Lucia didn’t notice the subtle tension and directly asked Cordell, “Cordell, how is Matthew’s condition? Be honest with me.”
Cordell hesitated for a moment before replying, “It’s nothing serious. He just needs some treatment.”
Lucia frowned, her skeptical gaze fixed on him. “Is that really the case? You have to tell me the truth.”
After several reassurances from Cordell, she reluctantly chose to believe him.
Matthew, however, sensed that Cordell was withholding something. He turned to Lindsay and said, “Please take Grandma home.”
Lindsay clung to his arm, her voice filled with concern. “Aren’t you coming with us?”
Matthew shook his head. “I have something to take care of.”
Lindsay paused in thought before suggesting, “Then Stella could come with us. Let’s all leave together.”
Cordell quickly intervened. “Stella needs to stay. I need to discuss Bella’s treatment with her. Hearing that it was about Bella’s condition, Lucia didn’t want to delay. “In that case, we’ll head home first and leave you to talk it over.”
Though Lindsay was clearly reluctant, she had no choice but to Leave with Lucia.
Once they had gone, Stella turned to Cordell, anxiety etched across her face. “Is there a problem with my mom’s treatment? Is her condition getting worse?”
Cordell, guilt evident in his expression, sighed deeply. “I’m sorry, Stella. I lied to you. Actually, it’s Matthew’s treatment that’s facing complications.”
Stella’s worry intensified, and she pressed him urgently. “What’s going on? Please tell me.”
Cordell exchanged a glance with Matthew before replying, “Let’s talk in my office.”
The three of them made their way to Cordell’s office. As soon as Stella sat down, she leaned forward, her voice trembling. “What’s the problem? My mom and I also lost parts of our memories after the car accident. Isn’t Matthew’s case similar? Can’t mental treatment alone cure him?”
Cordell’s expression darkened, his tone serious as he explained, “Matthew’s case is different. He has a blood clot in his brain, pressing against the nerves and causing his amnesia.”
Stella’s eyes widened in shock. “How can it be treated?”
Cordell took a deep breath, his words measured. “He needs surgery. But there’s a risk-if the surgery fails, Matthew’s life could be in danger.”
The harsh reality hit Stella like a wave. Her face paled, her Lips quivering as fear and worry overtook her.
Beside her, Matthew’s calm demeanor faltered, a shadow of seriousness crossing his face.
Sensing their distress, Cordell quickly attempted to reassure them.
“Don’t worry too much just yet. If the surgery is successful, Matthew will regain his lost memories. Everything will be fine then.”
Stella drew in a shaky breath, forcing herself to remain composed.
She met Cordell’s gaze, her voice trembling slightly as she asked, “What are the chances of success?”