The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 1009

She handed the phone back, her mind still slowly processing the facts, and said flatly, "Even so, your method of handling this was utterly absurd and extreme."

Naylor replied, "I only just got my hands on this evidence today. I tried calling you, but you blocked me. I tried using a different number, but it didn't go through. I had no choice but to speed all the way to the venue."

Katrina opened her mouth to speak, but hesitated.

Her emotions were still a chaotic mess, and she had no idea what to say.

Amidst the silence, Naylor's phone rang, breaking the suffocating awkwardness between them.

He glanced at the screen—it was Waller calling.

A few days ago, Waller had guaranteed he could get Naylor and his daughter back together. They had communicated a few times, which was how he had his number.

Thinking about the utter chaos at the wedding, Naylor hesitated for a second before answering. "Hello..."

"Mr. Wilson, please tell Katrina her mother is being rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Could you guys hurry up and—"

Before Waller could finish speaking, Katrina snatched the phone from Naylor's hand. "What happened to my mom?!"

Waller explained, "A perfectly good wedding got completely ruined! What do you think happened to her? She passed out from the shock."

Before she even heard the end of it, Katrina snapped, raising her hand and slapping Naylor violently across the face.

Poor Naylor took the hit without daring to utter a single sound. He could only quickly offer comfort. "Don't worry, I'm taking you to the hospital right now. I'll get the best doctors to treat your mom. Everything will be fine."

"Naylor, my mom better be okay, or I will hate you for the rest of my life!" Katrina sobbed hysterically, smashing his phone in the process.

Fortunately, Naylor always carried two phones. While racing to the hospital, he called his parents, filled them in on Willa's condition, and begged them to arrange for the absolute best oncology specialists to jump in and save her.

He knew how severe Willa's condition was, and he was terrified that if she didn't pull through, this tragic outcome would forever be on his hands.

It was only at this moment that he finally cooled down, realizing his actions had indeed been wildly impulsive and completely oblivious to the consequences.

Soon, Dr. Wilson called back, informing him that everything was in place. She had just been rushed into the emergency room, and they would do everything in their power to save her.

Next, after learning the whole story, Dr. Wilson tore into his son mercilessly over the phone. If Naylor had been standing right in front of him, the old man likely would have taken a belt to him.

Naylor was so used to constantly locking horns with his parents that he never usually submitted to their discipline.

But this time, he knew he was entirely at fault. Add in the fact that he desperately needed his parents' help to save Willa's life—no matter how brutally his father cursed him out, he kept his mouth shut and took the scolding like a chastised child.

Hanging up, he glanced back at Katrina, his lips pressed tightly together. He was clearly too guilty to speak.

Julian, however, shot Naylor a terrifyingly dark glare, clenching his fists tightly. He clearly wanted a piece of him, but out of respect for Willa still being in surgery, he forcibly restrained himself.

Facing Katrina, Naylor was submissive and entirely in the wrong, lacking any moral high ground.

But the moment he saw Julian, he puffed out his chest, his eyes flashing with just as much indignance.

The two men traded murderous glares for several rounds. Just before they could turn things physical, the doors to the ER swung open.

Katrina had no idea if it was her mother's attending physician, but instinct drove her to rush forward.

Naylor, however, recognized Dr. Thorne and immediately hurried forward to speak with him.

"Don't worry, we've pulled her back, though her vitals are still unstable and she'll need a few days of observation in the Intensive Care Unit," Dr. Thorne explained. He then turned to Katrina with a grave expression. "The patient's cancer has spread, and multiple organs are experiencing varying degrees of failure. The situation was already grim, which means emotional stability is utterly crucial right now. As her family, you must be extremely careful not to let her suffer any more sudden shocks, otherwise, you won't be so lucky next time."

Katrina's eyes were red and swollen, her heart aching painfully. Hearing this, she repeatedly promised, "I understand, Doctor. I will be incredibly careful from now on. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Dr. Thorne turned to leave. Knowing the doctor had gone out of his way to come here, Naylor tactfully followed him to express his gratitude once more and ask about Willa's specific prognosis.

Specifically, roughly how much time she had left.

Dr. Thorne was about to leave, but hearing this, he stopped, a hint of curiosity crossing his face. "Naylor, what's your relationship with that patient? Why are you so concerned?"