Claudia's eyes gradually lost their hopeful shine. She felt like someone had just poured a bucket of cold water on her.
Claudia took great care of her appearance, so she didn't look like she was in her forties. In addition, she was an artistic painter and always had an intriguing temperament.
But she looked much older right now. Irene felt that Claudia had aged more than ten years in an instant.
"Don't worry, Mum. I've dispatched more people to find him. Don't worry." Irene said in comfort.
"Of course! We'll definitely find him," Claudia muttered to herself, her eyes shining with hope again.
"How is Grandma doing?" Irene asked with concern.
"Alas! She's still in the operating theatre. The doctor said that the situation isn't looking good," Claudia said with a sigh.
For a while now, Madeline hadn't been in great health. Moreover, she had gotten such a big shock during her grandson's wedding. It caused a heart attack, and things were looking grim.
"Mum, Eric was involved in it," Irene said. She paused before deciding to tell Claudia.
"Hmmph! I knew it! Looks like I was right about Eric being a cold-hearted and ruthless guy! I didn't think he would do such a vicious thing at this time!" Claudia yelled in anger.
"What about Cameron? Was he also involved? Edward is also his son! Does he even have a conscience? He can't be called as a father!" Claudia cried out.
No matter how angry she was, she wouldn't talk dirty, as she had been taught to behave in a dignified manner.
Irene quickly comforted her when she saw Claudia breaking down. "Don't worry, Mum. He wasn't involved. No matter what, he won't hurt his own child. I think Eric acted without letting his father know."
Claudia instantly felt like giving Eric a piece of her mind when she heard what Irene said.
How could he, an illegitimate child, have the audacity to do such a thing? Everything that he coveted belonged to Edward. His selfish actions caused them to lose Edward in the ocean.
Claudia regretted not killing him earlier. They should've sent him abroad without delay! Then none of this would've happened.
Suddenly, the doctor emerged from the room. Claudia and Irene felt a wave of nervousness wash over them.
"Please prepare yourselves mentally. The patient may not make it."
Both of them felt like they had been struck by lightning! Irene almost collapsed. Edward was missing, and now Madeline might not make it. What should she do?
"Are you sure, doctor? Please save her! Do something! I can pay for any medical equipment and medication. I'll do anything for her!" Irene said hurriedly.
"Calm down, Irene!"
"I'm sorry. We have done everything we can," said the doctor before leaving.
Madeline was probably the person who treated Irene best in the world. Even Irene's own parents didn't treat her as well as she did.
Irene's mother wanted to please her husband and her adopted son, so she would neglect Irene often. In her eyes, Tristan and Beth were her biological children. She didn't care about Irene at all.
Moreover, Tristan and Beth weren't easy to get along with. There was no room for sibling love at all.
Tristan and Beth had always looked down upon her. They often bullied her and never showed her any kindness.
Her adopted father treated her like an item instead of a person. He had always wanted to sell her for a price.
Irene felt very lonely in that cold home. She couldn't feel the warmth of a loving family.
Every happy moment in that household belonged to them. Irene felt like an outsider, an invisible person in that household.
Madeline was the one who made Irene feel loved and spoiled. Irene could pour out her feelings before Madeline. She felt close to her, like she was her actual grandmother.
When Madeline found out Irene liked Edward, she tried her best to match them together. After they got married, Madeline supported Irene and defended her when Edward bullied her.
Such a loving person was now about to leave this world. Irene didn't want to accept it.
Irene composed herself before entering the ward with Claudia.
Irene began to tear up when she saw how fragile her grandmother looked. It seemed like she would pass soon.
"Has Edward been rescued?" Madeline asked with concern.
"Y-Yes," Irene said. She didn't want to shock Madeline and hoped she could pass in peace.
"Don't lie to me, Irene," Madeline said. She didn't believe it.
Claudia quickly interjected when she saw that Madeline didn't believe it. She said, "Mum, it's true. Edward is resting in the ward now. He isn't fit to see you right now."
Madeline smiled gently and said, "I know you're comforting me. I've gone through many things in life, both good and bad. It's okay, you don't have to comfort me anymore."
Irene smiled bitterly and said, "Looks like we can't hide anything from you."
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