Chapter 169

"I don't believe it. I need to ask Dad myself." Lila mumbled as a bit of clarity came back to her. "Let her in," Lucas waved at the lawyer and two bodyguards behind him. Vanessa helped Lila into the hospital room. The sight was gut-wrenching-Charles covered head to toe in bandages, like a mummy. Tubes everywhere, barely any sign of life. "Dad, Dad-" Isla broke down the moment she saw him, tears streaming uncontrollably. Vanessa gently patted her back and whispered, "Isla, hang in there. Try not to upset him, the doctor said he can't handle any stress." Isla quickly wiped her tears, carefully sat next to the bed, and held Charles's exposed hand. Her voice softened. "Dad, can you hear me? It's me, Isla... Please wake up." She went on, recounting childhood memories-how he once took her to the amusement park, the happy days when they were just a family of three... all the little pieces of a life long gone. Vanessa kept a close eye on Charles-and then, suddenly, noticed his fingers twitch.