied.

Bruce and Ingrid left the ward. Crying, Ingrid suddenly grabbed Bruce's tie. "You are responsible for my daughter now! You didn't protect her!"

Bruce sighed, taking her blame without protest. He felt overwhelming guilt. Roxanne was vulnerable and needed comfort. He decided to marry her as soon as possible.

Soon, Joanna learned of Roxanne and Shaun's hospitalization. She rushed from Irvin's ward to visit them. Arriving at the ward, she saw Bruce sitting dejectedly.

"Bruce!" she called.

His expression was icy; he didn't respond.

"What the hell happened?"

Bruce glared at her, anger evident. "Last night, Roxy was attacked by thugs!"

Joanna was stunned. He continued, blaming her. "It's all your fault!"

"Me? Roxanne was attacked, and it's my fault?"

Chapter 135

"Last night, I saw Roxy at the bar entrance, drunk!"

"You said it couldn't be her! You rushed to the hospital to deliver food to your son!"

"This tragedy could have been avoided! I could have saved her! I blame myself! I regret it! I shouldn't have gone to you last night!"

Joanna choked back tears. "Bruce, I'm heartbroken too!"

"I told you I didn't need a ride to the hospital, but you insisted!"

Bruce paused. "I hate myself. If I hadn't believed you when you said she was obedient and wouldn't be at a bar, I wouldn't have left. If you hadn't made a fuss, I would have gotten out of the car to check on her! This wouldn't have happened!"

Joanna was speechless. "Bruce, you're unbelievable!"

"She's your sister. Don't you feel any regret?"

"Regret? I didn't cause this!" [The website plug is removed here as it is irrelevant to the text cleanup]

"Joanna, I didn't expect you to be so heartless!"

"I don't want to talk to you anymore. I'm here to see my father. It has nothing to do with you!"

Joanna walked towards Shaun's ward. Ingrid, overhearing their argument, rushed out.

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