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Novel Catalog
Chapter 173
Rooney, normally the one who wielded violence in their home, found herself on the receiving end of Hubert’s slap. The sting of his hand on her cheek burned more than any physical pain she’d ever endured.
She could not bear it. The humiliation, the frustration—it all boiled over. Without thinking, she lunged forward, her nails aimed at Hubert’s face, desperate to scratch him.
But before she could land a blow, there was a sound from the ruins. The earth itself seemed to tremble as Nash emerged from the wreckage, his face covered in dirt and ash. He was carrying Harrison, who was struggling to keep his feet under him.
Harrison and Nash’s movements were slow and labored, but together, they managed to pull out Herman from the charred remains of the villa.
“Quick… The stretcher!” Mr. Dean shouted, urgency in his voice.
Nurses immediately rushed to bring the stretcher. The hospital was already overwhelmed, but there was no time to waste. Many of the wounded had lost too much blood, and they needed to be rushed to the hospital for transfusions.
Jupiter, ever resourceful, directed his team to use patrol cars to transport the injured. Time was running out, and every second counted.
At Jonford People’s Hospital, it was now three in the morning. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on everyone’s shoulders.
Mr. Dean had called in all the attending physicians to treat the injured from the Lewis family. Herman was the most critical case. His burns were severe—covering over 90% of his body. He was suffering from multiple organ failure, and the poison from the explosion had begun to take its toll.
Nash had been able to stabilize him temporarily using his Divine Needles, but even Nash, with all his skill, was unsure how much longer Herman could survive.
“Dr. Yarbrough, Dr. Langdon, stay with Mr. Lewis. Keep an eye on his oxygen supply.” Mr. Dean gave his orders to two senior directors, who immediately began overseeing Herman’s care.
Nash stood over Herman’s unrecognizable form, his heart heavy with dread. The old man’s face was covered by an oxygen mask, and Nash could see how fragile his condition was. The multiple organ failure wasn’t just from burns—it was something more.
“What exactly is wrong with him?” Mr. Dean asked, confusion clouding his features as he examined the readings.
Nash let out a sigh. “The source of the explosion carried a toxin. If it’s ingested in high amounts, it can cause complete organ failure.”
Mr. Dean’s face fell as he absorbed the information. “So, you mean… the other patients?”
Nash’s expression hardened. “They won’t last until morning.”
A heavy silence descended over the room. Mr. Dean’s heart sank. “Even you can’t do anything?”
Nash didn’t answer immediately. His thoughts were already racing, trying to find a solution, but deep down, he knew the truth. The damage was done. The poison had already wreaked havoc on the organs. Even if they had the best doctors in the world, Herman’s chances were slim.
Outside the intensive care unit, the governor of Jonford, Jade, and Henderson had arrived, offering their support to Harrison’s family. Zakariah from the Martial Arts Association had also come, along with his granddaughter Skadi. The members of the Five Elites—only Joseph and Olivia were missing—had arrived to show solidarity.
Skadi and Bianca were doing their best to comfort a tearful Hera, who was barely holding it together.
As Nash stepped out of the room, everyone’s eyes fell on him. Harrison stood from where he’d been sitting on the floor, rushing toward Nash with a look of desperation in his eyes.
“Nashy, how’s Dad doing?” Harrison’s voice was strained, the worry in his eyes clear.
Nash hesitated. He had the words ready, but they felt heavy, stuck in his throat.
Harrison seemed to sense it already. His face drained of color, and without warning, he collapsed forward, his body hitting the floor with a dull thud.
Nash quickly caught him, checking his pulse. Relief washed over him as he realized Harrison’s pulse was steady.
“Nash, is my dad okay?” Hera’s voice cracked as she approached. Her face was swollen from crying, her throat raw with emotion.
Nash took a deep breath before responding softly. “Mr. Harrison will be fine. He just needs rest.”
Lauren hurried to Harrison’s side, her own tears flowing freely now as she helped him up. “I’ll take care of him. You go check on the others.”
As she led Harrison away, a group of emergency doctors approached Mr. Dean with urgent reports.
When Mr. Dean heard their news, he froze, shock evident on his face. “Not a single one… survived?”
He looked at Nash, his voice barely a whisper.
Nash didn’t respond. There were no words that could make this situation any better.