Chapter 18

Cyril had just passed through airport security when his phone screen suddenly lit up. The caller ID showed Constance. He frowned but still pressed the button to answer. Constance's panicked voice came through from the other end. "Cyril, Mom suddenly had an episode and was taken to the hospital. The doctor said her condition is critical—you have to come right now!" He clenched his hands, and his heart sank. "Which hospital is she in?" "Central Hospital, third floor of the ER!" Cyril hung up and immediately rushed out of the airport. His footsteps echoed sharply in the quiet hospital corridor. He frowned, the scent of disinfectant lingering in the air filled his nose, stirring a vague but growing sense of foreboding in his heart. He quickened his pace toward the emergency room, only to be stopped by a figure stepping out from around the corner. A stinging blow landed across his face. Deborah pointed at him with a trembling finger and red-rimmed eyes. "Cyril, if anything happe