Chapter_91
Chapter 91
Emmeline and Abel made their way back to the pediatric ward, where Landen had already contacted Adam, his eldest son.
“We can’t rely on Adrien,” Landen said, his voice laced with frustration. “So, I had to ask Adam.”
Abel nodded, adding, “There’s me too, Uncle Landen. The more people tested, the higher the chances of finding a match.”
“If there’s no other option, I’m willing to be tested as well,” Landen declared. “I can’t sit by and lose a grandson without doing everything I can.”
Julianna, who had been listening intently, turned her attention to Emmeline. “Emmeline,” she said with a calculating glint in her eyes, “if my husband or eldest son is found to be a compatible donor, you and the children should consider settling down. If you marry Adrien, perhaps he’ll finally learn some responsibility.”
Emmeline’s heart sank as she lowered her gaze, her thoughts clouded with unease. Is Julianna holding me hostage with Hesperus’ life?
But what could she do? She had no power to fight back. Her son’s life was at stake, and she couldn’t bear to see him suffer. What was her own happiness worth in comparison?
“Did you hear me, Emmeline?” Julianna’s voice sliced through the silence, sharp and demanding.
Emmeline bit her lip, forcing herself to respond. “Yes, I did.”
Abel’s eyes hardened, and he turned his gaze away, his expression icy. Like Emmeline, he understood that he, too, was in no position to challenge Julianna’s demands. The child’s life was the priority, and neither of them could risk it.
The only hope they had now was that Landen or Adam would prove to be incompatible, though Abel knew the likelihood of that was slim. The chances of finding a match among those closest to Hesperus were already low, and if neither Landen nor Adam matched, the situation would grow even more dire.
All Abel could do was pray that at least one of them could help save Hesperus.
Half an hour later, Adam arrived at the hospital, his dark suit sharp against the sterile hospital surroundings. Alana and Rosaline followed shortly after, bringing supplements and the usual grand gestures of concern.
“Abel,” Adam said, his tone full of arrogance as he stood before him.
Despite Adam’s imposing figure, Abel towered over him, exuding an air of quiet authority. Adam’s wild demeanor seemed out of place next to the poised, commanding Abel.
Oscar stepped out of the elevator and surveyed the two grandsons facing off. He could tell immediately that Abel was the right choice to lead Ryker Group.
“Adam,” Abel responded coolly, his voice steady and controlled.
Adam, momentarily stifled by Abel’s presence, wanted to speak, to assert his superiority, but he held back. In front of Abel, his bravado seemed almost juvenile.
“Get Adam tested first,” Landen said with a frown, his brow furrowed. “If he can’t do it, I’ll go.”
Oscar, his anger evident, muttered, “Adrien, that useless brat! If he causes the loss of my great-grandson, I’ll never forgive him.”
“Adrien didn’t want this to happen, Father. His life is still in danger,” Julianna interjected, her voice defensive.
Oscar shot her a venomous look. “He never should have been in the Imperial Palace to begin with. You two spoiled him rotten! He doesn’t even seem like he belongs to the Ryker family anymore!”
Landen and Julianna bowed their heads in shame, the weight of Oscar’s words stinging.
Adam’s eyes glinted with malice as he glared at Abel. Wait, Abel. You’re not the only one in your generation with the skills to win this battle.
The results of Adam’s compatibility test were, unsurprisingly, disappointing.
“Alright, it’s my turn now,” Landen said, a deep resolve in his voice. “I can’t afford to lose my grandson.”
“Thank you, sir,” Emmeline said, bowing deeply in gratitude.
Julianna’s voice was almost smug as she added, “Words aren’t enough. I hope you remember what I told you earlier.”
“I will,” Emmeline answered, her voice steady despite the tension. All she cared about right now was her son’s safety. Nothing else mattered.
Landen went to the lab to undergo the test, but the results were also negative.
“I’ll try,” Abel said, his voice quieter than before. “I may only be Adrien’s cousin, but it’s not impossible to find a match.”
Julianna smirked, her eyes glinting with skepticism. “You? Why should we place any hope in you if none of our family members are compatible?”
