005

The tension in Liam’s hospital room was suffocating, and Lucas’s voice cut through it like a knife. “This isn’t just leukemia, Mr. Elliott. Your son has been poisoned.”

The accusation hung in the air, met by a stunned silence before exploding into anger. Dr. Luca Atkinson’s face twisted in disbelief and fury. “How dare you?” he spat. “Are you suggesting this hospital poisoned a child? This is preposterous!”

Adam Ellis, torn between desperation and indignation, glared at Lucas. “You walk in here and start throwing wild accusations? Do you even know who you’re talking to?” His voice rose, echoing off the sterile white walls. “You’re a nobody—a dog, taking advantage of Ms. Lewis’s generosity. And now you’re making baseless claims against a respected doctor?”

Lucas held up his hands, calm but unyielding. “I’m not attacking anyone. I believe the poisoning was unintentional. It’s possible that a combination of certain foods reacted negatively, creating a toxin that’s worsened his condition.”

Dr. Atkinson scoffed, his arms crossed. “Ridiculous. This hospital doesn’t make such basic errors. You’re meddling in something you don’t understand.”

Ignoring the doctor’s sneer, Lucas continued, “If Liam shows any symptoms soon, I urge you—prick his right big toe, let a little blood out, and feed him some chicken blood. It may sound strange, but it could save him.”

Adam’s face darkened, his voice dripping with contempt. “Enough of this nonsense. Get out before I call security!”

Lucas glanced at Samantha, whose eyes flashed with anger and embarrassment. “Lucas, I think it’s best you leave. I can’t have you ruining things any further.”

Hurt but maintaining his composure, Lucas nodded. “Understood, Ms. Lewis. I’ll repay you for Ella’s expenses. I’ll leave now.”

He walked out of the room with a wry smile, the sting of their rejection heavy but softened by thoughts of Ella. If they’re right, then I’m just a fool, he thought. But if I’m right, at least they’ll have a chance.

Back at the downtown hospital, Lucas found Ella sleeping peacefully, her breathing calm. Sitting beside her, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. You’re my reason for everything, Ella, he thought, brushing a gentle hand across her forehead. I’ll face anything if it means keeping you safe.

Meanwhile, in the private hospital, Samantha tried to smooth things over with Adam. “I’m sorry about Lucas’s behavior,” she said, feeling the weight of her words. “I thought he was… well, perhaps I should have chosen someone more sensible.”

Adam sighed, waving her apologies away. “This isn’t your fault, Samantha. But next time, consider surrounding yourself with people who have a little more… refinement.”

Just then, Liam’s monitor emitted a high-pitched alarm, and his frail body began to convulse. His lips turned pale as he coughed up blood, his body arching with the force of his spasms.

Adam’s face drained of color as he bolted to his son’s side. “Liam! What’s happening?” His voice cracked, thick with terror.

Dr. Atkinson rushed to the bed, his previous confidence shattered. “I… I don’t know! His condition was stable just a moment ago!”

Samantha, watching in horror, remembered Lucas’s strange advice. She stepped closer to Adam. “Mr. Elliott… I know this sounds absurd, but Lucas mentioned something about pricking his toe and giving him chicken blood. It’s unorthodox, but maybe…”

Adam looked at her, desperation etched in his eyes. “Do it! Do whatever it takes. Someone, bring me chicken blood!”

The staff scrambled, nurses rushing to locate anything that could help. A nurse swiftly pricked Liam’s right big toe, releasing a small drop of blood. Moments later, another nurse brought a container with fresh chicken blood, a look of disbelief on her face as she handed it to Adam.

Adam gently lifted Liam’s head, pouring a few ounces of the blood into his son’s mouth, his own hands shaking. All eyes were on Liam, waiting, hoping.

A tense silence filled the room, punctuated only by the sounds of Liam’s shallow breathing. After what felt like an eternity, his spasms ceased, and the color slowly returned to his cheeks. His breathing steadied, and his eyelids fluttered open.

“Dad…” Liam whispered weakly.

Adam let out a choked gasp, his face crumpling with relief. “Liam! Oh, thank God…” He pulled his son into his arms, tears streaming down his face. “You’re safe, son… you’re safe.”

Dr. Atkinson, visibly shaken, took a step back, unable to look anyone in the eye. Samantha watched the scene with a mix of awe and guilt, the realization hitting her like a tidal wave—Lucas had been right all along.

Adam turned to her, still holding Liam, his voice filled with emotion. “He… he knew. He saved my son. I… I owe him everything.”

Samantha nodded slowly, her mind racing.

What have I done? she thought, regret filling her. She knew she had to find Lucas, apologize, and somehow make things right. The man she had dismissed as a fool had proven his worth—and she could only hope he’d give her the chance to make amends.