The lead doctor's expression changed dramatically.
I seized the moment and added more pressure.
"But if you save her, I promise the reward will be worth it."
"And this child still has vital signs. You can check for yourselves!"
Skeptical but swayed, they stepped forward to examine her. After a quick check, they confirmed that Francesca was indeed still alive.
They prepared to lift her onto the only stretcher left.
But Zyler aggressively blocked their way.
"She's just a kid. If she dies, she dies. Adults should go first."
With that, he shoved the paramedics aside and tried to drag me away from Francesca.
I desperately pleaded with the emergency team.
"She doesn't have time! If we wait any longer, she won't make it!"
"Please! I'm begging you, save her!"
From her stretcher, Jordin sinisterly chimed in, "Jessica, why don't you carry her down the stairs to the ER yourself?"
This method would surely cause Francesca to completely stop breathing from the jostling.
But Zyler didn't hesitate. He immediately ordered the nursing aide to drag both me and Francesca out of the ward.
"Zyler! Are you trying to kill us?"
"What if something happens to Francesca after you dump us in the hallway?"
He looked completely unfazed.
"Not my problem."
"All I know is, Jordin enjoys watching meddling fools like you suffer the consequences."
The paramedics wanted to speak but were intimidated by his long-standing authority.
In the end, they could only follow Zyler and leave the scene.
As we waited in the hallway, a sharp pain tore through my chest and my breathing grew ragged.
Blood kept seeping from my wound.
Francesca's condition grew increasingly critical, with multiple instances of apnea.
I kept performing CPR, barely keeping her alive.
She was now hanging by a thread.
Meanwhile, blood loss left me deathly pale and my limbs were ice cold.
By the time hospital security found us, I had already collapsed.
They rushed us both to the ER for emergency care.
Inside, Francesca underwent urgent treatment.
As for me, I was temporarily placed on an observation bed in the hallway.
That's when Thomas Herrera finally arrived, breathless and furious.
"It was just a minor surgery! How could my daughter be in danger?"
"Which bastard did this? Get out of here right now!"
He radiated a murderous aura, his eyes gleaming with predatory ferocity.
In seconds, a hundred men in black swarmed the hospital, sealing it off entirely.
Zyler frowned deeply and he arrogantly challenged.
"Who the hell do you think you are? What gives you the right to act like a thug in a hospital?"
Without a word, one of the bodyguards kicked him hard, sending him crashing into the wall.
His teeth were knocked loose, blood gushing from his mouth.
The paramedics watching nearby trembled with fear, whispering to each other.
"He actually dared to cross Mr. Herrera. Does he have a death wish?"
"Everyone in the Halycon City circle knows how ruthless Thomas Herrera is. They're screwed now."
Upon hearing this, everyone's faces turned ashen with fear.
Jordin's legs gave out and she collapsed to the floor, paralyzed with terror.
The emergency team deeply regretted their actions. Their guts twisted in dread and they wished they could vanish into thin air.
"If you don't tell the truth, I'll chop you into pieces. Don't blame me for being cruel!"
Clutching his bloody mouth, Zyler shakily pointed at me.
"It was Jessica Shaw!"
"She not only stopped us from saving Francesca, she also poisoned your daughter on purpose!"
Jordin immediately took the cue, wailing dramatically with crocodile tears.
"She always took out her anger on Francesca just because she was obedient and quiet. She even put poison in her meds! She's a complete monster!"
"Sir, you must avenge Francesca!"
The moment Thomas heard that, a wave of murderous rage surged toward me.
Seeing me lying there on the brink of death, he flew into a fury and slapped me hard across the face.
"Don't think faking illness can get you out of this. You dared hurt my daughter, I'll make you wish you were dead!"
He grabbed me by the hair and yanked me off the bed, dragging me down to the floor.
The wounds that had just stopped bleeding tore open again.
Blood quickly soaked the ground beneath me.
The intense pain jolted me awake.
Although my mind was still somewhat hazy.
Thomas stomped on my chest, grinding his foot mercilessly.
"Speak! Why did you poison my daughter?"
Unfortunately, I was too weak to speak. My mouth could only open soundlessly.
At that time, he suddenly pressed down harder and I heard the crisp snap of my ribs breaking.
The searing pain made my whole body spasm. I shook uncontrollably, drenched in cold sweat.
Off to the side, Zyler and Jordin watched with smug satisfaction.
"Still won't admit it? Then don't blame me for using disciplinary measures!"
He pulled out a dagger and pressed it against my throat. The blade bit into my skin, blood trickling down its edge.
Just then, the emergency room doors burst open.
A black-clad bodyguard shouted urgently.
"Sir, Francesca is awake!"
