Chapter 543
Chapter 543:
The bodyguards exchanged tense looks. This was no longer something they could handle on their own. They contacted their boss at once, and the Owen family was notified as well.
After that, there was nothing left to do but wait.
One hour passed. The emergency room doors never opened.
Everyone from the Owen family who could rush over had arrived. Sawyer and Aleena even showed up in their pajamas.
“Sweetheart—” Aleena hurried to Kailey’s side and wrapped her in a tight embrace. “Are you hurt anywhere p>
Kailey lifted her head. Her throat felt raw. “Mom…” The word came out, and then her voice failed her.
𝗥о𝗆𝖺ոc𝖾 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝗽а𝘀𝘀𝘪𝗼n 𝗼𝗇
Aleena’s heart clenched. She carefully checked Kailey from head to toe before guiding her to sit down. “Shirley will be fine. Don’t be afraid p>
Kailey didn’t answer. She only shook her head.
Ryan returned after checking on the situation, and Aleena turned to him at once. “What happened p>
“We can’t say yet whether it was deliberate. I need more time to investigate p>
His gaze shifted to Kailey. She kept her head lowered, her face completely pale — fragile as porcelain that had already cracked and might shatter at the slightest touch. His hand tightened into a fist. He stopped himself from reaching for her.
“Aleena,” he said hoarsely. “I’m leaving this with you p>
She paused for a moment, then understood what he meant. “Go. I’ll take care of things here p>
He gave a short nod and walked away.
Almost another hour passed before the emergency room doors finally opened.
Aleena tightened her grip on Kailey’s hand and stepped forward. “Doctor, how is she p>
The doctor pulled off his mask and shook his head, his expression heavy. “I’m sorry. We did everything we could p>
The words hit Kailey all at once. Her body swayed, and she nearly collapsed. “No. That can’t be right. Grandma was healthy. You said she’d be fine p>
“Kailey.” Aleena held her arm, unsure what words could possibly help. “Shirley wouldn’t want to see you like this. You need to stay strong p>
Sawyer handled the formalities while the rest of the family made calls and discussed arrangements. Aleena didn’t have the luxury of stopping to grieve.
After one final look at Shirley, they returned home. Aleena led Kailey back to her room and helped her lie down. Kailey didn’t say a single word for the rest of the day, which left everyone deeply uneasy.
“Sweetheart,” Aleena said gently, keeping her voice low, careful not to startle her. She brushed her fingers across Kailey’s cheek.
“Shirley was getting older, and her body wasn’t as strong as before. Don’t blame yourself. None of us wanted this. But everyone has their own time. Maybe this was hers. Leaving this world… maybe that’s the start of something new p>
Kailey slowly raised her head. Her eyes were red and swollen.
“But she pushed me away.” Her voice trembled and nearly disappeared. “If I hadn’t been there, she wouldn’t have p>
“To her, you were everything,” Aleena said, her tone firm and sincere. “I believe she felt at peace because you were safe. So don’t carry this guilt. Let her leave without worry. Can you do that p>