Chapter 543
Chapter 543:
A sharp, formal emergency code rang down the corridor — the exclusive signal summoning the hospital director. The tone was urgent and unyielding. Passing medical staff paused mid-step, their expressions turning grave.
Ten minutes later, several men in dark formal suits walked briskly from the main building, their posture straight, their steps measured, radiating an aura of authority that parted the crowd without effort. They moved directly through the emergency area and found Isolde in the corner without a moment’s hesitation.
The lead man was sharp-faced and composed. The moment he reached her, his rigid demeanor softened into a slight, respectful bow.
“Miss Carson. I am a special commissioner from the NIH. The director has received the order and is coordinating the transfer to the VIP ICU immediately. All procedures will be expedited — there will be no delay to the patient’s treatment p>
𝗟𝗮𝘵est 𝗰𝗵а𝘱𝗍𝖾𝘳𝘴 𝘰n
Ellyn stood beside her, completely stunned. She looked from the composed commissioner to her daughter, then tugged lightly at Isolde’s sleeve.
“Isolde, what is happening? Who are these men? When did you meet them p>
Isolde’s expression remained unruffled. She offered no explanation of her identity, only a calm, brief reply to ease her mother’s panic.
“Connections from my past work. They can help. Mom, stop standing there — get ready to go with Uncle to the new ward p>
She made no mention of Grayson. No mention of the unanswered calls, the cut line, the humiliation of having stood in that corridor and asked for nothing and received less. All of it had simply been set aside. The vulnerability was gone, replaced by quiet, unshakeable composure.
Meanwhile, on the top floor, in VIP Room 1.
The most exclusive ward in the hospital — elegant furnishings, advanced monitoring equipment, a fully isolated containment unit, reserved for dignitaries of the highest order. Belle sat at the bedside, peeling an apple for Hector with slow, precise movements, her posture graceful, her eyes glinting with quiet satisfaction.
Grayson stood at the window, scrolling through urgent work emails, his expression cold and remote. He had paid for the ward in full and in advance. No one would touch it.
The door burst open.
The hospital’s CEO rushed in, his collar disheveled and his face drawn tight with anxiety. He bowed slightly toward Grayson before forcing himself to speak.
“Mr. Lancaster, my deepest apologies. We have an emergency. We need to temporarily requisition VIP Room 1 p>
Grayson’s brows snapped together. He looked up from his phone, his gaze sharp with displeasure.
“What do you mean? I paid in full and reserved this room in advance. You cannot simply take it back p>
The CEO wiped sweat from his forehead and kept his voice low and careful. “Mr. Lancaster, this is not a hospital decision. This is an emergency federal medical order. A nationally critical patient requires immediate access to a high-standard isolated containment unit. This is the only ward in the entire building that meets the requirements p>
Belle set down the apple knife and rose from her chair, her voice shrill and disbelieving. “Who do they think they are? More important than the Lancaster family? We reserved this room first — I will not allow it p>