Chapter 21

He didn't want Roxanne Haynes to bear his child. His grandmother was in critical condition and couldn't be agitated. Therefore, he suppressed his anger.

Roxanne's expression softened as she looked at Bruce. "Bruce, you should rest. I can care for Margaret."

Bruce remained silent, indicating his consent.

The next day, after examining Mrs. Margaret, the doctor joyfully exclaimed, "Mr. Everett, Mrs. Margaret is recovering well. We can move her to a regular ward! She'll likely wake up soon!"

"That's great!"

Margaret's transfer out of the ICU relieved Bruce. He stayed by her bedside, speaking with her occasionally, hoping for her swift recovery. His devotion to his grandmother was evident.

News of Margaret's progress saddened Roxanne. A sudden, inexplicable urge to harm Margaret arose. If Margaret died, Joanna would be blamed, and Bruce would never forgive Joanna. However, the thought quickly vanished; she lacked the courage to commit murder.

Bruce massaged Margaret's limbs to prevent muscle atrophy. Beep beep beep! His phone rang. It was Joanna.

"Hello!" Bruce answered, stepping outside the ward to speak.

Roxanne deduced it was Joanna; otherwise, he wouldn't have left the room. Her expression darkened, and she clenched her fist.

Beep beep beep! The ventilator's alarm sounded. Roxanne realized she'd accidentally grabbed the oxygen tube. She released it, stopping the alarm. Her heart pounded. This was her chance. If she unplugged the ventilator, Margaret would die.

"What's the matter?" Bruce was still on the phone. Joanna's voice was hoarse. "Bruce, I'm coming to see Margaret. I'll be there in half an hour!"

"Okay."

Bruce ended the call and went to the smoking area.

Roxanne's heart pounded. With trembling hands, she unplugged the ventilator. Margaret, asleep, struggled to breathe, waking in distress. Startled, Roxanne knocked over a glass of water. Margaret gasped for air.

"Margaret" Roxanne froze, terrified. This was her first attempt at murder, and she was overwhelmed. Margaret weakly raised her hand, then let it fall.

"Margaret, Margaret!" Roxanne panicked. Margaret's breathing ceased within three minutes.

Roxanne checked for breathing; there was none. "Oh, Margaret!" she cried, realizing the gravity of her actions. She hadn't anticipated Margaret's fragility. Fear paralyzed her.

Crack! The ward door opened. Kensley, the doctor's assistant, entered and understood the situation immediately.

Roxanne was bewildered. "I I"

Kensley examined Margaret, then turned to call the doctor. Roxanne realized the consequences of her actions.

"Oh no, please!" she pleaded. "I'll give you a fortune!" She threw herself at his feet, begging.

Kensley was astonished. As a promising young doctor, saving lives was his duty.

"The patient can still be saved"

Roxanne offered 2 million, then 20, then 40 million dollars. "You're a doctor. You can cover this up! How long would it take to earn 20 million?"

Kensley hesitated. He couldn't earn that in a lifetime.

"Please, time is running out!" Roxanne urged, glancing at the door. Bruce would return soon.

After a struggle, Kensley decided to take the money. He reinserted the ventilator and erased the data.

The door opened; Bruce returned.

"Ward Eight! Critical condition!" Kensley called for doctors, giving Margaret first aid.

Roxanne regained her composure. "Bruce, Margaret suffered respiratory arrest. The doctors are trying to save her!"

Bruce was stunned. He cursed himself for leaving her side.

The doctors arrived. Margaret was rushed to the emergency room.

"Grandma, hold on!" Bruce's heart pounded.

Twenty minutes later, the doctor emerged, dejected.

"Doctor, how is she?" Bruce asked, gripping the doctor's arm.

The doctor's face was sorrowful. "I'm sorry. We did everything we could."

Bruce felt devastated. "It can't be! Grandma can't be dead!"

Margaret's body was wheeled out.

"Grandma, Grandma! You can't leave" Bruce's heart ached. He hadn't expected this.

"Why? You said her condition improved!"

"Sorry, Mr. Everett. Mrs. Margaret was elderly, and a cerebral hemorrhage is dangerous. A slight mistake could worsen it."

Bruce broke down. His grandmother was his closest confidante.

Roxanne breathed a sigh of relief. She cried, "Margaret, please, don't leave us! What will Bruce and I do?" She sobbed beside Margaret's body.

Bruce, choked up, said, "Let's prepare for her funeral."

Roxanne threw herself into Bruce's arms, crying.

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