After Audrey hung up the phone, she turned to the busy individuals in the living room and said, "Big Brother is in the hospital."
Everyone set aside their tasks and looked up at her. Gary's face held a hint of panic, and he quickly inquired, "What happened to him?"
Audrey replied, "Big Brother says it's probably appendicitis."
Upon hearing this, the people present collectively breathed a sigh of relief. Gary remarked, "Ah, he's had this issue a few times before. Every time we suggest surgery, he claims he can't spare the time."
After Gary finished speaking, he picked up the newspaper again. After a while, he called Abner's assistant to inquire about the situation. Upon hearing that the assistant was already at the hospital, he relaxed and didn't say anything further.
Eric and Charlotte exchanged a glance, both thinking that someone should go check on Abner tomorrow.
Audrey's perspective seemed to be different. She hurried upstairs to grab her bag and prepared to head to the hospital.
Seeing her rush upstairs and then hurry out, Eric quickly stopped her, asking, "Where are you going?"
Audrey responded with an air of certainty, "Going to the hospital to see elder brother."
Eric looked puzzled, "Didn't you say his assistant is at the hospital? His assistant will take care of him. There's no point in us going."
Audrey explained, "The assistant isn't his family. Even if we can't offer practical help by going, we can still provide him with some emotional comfort. People who are sick are quite fragile, and what they need most at such times is the company of their family members."
Eric and Charlotte stared at Audrey somewhat dumbfounded, even questioning if their ears were playing tricks on them.
Abner fragile? What's she talking about? The word "fragile" has nothing to do with him.
Gary looked at Audrey thoughtfully, then set down the newspaper and stood up. "Since Audrey wants to go, let's all go and see him."
He announced this and called for the butler to prepare the car.
Eric was rendered speechless by Gary's decision. He muttered to himself with his head lowered, "How come no one personally came to visit me when I was sick in the hospital?"
Standing by his side, Charlotte heard his words and remarked, "It was the same for me when I was sick before."
Audrey heard their conversation and opened her mouth as if to speak, but held back.
[Is this a competition? We will accompany you two when you two fall sick next time then?]
Eric was speechless.
Charlotte: "..."
That was not necessary.
And so, because of Audrey, the family took two cars to the hospital.
When they arrived at the hospital, Abner was already in the operating room.
He couldn't have anticipated that when he emerged from the operating room, he would see so many people.
Though he was awake, his mind wasn't completely clear. Upon seeing Audrey and the others, he couldn't hide his expression of shock in time.
Seeing his condition, no one said much to him. They spent a few minutes at the hospital and then left.
With an assistant present and a professional nurse arranged by Gary, there was no need for someone to stay with him overnight.
Ever since Audrey arrived, she had only seen a composed and poised Abner. She had never seen him so fragile, and the same was true for Eric and Charlotte.
Subconsciously, they all thought of Abner as having an indestructible body. Seeing him lying weak in bed this time felt somewhat jarring.
Before leaving, Audrey said to Abner, "Elder brother, rest well. I'll come see you tomorrow morning."
Abner wanted to tell her there was no need, but before he could say anything, Audrey had already left
Abner chuckled, a hint of helplessness in his expression.
Having been Abner's assistant for many years, he had never seen this kind of smile on Abner's face before. He could even sense a trace of indulgence in it.
Being Abner's long-time assistant, he was well aware of Audrey's identity. However, as far as he knew, Abner and his step-sister didn't have a good relationship. Yet now, it seemed quite different.
In social circles, there are no secrets. Soon, news of Abner falling ill and being hospitalized spread to many interested parties.
The next morning, Audrey arrived at the hospital. This time, she came alone, as Gary and Charlotte went to the company, and Eric went out to see friends.