Chapter 224 The Risk Of Pathological Changes
Olivia continued, “All about Kurt is good, except he is as quiet as a mouse and sometimes barely speaks for the whole day. Even so, he is undoubtedly a faithful person who will never betray you. Since he has been by Oscar’s side for more than ten years, it implies that he’s trustworthy, and you can count on him.”
In an instant, Amelia started to feel tense. “Mom, since Kurt has been by Oscar’s side all these years, I feel it’s better to let him remain by his side.”
“I’m worried that you will be at risk again after what happened lately. Thus, it’s better to let him stay by your side instead, to secure your safety. Anyway, I don’t think it’s enough to have one bodyguard by your side. How about I request your dad to assign two more bodyguards for you?” Olivia suggested eagerly.
Amelia shook her head and tried to convince her, “Mom, it’s alright. After all, I’m always at home and seldom step out. Thus, it will be really boring for them to be by my side all the time. Oh! they will only end up watching paint dry. What a pity!”
Olivia could not help but feel amused and burst into laughter.
Right that instant, Oscar approached them with a plate of cut apples. He raised his brows and asked inquisitively, “Mom, what did Amelia tell you? You are laughing to tears!”
Olivia cupped her mouth to stifle her laughter before replying casually, “It’s just a joke. By the way, Oscar, you assigned Kurt to protect Amelia, didn’t you?”
Oscar nodded at her precise guess.
Olivia smiled and complimented, “You’ve made the right decision. Ah! I should have thought about this earlier. Kurt is mature and reliable. He has been by your side all these years and is able to act swiftly during emergencies. Thus, I’m relieved to have him by Amelia’s side.”
Oscar gave Olivia and Amelia a slice of apple each and switched the topic. “Mom, how are you feeling now? If I’m not mistaken, Dad mentioned that you should be discharged after a few days. Why are you still here after two weeks?”
“It’s nothing serious. But both your dad and Robert insist that I should stay here longer for monitoring. Moreover, they are worried that I can’t take it if anything triggers my agitation again. Anyway, they are overreacting. Robert just told me that I will be discharged two days later.” Olivia smiled placidly.
Upon hearing her words, Amelia apologized to her guiltily, “Mom, I’m sorry. It’s all because of my willfulness.”
“Don’t blame yourself. After leading a cozy lifestyle and being pampered under a stress-free environment all these years, I’m just too vulnerable. On top of that, I always tend to forget that I’m already an old lady and shouldn’t be overreactive,” Olivia consoled her jokingly.
She paused and continued, “Oscar, get your dad to double confirm with Robert whether I can be discharged. I’m getting bored staying here all this while. My goodness! Do you know how many calls we have received from friends and relatives?All of them can’t wait to drop by and visit me. Fortunately, I asked your dad not to let any of them come. If not, I bet the wall of this room will collapse if all of them were here!
”
This round, Olivia’s sense of humor caused Amelia to burst into giggles.
After a while, Oscar left the ward with Owen. While in the car, he took the opportunity to brief Owen on his findings regarding the issue of the previous contract leakage. “Dad, I have assigned people to investigate the contract leakage issue, and the clues lead to Grand Vision Corporation, one of our greatest competitors throughout these years. I had actually tried to investigate the corporation previously, yet I could hardly obtain any information about them. Somehow, I have a feeling that they have something to do with the contract leakage. Hence, I assigned people to have a thorough investigation on them again these few days. To our surprise, we find out that the Adertons is one of their major shareholders.”
In a split second, Owen wore a serious face as he enunciated, “The Adertons?” He had come across the family name before. It was a prestigious family overseas which was widely involved in various fields, such as cosmetics, paper-making, entertainment, film and television, electronic products as well as others. They had franchises worldwide, yet there was none in Chanaea so far. Are they intending to set up a franchise in Chanaea by striking against Clinton Corporations?
Owen’s face turned grim as his mind drifted into contemplation.
Even if Grand Vision Corporation was developing significantly within these few years, it was almost impossible for them to penetrate the domestic market under the dominance of the fabled Clinton Corporations. Grand Vision Corporation should have thought twice before they leaped if they intended to strengthen their business reputation. They should establish a collaborative relationship with Clinton Corporations instead of landing themselves in deep water by provoking the leading corporation. Once Clinton Corporation had dirt on them, they would surely retaliate with a deadly strike, resulting in a perfect storm for Grand Vision Corporation. In other words, no matter how powerful and deep-pocketed the Adertons were, they would never be comparable to such a prestigious and majestic pioneer in the domestic market.
Owen knitted his brows and asked doubtfully, “Have you found out why they are provoking Clinton Corporations? After all, Clinton Corporations has never really crossed paths with them before. By right, they should not do so recklessly.”
“June turns out to be the heir of The Adertons. What’s more, Cassie was ever in a relationship with him when she was still in Erihal. She requested to break up with him just a few days before she was back in Chanaea. Unexpectedly, he followed her back all the way from Erihal,” Oscar explained.
Owen glanced subtly at Oscar, and was surprised at his nonchalance. He asked tactfully, “Do you mean he is avenging Cassie by provoking you?”
Oscar nodded and replied, “There’s a possibility for this.”
Owen’s frown deepened into a scowl. “If this guy by the name of June acted impulsively just because of a woman, there’s nothing to fear about him. I bet he’s just a good-for-nothing and impetuous fellow. Sooner a later, he will become the culprit who causes the fall of such a prominent family.”
Nonetheless, Oscar shook his head and said, “Dad, I don’t think so. My gut instinct told me that he is trying to verify if Clinton Corporations is as mighty as described by others. Anyway, I’m planning to pay him back in his coin by assigning people to gather all the information about Grand Vision Corporation. By then, they will have a great surprise from me and be regretful of thinking too highly of themselves. They should not have underestimated Clinton Corporations, as it did not emerge as the leading corporation in Chanaea out of the blue.”
Owen patted him on the shoulder with relief. “Well said! Oscar, you are competent and can take charge of the whole Clinton Corporations without me now. In fact, I have never doubted your capability. Anyway, it is undeniable that I had made a wrong judgment previously. I used to think that Cassie is the most ideal candidate as your spouse. It is out of my expectation that she is not as innocent as she seems to be. Since we are close friends with the Yards, I was convinced that she was a virtuous young lady. Yet, I was speechless the moment I knew about how she had treated you five years ago. I shouldn’t have judged the book by its cover. Your mom is apparently more observant and has a sharper sense than me on this.”
Oscar remained silent as a wave of mixed emotions welled up from within him.
Owen patted his shoulder again and added, “I admit that I had a prejudice against Amelia previously. Nevertheless, I see things differently now ever since my adorable grandson was born. I sense that you have fallen for her as well. On top of that, she is a thoughtful and filial daughter-in-law. For certain people, it might be just wishful thinking to come across the love of their life. You are really blessed to have such a loving wife. Thus, I hope you will be firm from now onwards, cherish her and treat her well. I still look forward to the arrival of my second grandchild.”
Oscar’s lips curved into a smile. Owen’s words really brightened up his day.
Later, both of them headed for Robert’s office together. The latter welcomed them with open arms as usual. He patted Oscar’s arm and asked in great concern, “I heard from your dad that you went to Pillere earlier to settle some issues for the company. You must be really tied up all this while. Is everything settled and on the right track now?”
Oscar nodded and replied courteously, “Mr. Lancester, thanks for your concern. You are right, I’m really busy lately. Even so, I’m thankful that the issues are resolved.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Take a seat.” Robert gestured to them and pointed at the sofa next to him.
After all of them were seated on the sofa, Robert said solemnly, “I was actually planning to ask you to come over. There are things that I need to tell you in advance. Olivia’s current condition is quite worrying. I hope you will be prepared for the worst.”
Owen and Oscar’s hearts thumped in an instant. At the peak of anxiety, they both had their hands interlocked simultaneously. Owen pursed his lips and could not utter any words.
After quite a while, he asked apprehensively, “Robert, what’s the matter with Olivia? You mentioned earlier that her condition is fine, didn’t you?”
Robert waved and tried to calm Owen down. “Owen, cool down. I just want you to be prepared emotionally. But in actual fact, the condition is not as bad as how you think.”
Owen’s anxiety was not eased by his words at all. “Robert, just be frank with us on her condition. We are getting tenser when you are beating around the bush.”
Robert cleared his throat and said, “We spotted a small area of black dots on Olivia’s heart.”
Both Owen and Oscar’s faces fell upon hearing his words.
“Robert, what do you mean?” Owen’s voice started to quiver.
“Calm down first. At the moment, we are still uncertain if these black dots will spread. If they spread, it might cause heart failure. I’m sure you know what heart failure is, right? Fortunately, we managed to trace it at an early stage. As long as she undergoes the treatment earlier, there is a high percentage of about ninety-five percent that it can be cured. These are so-called the worst scenario that I foresee. Anyway, we can’t jump into a conclusion now before her medical report is out.”
“Robert, Olivia has been hospitalized for half a month; yet, you are still telling me that we are pending her medical report? You mentioned before that there is nothing wrong with her health, didn’t you?”
Robert waved his hands again and tried to calm Owen down. “Owen, stay calm. Nobody can predict Olivia’s condition now. Even so, I’m convinced that there is a high possibility to get it cured since we discover about it at an early stage. Don’t worry and stay hopeful. Olivia is also my old friend. No matter what, I will leave no stones unturned to cure her.”
Upon hearing his words, Owen managed to cool his head off a bit.
“Robert, no matter what, please keep it from Olivia when the medical report is out. You know her. She’s the typical type of demure and dignified woman. Thus, I’m worried that she can’t take it and will have an emotional breakdown.” Owen furrowed his brows again.
Robert pondered for a while and commented, “No matter what, I think it’s better not to keep mum from her. After all, she’s already over sixty years old and has gone through ups and downs in life. I’m sure she has stronger resilience than how we think and can accept anything. Trust me. She will be able to cope with it.”
Owen did not utter any words. By the time he left Robert’s room with Oscar, there was still not the slightest bit of change in his countenance.
“Dad, try to cheer up. If not, Mom will surely be worried and start to make wild guesses again.” Oscar tried to coax him.
Owen let out a deep sigh; yet, he remained silent. Pin-drop silence ensued in the car on their way back to the hospital.
Upon entering the ward, Owen patted his cheeks and reminded himself to put on a cheerful smile. He tried his best to bottle up the feelings to himself.
Once they entered the ward, Olivia asked curiously, “What took both of you such a long time?”
Owen smiled and replied gently, “Robert bought a new set of chess and insisted on having a game with me.”
Olivia asked jokingly, “Could it be there’s something wrong with me?”
“What are you talking about? You are as fit as a fiddle now,” Owen refuted.
Amelia also chimed in, “Mom, I’m sure that you are going to live a long and prosperous life till Tony grows up. Then, you have to help assess his future wife as well. Ah! I’d better urge Tony to get married earlier, so you get to hold your great-grandchild!”
Olivia burst out laughing heartily at her words.
“Still, Amelia is the one who knows me the best. I’m never short of anything, and I’m blessed for leading a prosperous life all these years. By right, I shouldn’t be feeling wistful. Even so, I tend to have wishful thinking ever since Tony was born. I yearn to live a longer life, so I’m able to see him grow up, get married, and have his own child. By then, I won’t request anything else as my life ends on a happy note.”
Amelia smiled as she buoyed Olivia up with confidence. “Mom, I believe you will!”
In the meantime, both Owen and Oscar were feeling down in the dumps.
