The devastating shock and crushing news finally proved too much for Newton's frail body. He collapsed, unable to endure any longer.
Alyssa, Jasper, Ben, Javier, and the others gathered anxiously in the corridor outside the hospital's emergency room. Every second stretched endlessly, their hearts suspended in dread.
Alyssa stood apart in a corner, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face, her fear and worry laid bare. As Jasper thought of Newton fighting for his life behind those closed doors, his gaze fell on her tear-streaked face.
His hands clenched into fists at his sides until his knuckles blanched and the veins on the back of his hands bulged. The pain in his chest was beyond words.
Just as he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and stepped toward Alyssa, the sound of heavy, rhythmic footsteps echoed down the corridor, unnervingly steady.
It was Justin.
Jasper's eyes darkened. He stopped in his tracks, tightening his grip around the handkerchief.
Justin approached with the imposing authority of Beckett Group's CEO, Eden and two personal bodyguards trailing closely behind him.
"Lyse, why are you crying like that?"
Despite Javier and Jasper standing plainly in view, Justin didn't spare them a glance. He went straight to Alyssa-the only person who mattered to him. His gaze softened as he looked into her red, swollen eyes.
"There, there. Don't cry. Grandpa will be fine. I'm sure he will live a long life. Don't cry your eyes out. It hurts me to see you like this."
Jasper's eyes burned with silent fury as he listened to the seemingly gentle yet hollow words.
Justin, too, drew a black handkerchief from his pocket. Leaning slightly forward, head tilted, he extended it toward her, his eyes fixed on her pale, tear-washed face.
But Alyssa kept her head lowered, tears continuing to fall without pause.
"Do you want to wipe your tears, or should I do it for you?" Justin asked softly.
His tenderness was reserved for her alone, yet it was not born of love, but of something far darker-a suffocating possessiveness laced with quiet menace.
With trembling hands, Alyssa accepted the handkerchief without lifting her head or meeting his gaze. After briefly wiping her tears, she returned it to him.
Jasper watched the entire exchange. The handkerchief in his own hand had grown damp with sweat the vein on the back of his
hands standing out as if they might rupture at any moment.
At that moment, Landon and Lauren rushed into the hospital after receiving Jasper's call about Newton's critical condition.
"Grandpa... Grandpa!"
Held tightly in Landon's arms, Lauren stared at the emergency room doors, her eyes brimming with tears. "You have to be alright... You have to make it through this!"
Landon held her close, his eyes reddened as he prayed silently in his heart.
Alyssa understood why Jasper had called them. Her heart twisted painfully, and tears welled up once more Jasper feared Newton might.. not survive this time, and he wanted* Lauren to have a chance to see him one last time, should the worst come to pass.
"Dad."
Justin slipped the handkerchief-still damp with Alyssa's tears-back into the pocket over his heart before striding toward Javier, who looked worn and dispirited.
He asked smilingly, "Dad, a night has passed. Have you given more thought to what I mentioned yesterday?"
Javier slowly turned his head, meeting Justin's gleaming eyes. In a hoarse voice, he asked, "Are you really in such a hurry?"
"Not particularly." Justin shrugged, the smile never leaving his face. His gaze drifted toward the emergency room, dark and calculating. "But you see, we never know what comes first misfortune or a new day. So it's best to make certain decisions before it's too late."