NovelXXXChapter 634 Crestwood Medical Research Center That night, Citrine woke up.
The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes was Raymond and Hilda sitting by her bedside.
Though her body was frail and weak, the sight of her parents brought a soft light to her eyes. With effort, she managed a faint smile, a wave of warmth washing over her.
"Dad... Mom." Her voice was barely more than a whisper as she looked at them.
Raymond was slumped forward on her bed. Usually so meticulous, he now had dark circles under his eyes, a rough stubble he hadn't bothered to shave, and his suit was wrinkled and rumpled. He looked utterly haggard, the picture of exhaustion.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHilda, on the sofa nearby, seemed just as worn. The commanding presence she was known for had vanished, leaving only pallor and helplessness.
They must have been keeping vigil for days. They must be exhausted, Citrine thought, her gaze softening with emotion.
She struggled to reach for the light blanket beside her, wanting to drape it over Raymond's shoulders. Just as she was about to cover him, he stirred awake and sat up abruptly, sending the blanket tumbling to the floor.
"Citrine," he exclaimed, voice trembling with excitement. All traces of fatigue vanished from his face.
Hilda, startled by the commotion, woke as well. She looked toward the bed, then leapt up, barely holding back tears.
"Citrine, you're awake!" Her eyes were red-rimmed, her voice thick with emotion as she staggered to the bedside.
"Dad... Mom," Citrine repeated, her voice as soft as before.
"Oh, Dad's here. I'm here, sweetheart," Raymond replied, his joy overflowing. He reached over, gently stroking her hair, his eyes full of tenderness and relief.
"She finally calledMom-oh, I'm so happy." Hilda could hardly believe it, her voice trembling, tears threatening to spill.
Citrine looked at them, her voice weak but sincere. "Thank you... for staying with me." "Silly girl, of course we did. We're your parents. Don't talk anymore-rest, please. It hurtsto see you like this," Hilda said quickly, overcwith worry as Citrine's words grew fainter.
Hilda stayed by her side while Raymond hurried out to fetch the hospital director and the surgeon who had operated on Citrine.
When the director and the medical team arrived and saw Citrine awake, they were stunned, then overjoyed They quickly performed a check-up, and only when they were sure she was out of danger did they finally breathe easy.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThe next day, word spread quickly. The Carmichaels and the Saunders families were ecstatic, clamoring to visit Citrine.
Worried about overcrowding the room, Raymond only allowedtwa people in aba time, so everyone took turns visiting.
With Citrine awake, the gloom that had hung over everyone seemed to lift. Lifexreturned to the halls; jokes and laughter echoed again. Weston even found the energy to bicker with his son and grandson, just as he always had.
The mood was jubilant, when suddenly Nathanael entered, leading a stern-faced older man.
"Who's that?" someone whispered, as everyone looked over.
No one recognized the old gentleman, but the man following Ο close behind was familiar-Sherman, the sman who had caused a stir during the rescue, holding Citrine without a care for the setting. The memory was still fresh in everyone's minds.
Nathanael, showing the utmost respect, brought the older man forward and introduced him to the group. "Everyone, this is the chairman's grandfather."
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