Chapter 571
Chapter 571
After the examination, Cherise found that there was no significant issue with Claire’s body. The main problem still lay in her brain.
From the previous brain CT scans, it was clear that the impact of the bullet had caused a blood clot in Claire’s brain. This clot was pressing against the nerve artery, causing her to be excessively sleepy.
If she were to be disconnected from the life–support machine, there was no guarantee that she wouldn’t go into shock the next moment. The risk was considerable.
Cherise still held Claire’s hand and said softly, “I won’t ask for your opinion. I believe Hank also wants you to get better quickly.
“If this condition continues, the blood clot in your brain will keep expanding. Even with the combined skills of my master and me, we might not be able to save you.
“So, at the latest, tomorrow morning–I’ll take you back to Clusia. I don’t know if you can hear me, but I need to tell you
“Well, that’s it. I’ll go out now and prepare for the next steps.”
this.
With great care, she gently placed Claire’s hand back down and pulled the blanket up over her. Only when she felt satisfied did she turn to leave.
Suddenly, she heard Claire’s voice. “Cherise?”
The familiar yet strange, soft call, along with the warmth that spread from her palm throughout her entire body, made Cherise stop in her tracks and stand still.
If there had been another person in the room, they would have clearly seen the shock and stiffness on Cherise’s face. Slowly, her eyes began to glisten with tears.
After standing there for a moment, Cherise slowly lowered her head and looked at her hand, which was now held by Claire. The tears she had been holding back could no longer be contained and slid down her cheeks.
Afraid that Claire would notice, she quickly and quietly wiped her eyes.
Before she could meet the gaze of Claire, she spoke again, “Cherise, why aren’t you saying anything? It’s me, your mom.
“I heard everything you said, every single word. It’s just that I struggled for a long time before I could wake up. Mom is so sorry. I’ve missed so much of your life.
“Turn around. You’ve grown up so much. Let me take a good look at you. I need to apologize to you, Mom…”
Before Claire could say more, looking extremely remorseful, Cherise quickly turned around and interrupted her, “Don’t say anything more. You don’t need to. I won’t blame you. I know everything, I understand it all.”
Only after speaking these words did Cherise finally meet Claire’s eyes. And in that moment, the last barrier in her heart completely crumbled. She couldn’t help but call out again, “Mom!”
Hearing that word “mom,” the heavy burden in Claire’s heart was finally lifted, and she smiled through her tears. “My sweet Cherise.
All these years, I thought I would never see you again. I never expected that fate would still be so kind to me. You’re even more beautiful than in the photos, so much more beautiful.”
As she spoke, her face remained lit up with a bright, radiant smile, just like Cherise’s grandmother, Amelia—a woman who exuded optimism and brightness despite being confined to a hospital bed for years.
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Chapter 571
Seeing that Claire was about to close her eyes again, Cherise quickly said, “Mom, don’t sleep yet. Listen to me first. I want to take you back to Clusia for treatment. We’ll leave tomorrow, okay?
“I hope you can make it. I hope you’ll hold on until we get back to Clusia, so I can give you the chance to enjoy this beautiful world again.”
Cherise’s voice was anxious, and her words came out in a rush. Just as Claire’s eyes were about to close completely, she seemed to muster all her strength and managed to say a single word, “Okay,” before finally closing her eyes.
Hearing that “okay,” Cherise felt an unprecedented sense of relief wash over her entire being. She smiled, a beautiful smile that lit up her face.
As she walked out of the room, Morris, who was waiting outside, immediately knew what had just happened inside.
“Cherise,” he called softly.
Cherise smiled and replied just as gently, “Morris, get ready. We’re heading back to Clusia tomorrow.”
“Alright!” Morris nodded, genuinely happy for Cherise.
The next day, Cherise and the others went to Astamia International Airport. Claire, who was still in a semi–conscious state, had already been wheeled onto the plane by Morris’s people in advance.
In the passenger pick–up area, Cherise and Hank were saying their final goodbyes to Lucy.
Lucy, are you really not coming back to Clusia with us? I don’t feel right leaving you here in Astamia alone, Hank said, clearly reluctant to part.
Cherise also spoke up, “Thank you for taking care of my mom all these years. I know you have your concerns, but if you ever want to come back, I’ll take good care of you in Clusia from now on.
“I think my mom could also use a close and trusted friend like
you.”
Cherise had investigated Lucy and knew that all her relatives in Clusia had passed away. Over the years, only her mom and Hank had been by her side. She just didn’t know if Lucy would be willing.
Upon hearing this, Lucy shyly waved her hand and said, “I’ll just stay here.”
“Why?” Hank asked, puzzled by Lucy’s shy expression.
Feeling even shyer under Hank’s questioning, Lucy lowered her head and glanced toward the side. Following her gaze, Cherise saw a middle–aged man of Astamian descent standing there, looking honest and simple.
Cherise instantly understood and chuckled softly, “Then I wish you all the happiness and fulfillment. Let’s keep in touch!”
If that was what Lucy wanted, it was for the best. Over the years, Claire and Hank had taken up a lot of her personal time; it was time for her to find her own happiness.
*****
After exchanging hugs and farewells, Cherise boarded the plane with her mother, Claire, to return to Clusia.
On the flight, Cherise looked at Claire, who was now completely free from the medical equipment and acupuncture needles that had been sustaining her life.
She turned to Morris and said quietly, “With my mom coming back to Clusia and considering Hank’s connections, things probably won’t be peaceful for us in the near future.”
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Hearing this, Morris moved closer to her, brushed the stray hairs from her forehead, and said softly, “Indeed, I’m curious to hear what you have planned for the next steps.”
Cherise shrugged her shoulders. “After all these years, I don’t really know what kind of person my mom is–whether she’s gentle and refined or bold and free–spirited.
“But it doesn’t really matter. No matter what happens, we’ll deal with it as it comes. After all, there are always more solutions than problems.”
