Chapter 393
The family doctor's voice trembled as he spoke, "No... it's no use. Even if we rush him to the hospital and put him on life support, he's got maybe a week or two left, at most."
Everyone in the room felt a jolt of shock.
Stuart seemed to come back to his senses a bit. His gaze shifted from the blood-soaked floor to Norbert, who was barely clinging to life. Was this the end? Would he really die? Perhaps death wasn't so terrible, considering how painful living had been.
Norbert appeared to struggle to get up. The doctor panicked, "Norbert, please don't move, you're still bleeding!"
But Norbert remained determined. Orson had no choice but to help Norbert sit up. Norbert looked at Stuart and then at the younger members of the Hetfield family standing at the door. It was a sad sight. After a lifetime of battles, at the end, not a single family member was by his side-only Orson, the loyal fool.
Norbert caught his breath, each one heavier than the last. After a moment, he said, "Everyone, leave. I need to speak with Stuart."
The faces at the door immediately turned sour. The younger ones, Rose Hetfield and Lily Hetfield, knew deep down that their grandfather was likely on his deathbed, about to discuss his will. How could they leave at a time like this?
Rose, trying to mask her concern, said, "Grandpa, whatever you need to say, it can wait. Let's get you to the hospital first."
"There's no need. Leave," Norbert said firmly.
Lily, less composed than Rose, couldn't help herself, "Grandpa, whatever you want to say, I want to hear it too. We're family."
"I said leave!" Norbert raised his voice. Angered, he coughed, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
Stuart just watched, observing how Norbert, once a titan capable of brushing off scandals with ease, was now being challenged by his own kin. Like a dying lion, feared by none.
Orson was furious. He marched over and began shooing people away, "Out! Norbert said leave, so leave!"
Lily snapped, "Orson, you're just a bodyguard. How dare you block us? Have you lost your mind?"Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
Rose added coldly, "Orson, there's a time to know your place. Grandpa won't be around to have your back forever."
The Hetfield family had been loyal to
Norbert for many years, mainly
because of his support. Rose's words were a threat, hinting that Norbert was old and close to death, and Orson should smarten up and see who he ought to listen to now.
But Orson wasn't the type to 'read the room.' Even if he understood, he wouldn't act on it. He was stubbornly loyal. He had promised to protect Norbert, and that's exactly what he intended to do.
Orson unceremoniously pushed Rose aside. When Lily tried to re-enter, Orson, his normally gentle face twisted in anger, warned, "If you stress Norbert into coughing blood again, I'll throw hands!"
"Orson, you wouldn't dare!"
Orson raised his fist, showing he indeed would. Lily and Rose backed off, scowling, as the family doctor was also ushered out by Norbert.
Orson hesitated. If he left, the study
would have only Norbert and Mr. Hetfield inside. Considering it was Mr. Hetfield who had worked Norbert up to this state, was it
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wise to leave them alone? But if he stayed, Norbert's condition might worsen.
Orson's simple mind couldn't juggle all these considerations. Biting his lip, he decided to step out of the study, planning to inform Mrs. Hetfield. He was at a loss, but surely Mrs. Hetfield would know what to do.
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Orson took a few steps away, keeping an eye on Rose and the others to prevent them from barging into the study, while he dialed Mrs. Hetfield's number.