Chapter 10 Fainting in Front of His Car

Remembering how, as a child, I couldn't afford to save Dominic Hawthorne during his medical emergency, I had no choice but to follow the ambulance to the hospital. When we arrived, I paid Leona's medical fees and was about to leave. At the entrance, a police officer blocked my way. Behind him stood the couple from the third floor. The wife pointed at me and declared firmly, "It was her. She's the one who pushed that girl down." The officer nodded and said to me in a formal tone, "Hello, please come with us." Though unwilling, I knew full well that even if I didn't go to the station today, I'd have to go tomorrow. The couple from the third floor came along with me. On the way, the wife told the officer, "I heard them arguing—very loudly. Then I heard someone scream for help, and after that, the girl tumbled down." Gina, who lived on the fourth floor, had told me that this woman from the third floor was a busybody who always looked for trouble. Hearing her now, I immediately explained to the officer, "I didn't argue with her!" The woman gave me a cold look. "You say there was no argument, so there wasn't? Are you also going to claim you didn't push her?" "It wasn't me who pushed her." She sneered. "Murderers always claim they're innocent." "It really wasn't me," I insisted again. Though I knew all the circumstances were against me, and no one would believe me. At the police station, after finishing my statement, the officer contacted the Fairchild family. I had assumed that with Sterling and Judith's usual behavior, they'd insist on keeping me detained. But surprisingly, they told the officer to release me. By the time I left the station, I was so hungry I was nearly fainting. I went to a noodle shop and had barely taken two bites when Dominic Hawthorne called. I knew he would bring up Leona, and I was certain that in his mind, he already believed I was responsible. The phone rang for a long time before I answered. Before he could speak, I said, "Mr. Hawthorne, Leona fell on her own. I didn't push her." After I spoke, the other end was silent. After a long pause, Dominic's cold laugh came through. "Do you really think I'd believe you?" No. That was the answer already in my heart. Before I could defend myself, Dominic said, "I just want you to know this, Lydia: if anything happens to Nona, it won't just be you—I'll destroy The House of Stars, the orphanage you came from!" Then he hung up. I gasped in shock. Dominic Hawthorne truly was a ruthless businessman—he knew exactly how to strike at an enemy's weakest point. Now that I was at odds with the Fairchilds and completely alone, I wasn't afraid of what he might do to me. But he had thought to threaten the orphanage! I tried calling back, but the call wouldn't go through. He had blocked me. Panic surged inside me. I couldn't eat anymore. I rushed straight to the hospital. When I arrived, the doctor told me Leona had already been transferred by Dominic Hawthorne to Holy Heart Hospital. Holy Heart Hospital was the most prestigious private hospital in Swan City, a members-only facility where not just anyone could enter. Even visiting patients required prior approval from the patient. I knew there was no way I could get in. But Dominic had to work. He should be leaving early the next morning. It was already past two a.m. To be safe, I waited at the entrance of Holy Heart Hospital. I briefly dozed off, crouched against the wall. At dawn, I resumed my vigil. Finally, I saw Dominic's car pull out. Without thinking, I ran straight toward it! The car wasn't moving fast. It gently bumped into me and stopped. Dominic got out of the car. I tried to get up to explain what had happened the previous day, to beg him not to target the orphanage—but suddenly my head felt dizzy and heavy. My vision went black, and I fainted.