Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 99

Bella was advanced in age, making the surgical risks inherently higher than for a younger patient. However, after over two weeks of meticulous care, the odds of success had actually been quite favorable.

What no one anticipated was her blood pressure suddenly plummeting mid-operation. Despite the medical team's desperate efforts to stabilize her, they couldn't bring her back.

Medical malpractice had been ruled out, and Bella's body was temporarily moved to the hospital morgue.

When Hester rushed to the hospital, Lena was waiting for her by the main entrance.

"Mrs. Weston!" Lena hurried over, her eyes completely red. "They just moved Bella's body to the morgue. The hospital needs a family member’s signature to release the remains, but we can't reach Mr. Weston at all. We had no choice but to call you."

Hester frowned deeply. "This was a major surgery. He wasn't here waiting?"

"He was here originally. But about half an hour into the procedure, he took a phone call and rushed off."

Hester’s expression instantly turned icy. For a man as disciplined as Julian to completely abandon all sense of priority, it almost certainly had to do with Melody!

"Mrs. Weston, I know it's not our place to bother you with this anymore, but you know how the rest of the Weston family is. With Mr. Weston gone, someone needs to step up and make the final arrangements for Bella..."

"I understand." Hester took a deep breath, forcing down her overwhelming grief. "Julian and I haven't finalized the divorce paperwork yet. Legally, I am still Mrs. Weston and her granddaughter-in-law. Since Julian isn't here, it's my duty to handle her arrangements."

Lena wiped away a tear. "The fact that you're willing to do this... I know Bella is looking down from heaven and feeling so grateful for you."

Hester closed her eyes briefly. "Let's go."

Lena nodded and led Hester toward the morgue.

Joanna was waiting outside the doors. The moment she saw Hester, it was as if she had finally found her anchor. She rushed forward, grabbing Hester’s hand, tears pouring down her face. "Mrs. Weston, you're finally here. Bella... she's gone..."

Hester’s nose stung sharply. Seeing Joanna so completely shattered finally made the reality of Bella's death sink in.

Just yesterday, the elderly woman had been hugging her, telling her to take good care of herself. Barely twenty-four hours later, they were separated by death. Life was far too cruel and unpredictable.

Just as Hester finished the paperwork with the hospital to claim the body, Arthur Weston arrived with Livia, Chloe, and Howard in tow.

Hearing that Julian wasn't there, the group instantly smelled blood in the water. They all knew exactly how much Julian cared for Bella. When they had tried to visit her previously, Julian had stationed security guards to block them from even getting near her.

Given Julian’s protective nature, there was zero chance he would willingly miss a surgery this important! He had to be hiding something!

Arthur scowled, glaring at Hester. "Where is Julian?"

"Julian is abroad," Hester replied, her face a mask of calm. "There was a critical emergency with a core overseas project, and he had to take a red-eye flight to handle it. He just got the news about Bella and is currently on his way back."

Arthur glanced at Livia. The two exchanged a knowing look.

Livia stepped forward, adopting the haughty tone of a superior elder. "Bella was ninety years old, and you younger generation didn't even bother to consult us before putting her through surgery! Being reckless is one thing, but if you're going to force a surgery, he should have at least had the decency to stay at the hospital. Now that she's dead, he's nowhere to be found? Clearly, he never cared about his grandmother in the first place!"