"My grandmother had a heart attack. I need to get to the hospital immediately," Isabella explained, rushing toward the door.

"I'm coming with you." Victoria offered without hesitation.

They quickly flagged down a taxi and sped through the city streets.

Isabella clutched her phone tightly, her palms damp with anxiety.

Her mind raced with terrifying possibilities.

Eleanor had been perfectly fine this morning. A heart attack? It seemed so sudden.

Was there something she had missed?

She remembered their morning goodbye—Eleanor happily knitting sweaters for her and Liam, her face glowing with affection. The memory now felt like a knife twisting in her chest.

Throughout the ride, Isabella repeatedly urged the driver to go faster, desperate to reach the hospital.

They arrived and hurried toward the emergency room, asking for directions as they ran.

Henry was pacing anxiously outside the emergency doors. He rushed toward Isabella when he spotted her.

"You're here, Mrs. Blackwood!" he said, his voice strained. "They're still working on Mrs. Vance..."

A cold dread washed over Isabella.

"How did this happen..." she whispered, her legs suddenly weak.

Victoria quickly supported her. "Isabella, stay strong. Everything will be alright."

Isabella gripped Victoria's hand tightly, her knuckles turning white. She trembled uncontrollably, unable to form words.

Her fists were clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms. Her heart hammered violently in her throat.

Suddenly, the emergency room doors swung open.

A tired-looking doctor emerged, removing his mask and rubbing his temples. "Doctor, how is my grandmother?" Isabella stepped forward urgently.

The doctor sighed heavily, his expression grave. "Her condition is critical. Her breathing is shallow and her heartbeat is weak. She needs immediate life support, otherwise..." His voice trailed off, the unspoken meaning clear.

"Please, you have to save her!" Isabella begged, tears streaming down her face.

"The situation is complicated. She's elderly with multiple health issues. You should prepare for the worst," the doctor said solemnly.

"A family member needs to sign this." He handed over a document. With shaking hands, Isabella quickly scanned and signed it.

"Doctor, I'm counting on you," she said, her voice breaking.

The doctor nodded and returned through the emergency room doors.

Isabella leaned against the wall for support as the doors closed again.

She checked the time—nearly five o'clock.

"Liam..." she whispered suddenly. She had completely forgotten—Liam was still at kindergarten waiting for her.

She turned to Victoria, her voice hoarse. "Victoria, could you please pick up Liam from kindergarten for me?"

Seeing Isabella's exhausted expression and swollen eyes, Victoria's heart ached for her.

"Don't worry, Isabella. I'll take care of Liam. You stay here with your grandmother. Call me if you need anything." Isabella squeezed Victoria's hand gratefully, too overwhelmed to speak.