Mollie stood at the door, heavily pregnant, watching Sylvia’s silhouette disappear into the night.
The thick darkness made the cold seep into her bones. Although it was spring, the nights were still as cold as winter.
“The night dew is heavy, young mistress. You should go back inside,” the butler said with concern. “Your health is important. The old lady will be fine.”
If the old lady fell ill, the family’s support might crumble.
“I wish I could go to the hospital too,” Mollie said, feeling a bit distressed but helpless. She could barely take care of herself with her big belly, let alone others.
Since marrying into the Hipps Family, everyone had treated her exceptionally well, genuinely considering her part of the family.
Her friends envied her for marrying a good man and having a wonderful mother-in-law. They were also envious of having Sylvia, a famous and talented niece, in the family. Just being related to Sylvia was enough to make others green with envy.
So she sincerely prayed for Queena’s well-being.
Sylvia rushed to the hospital to find Queena just waking up. Seeing Sylvia, Queena’s previously dull eyes lit up, and she reached out, “Sylvia… you’re back?”
Sylvia hurried to the bedside and held Queena’s withered hand. “Grandma, how are you feeling? Any discomfort?”
“I just feel a bit dizzy after waking up. It might be my high blood pressure acting up,” Queena said, unaware of her condition, thinking it was just an old ailment flaring up.
Clare shook his head at Sylvia and Fatima, so Sylvia didn’t say more but smiled. “Grandma, it’s my fault for worrying you. The situation on the plane was dangerous, but Franklin’s flying skills were excellent.”
“You’re safe,” Queena said, struggling to sit up. Seeing Sylvia energized her.
Sylvia quickly placed a pillow behind her back for comfort. “You just woke up. Are you hungry? Want some porridge?”
Queena shook her head; her face was still pale, and her voice hoarse. “Just some water. I don’t have much appetite.”
Clare fetched some warm water for her. After a few sips, Queena’s throat felt better. “Getting old is tough; a bit of excitement and I faint.”
“Grandma, as long as you’re okay,” Sylvia reassured her, patting her hand before casually flipping through the medical records on the table.
The records were complete, including today’s results. The lung examination showed shadows, suspected to be lung cancer. Further tests were needed.
Sylvia frowned; it wasn’t suitable for Queena to see this yet to avoid psychological stress.
After chatting a bit more, Sylvia said, “I’ll talk to the doctor about today’s results.”
Queena didn’t suspect anything. “Go ahead.”
As Sylvia left the room, Clare followed. The forced smile he had in front of Queena vanished, replaced by worry. “Sylvia, you saw the records too. Her condition…”
Sylvia understood his concern for Queena’s health. Her eyes showed complexity; they felt the same way.
“We don’t know yet; further tests are needed. I recommend a fiberoptic bronchoscopy.”
“What’s that?” Clare asked, unfamiliar with the term.
Sylvia patiently explained, “It’s a detailed lung examination that involves taking a biopsy through a bronchoscope to determine the type of tumor for diagnosis and treatment.”
Clare nodded repeatedly. “That’s more useful than guessing.”
“I’ll see the doctor now,” Sylvia said and headed to the doctor’s office.
Dr. Jakobe was preparing to switch shifts when Sylvia walked in.
“Dr. Sylvia,” he greeted, pausing his actions.
“Dr. Jakobe, what do you think of my grandmother’s tests?” Sylvia handed him the records. He glanced through them.
“She likely has cancer. We’ll need more detailed tests tomorrow,” he said.
Dr. Jakobe was known for his meticulous care with patients.
Sylvia had heard about him before. “My grandmother hasn’t shown symptoms like coughing or phlegm before, so this lung issue surprised me.”
“Lung cancer can be asymptomatic early on, making it hard to detect until it grows larger and causes pressure symptoms or other issues,” Dr. Jakobe explained while removing his coat. “We might have caught it early before symptoms appeared.”
“Thank you, Dr. Jakobe,” Sylvia said as he prepared to leave. “I have one more request.”
He looked puzzled. “What is it?”
“Please don’t mention the cancer suspicion to my grandmother until we have confirmed results. I’m afraid she can’t handle the shock.”
“Of course,” he agreed and hurried off.
Sylvia put the medical records in her bag and returned to the room.
Mrs. Howlett’s arrival distracted Queena from noticing Sylvia hadn’t brought back the records.
Mrs. Howlett was chatty and cheerful, lifting Queena’s spirits.
After some time, Mrs. Howlett prepared to leave. “I need to get back; Jaime is with my husband at home.”
“Is Evie with Jasper?” Sylvia asked as she escorted her out.
“Yes, Evie stays with him every night now,” Mrs. Howlett replied with a smile.
Sylvia pressed the elevator button for her. “Thank you for keeping my grandmother company tonight.”
“She seems in good spirits; why isn’t she resting at home?” Mrs. Howlett asked curiously.
“We want to do a thorough check-up tomorrow,” Sylvia explained cautiously.
“Better safe than sorry,” Mrs. Howlett agreed as she stepped into the elevator.
Sylvia watched her leave before returning to Queena’s room.
Austin had been sent home by Clare, who then urged Sylvia to rest after her long journey.
The next morning, Sylvia first visited Jasper, who was recovering well.
“Knee is healing nicely but still a while before walking,” she noted after examining him.
“Evie has taken good care of you,” she smiled.
Jasper acknowledged Evie’s efforts. “She’s lost weight because of me.”
“Make it up to her when you’re better,” Sylvia advised with a smile.
Jasper felt embarrassed about receiving double pay despite not working.
“Focus on healing,” Sylvia said before heading to Queena’s room for her check-up.
As they spoke, a familiar voice called out, “Sylvia.”