Chapter_85
Chapter 85
The doctor continued, his tone serious. “I need to arrange an appointment with the child’s father as soon as possible. The operation can’t be delayed.”
Emmeline nodded, her face tense with worry. “Alright. I’ll inform him right away.”
She glanced at the clock. It was already half past three in the morning.
She didn’t hesitate. Emmeline dialed Adrien’s number, only to be met with the notification that his phone was switched off.
Adrien switches off his phone at night? He’s so carefree! Emmeline thought, frustration bubbling up.
She knew that Abel’s phone was always on—no matter the time of day or night. The Ryker Group’s CEO never allowed himself to be unreachable.
But would it be appropriate to call him at this hour? Emmeline hesitated. Earlier, Abel’s parents had summoned him back to the house, and Rosaline had insisted that he “not meddle in other people’s affairs.”
“Other people’s affairs…” Emmeline thought bitterly. She couldn’t help but feel disappointed, even though she understood Rosaline’s concerns.
At least Hesperus had fallen asleep after taking the medicine she gave him.
Emmeline waited at the hospital until seven o’clock, growing more anxious as Adrien’s phone remained off. Finally, just as she was about to call Abel, her phone rang.
She quickly answered.
“Mr. Ryker,” Emmeline said, trying to keep the tremor in her voice under control.
Abel’s voice was filled with surprise. “You sound like you’re in a rush, Emma. Are you at the hospital?”
“Yes,” Emmeline replied, her voice softening when she heard his concern. “Star’s condition worsened. I tried calling Adrien, but I couldn’t reach him.”
“Why are you looking for Adrien? What can he possibly do? He’s probably asleep in some motel somewhere,” Abel said, his tone laced with irritation.
Emmeline’s frustration flared. “He’s Star’s father! And Star needs him now!”
There was a long pause on the other end of the line, and Emmeline’s anxiety grew.
“…I can help him too, Emma,” Abel finally said.
Emmeline’s patience snapped. “Star needs a bone marrow transplant. You… You can’t help him!” Her voice cracked, barely holding back a sob.
“A bone marrow transplant?” Abel was taken aback.
“Yes,” Emmeline confirmed, her voice steadying. “That’s why I’ve been trying to reach the boy’s father. I don’t need that man for anything else, just for this.”
“I see,” Abel responded, his voice filled with understanding. “I’ll help you look for Adrien.”
“Thank you, Mr. Ryker,” Emmeline said, her voice softer now.
Abel hesitated before speaking again. “Emma…”
Emmeline blinked. “Yes?”
“My name is Abel,” he said quietly.
“Abel,” Emmeline repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Mm,” Abel responded, his expression darkening as he ended the call.
He was left alone with his thoughts. So the boy has a blood disorder… that’s why Emmeline was so desperate to find his biological father.
It wasn’t about the Ryker family’s wealth or status, like so many had assumed. Just like she said, she didn’t need Adrien for anything else—only for the transplant.
Abel couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for her. But does she need me? What can I do for her?
Abel stared out of the window, lost in thought, when Rosaline walked into the room. “What happened, Abel? I heard something about a bone marrow transplant?”
Abel frowned, his mind still processing the information. “It’s Hesperus. It turns out he has a blood disorder.”
“A blood disorder!” Rosaline exclaimed, her concern evident. “That poor boy! Is he getting any treatment?”
“That’s why Emmeline has been searching for the boy’s father,” Abel said, his voice taut. “She’s not after the Ryker family fortune. All she wants is to save her son.”
Rosaline looked at him, her brow furrowed. “You should go look for Adrien. He needs to take responsibility!”
Abel’s expression darkened. “Emmeline said he switched off his phone. That useless bum! I’ll have someone fetch him from the hotel.”
Just as Abel turned to leave, Alana walked in, dressed in a pink gown and heavily made up, as though she were preparing for a special occasion.
