Chapter 162

Margaret's expression froze. "By the way," she said, a sudden thought striking her. "Bruce, are you donating your bone marrow to your daughter?"

"Yes," Bruce replied, nodding subconsciously.

"I know about the child's condition," Margaret said.

"And?" Bruce asked, confused.

Margaret sighed, then spoke earnestly, "I don't recommend it."

Bruce was stunned, speechless. He stared at her in disbelief.

Margaret took a deep breath. "Donating bone marrow is harmful," she explained. "I'm worried about the damage to your body."

"No, it's not harmful," Bruce countered.

Margaret looked at him skeptically. "Who said that?"

"Those who say it's harmless are lying. They're afraid no one will donate if they knew the truth." She continued, "I know about the child's condition! She has leukemia, thalassemia, and heart disease! There could be serious long-term consequences. Even if the leukemia is cured, she could be permanently disabled!"

Margaret sighed deeply. "She might not fully recover even with the donation. A specialist advised against the treatment."

Bruce frowned. "Grandma, she's my daughter! My flesh and blood! How can I let her die?"

"Bruce, she's Everett family flesh and blood too. I want her healthy, but rationally, the treatment is futile. She'll only suffer more! The specialist said that even if the leukemia is cured, she might need a heart transplant. Based on her condition, she might not live past seven. Even with your donation, she might only gain two or three more years. Is that worthwhile?" Margaret's face was serious. She'd rather let a sickly child go. While not favoring sons over daughters, she worried this child would burden her grandson. Lilia had multiple serious illnesses—needing a bone marrow donation now, possibly a heart transplant later. Only Bruce's blood type matched. Margaret feared it would be a never-ending cycle for her grandson. She couldn't bear to see either of them suffer.

Bruce's face darkened. He stood up. "Grandma, I'm saving my daughter, no matter what! I haven't fulfilled my duty as a father. I can't give up on her, even if the surgery fails."

"Bruce, if she could be healthy, I wouldn't stop you. But look at her situation. It's pointless and harmful to you! You'll need to donate bone marrow, maybe white blood cells, even organs later! I'll worry…" Margaret pleaded.

"Stop it, Grandma! I won't give up on Lilia!" Bruce turned and left.

Margaret choked back anger. "Stop! Are you trying to kill me?"

"Grandma…"

Margaret gasped, her face paling. She almost fell from her wheelchair.

Bruce rushed to her. "Grandma, are you okay?"

"Get the doctor! Hurry!"

Korbin and the nurses were shocked. A nurse quickly produced an oxygen mask.

Margaret clutched Bruce's hand, panting. "Bruce, promise you won't do anything foolish! I know you're soft-hearted, but this isn't the time. The Everett family depends on you…"

Bruce was flustered. "I know, Grandma, please stop."

"Korbin, keep an eye on Bruce. Don't let him donate the marrow!"

"Yes, Madam!"

Margaret fainted.

"Grandma! Grandma!"

"Doctor! Call the doctor!"

Five minutes later, the family doctor arrived. After examining Margaret, his expression was grim. "Mr. Everett, Mrs. Margaret is suffering from heart failure. She needs treatment overseas; we lack the necessary equipment here."

Bruce said anxiously, "We'll send Grandma overseas immediately."

"Yes, Sir!"

The Everett family's private plane took Margaret to Melta. Bruce accompanied her. The urgency prevented him from informing Joanna.

The next day, Bruce didn't go to the hospital. Joanna waited in vain. Three days passed, then four. The surgery was approaching; Bruce should have been at the hospital, but he was nowhere to be found. He hadn't visited Lilia in two days. Joanna called him, but his phone was unavailable. She called Korbin, but neither Bruce nor Korbin answered.

Desperate, she called Andy.

"Hello, Andy!"

"Anything I can help with, Miss Haynes?"

"Where's Bruce?"

"Mr. Everett's in Melta!"

"Melta? Why?" Joanna felt a chill.

"He said it was urgent."

"When's he coming back?"

"I'm not sure."

Joanna was stunned. Did he take the children to Melta? She felt a horrible dread. Had he given up on Lilia?

In the ward, Lilia asked, "Mommy, why hasn't Daddy visited?"

"Lilia, Daddy's…" Joanna hesitated.

"Is Daddy busy?"

"Yes. He'll see you soon."

"When?"

"In a few days."

Jaydon arrived. "Joanna!"

"Jay, why are you here?"

"To see Lilia. How is she?"

Joanna frowned. "Surgery's Monday."

"Everything ready?"

"Yes."

"Did Bruce agree to donate?"

Joanna was speechless. She hadn't contacted Bruce in three days. Had he changed his mind? Or was this a ploy to get Davian and Irvin? Given Bruce's nature and Margaret's ruthlessness, it was entirely possible, especially with Lilia's critical condition. Margaret wouldn't let her grandson risk his life.

"Why aren't you talking?"

Joanna sighed. "I don't know."

"Where is he? Don't tell me he refused!"

"He agreed, but I can't reach him!"

Jaydon was furious. "I knew that jerk was unreliable!"

"That's not my biggest worry!"

"What is?"

"He took Davian and Irvin…" Joanna blamed herself for being soft-hearted and letting Margaret take the children. Once their identities were revealed, Margaret would have taken them. It was over; she'd lose her daughter and her sons.

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