Chapter 497
Naomi felt her legs grow weak. It all felt like a terrible dream—one she couldn’t wake up from.
Darren was still crying quietly, grief written across his face.
Meanwhile, the doctors began preparing to continue the evaluation. They needed to find someone Olivia might recognize or feel safe around—someone who could help calm her enough for further examination.
Naomi and Hillary were brought closer to the bedside. They weren’t as visibly distraught as Darren, but confusion and disbelief clouded their expressions as they looked down at Olivia.
The doctor crouched beside her. “Do you know any of these people?”
Olivia didn’t answer. Instead, she buried her head even deeper into her knees, her entire body curled into a tight, defensive ball.
“This is your mother and your sister,” the doctor said gently. “Please, look at them. See if you recognize them.”
Hillary and Naomi stood frozen. Their eyes searched Olivia’s face, desperate for any sign of recognition.
Olivia stirred ever so slightly. A subtle shiver ran through her.
The doctor straightened in surprise. At the same time, Tyler’s eyes lit up with a flicker of hope.
Olivia slowly lifted her head and gave them a fleeting glance.
But there was nothing in her eyes. No warmth. No familiarity. She looked at them as if they were strangers.
Tyler’s expression darkened once more, the spark of hope snuffed out as quickly as it had come.
Hillary’s lips parted in shock, while Naomi’s hand slipped off the rail of the bed. Neither of them had expected that look.
The doctor exhaled quietly. “It appears… she doesn’t remember them either.”
Moments later, the Harris family arrived. Maisy, breathless from rushing, immediately called out, “Olivi—”
The butler stepped in swiftly. “Madam, please. Not now.”
Maisy halted, startled, her voice dying in her throat. Ana stood beside her, frowning in confusion.
The room fell into a heavy silence.
The doctor finally addressed the group. “It seems she doesn’t recognize anyone here. We recommend assigning a nurse she’s least resistant to for ongoing care. For now, too many unfamiliar faces could worsen her condition.”
Nobody said a word.
Tyler was the only one who responded. “Understood. Thank you.”
The doctor nodded. “Now, if I may ask… we’ll need the room cleared. The crowd may feel overwhelming for her. It’s best if we reduce the stimulus for her psychological wellbeing.”
Tyler turned to the group. “Everyone, leave the room. We’ll talk more after the next evaluation.”
Naomi stood frozen. Her hands were cold, her lips pale. She couldn’t move.
Seeing that no one budged, Tyler spoke again—this time, more firmly. “Camilla. Escort everyone out.”
Camilla stepped toward Naomi and Hillary. “Come on.”
The butler turned to Maisy and Ana. “We should go too.”
One by one, the group exited the room—quiet, subdued, and weighed down by the realization that the Olivia they knew might truly be lost.