Chapter 484

Daniel and David lifted the unconscious figure from the ground, allowing Sebastian Valdemar to approach.

"Mr. Valdemar, what now?"

Daniel's voice trembled. None of them had anticipated things escalating this way.

Melanie Linton had been improving—why would she suddenly jump? And how had no one noticed when it happened?

Sebastian's Adam's apple bobbed before he finally spoke. "Have you reached Ms. Roland?"

David checked his phone again. "Still switched off."

A sharp pain lanced through Sebastian's chest, triggering a violent coughing fit. He braced himself against the wall, knuckles whitening.

Theodore Ashcroft hesitated, then silently offered a tissue.

"Give me your phone." Sebastian realized his own was still in the car.

Theodore unlocked his device and handed it over. The screen displayed an active call.

Inside the factory, Evelyn Roland frowned at the unfamiliar caller ID.

"Hello?"

"It's me." Sebastian's voice came through the receiver.

"Mr. Valdemar?"

"Melanie jumped."

Three seconds of silence.

"I'm on my way."

Evelyn hung up and headed straight for the airport. The cleanup in S City could be delegated.

By the time her plane landed in A City, night had fallen.

At arrivals, Theodore hurried forward.

"Melanie's condition is critical. The doctors say she might remain in a vegetative state." He took her luggage.