chapter636

When Connor saw Nathaniel grab Lydia by the wrist and march off with her, his expression darkened instantly.

Elliot caught the look and dropped the jokes. "Seriously? Jealous over your own family? Come on, let's go see what's going on."

Connor kept quiet and followed them, his strides long and quick.

Nathaniel's mom, Mabel, had been living with asthma since birth. She'd seen every famous doctor, both local and international, but the best she could hope for was a few good days here and there. The attacks never really stopped.

Back when she was younger, her body could handle more, but age had caught up with her. Now, even a little stress or excitement could set her off. Spicy food was out of the question. She'd been busy lately, barely resting, and the muggy weather just made things worse. So when the attack hit her at work, it hit hard.

Nathaniel dragged Lydia into the room, and the first thing they saw was Mabel, crouched on the floor, clutching her chest. Her mouth hung open as she fought for every breath, lips turning bluish-purple. Her face was drained of color, and every inhale sounded desperate, her features twisted with the effort.

Nathaniel let go of Lydia and rushed to his mom, gathering her in his arms. Mom! Hey, Mom, are you okay?"

Mabel was in too much pain to speak, but she shook her head at him, trying to soothe his panic.

Lydia stepped up right away, her voice clear and cool. "Move."

Nathaniel looked terrified, his face pale. He remembered the last time his mom had an attack like this. She'd almost died, and her lips had turned that same scary color.

"Are you... are you sure you know what to do?"

He couldn't help doubting Lydia. She was so young. What could she possibly do here?

Lydia's expression hardened. "You think just holding her like that is going to help?"

The man who'd brought Nathaniel was called Larry. He's an old hand with the Robinsons, both driver and assistant He didn't like the idea of young girl taking charge. "Mies, we already called an ambulance It'll be here any minute."

Lydia looked young enough to still be in high school. And Mabel's condition was complex. He couldn't just let anyone try something. His whole family's jobs would be on the line if anything went wrong.

Lydia's brow tightened. She's already in real danger. If you wait even two more minutes, I can't promise she'll make it."

behind them and

Elliot rushed in be

took one look at Mabel. He got anxious fast. "Nathaniel, your mom needs help now. What are you doing just standing there? Lydia's done. surgery before. She knows what she's doing in an emergency!"

Nathaniel looked at his mom and hesitated, then finally gave in. "Fine. But if anything happens, my dad's not just going to kill me. He'll come after you too."

That pretty much summed up how scared Nathaniel was of his father.

Lydia didn't waste another second arguing. She dropped to her knees on Mabel's other side and reached into her bag, pulling out a neat little roll of silver needles She was used to carrying them everywhere.

Nathaniel stared at the needles like they were from another planet. Is that..... really going to work?"

She nodded. "Yes."

Larry stepped in, tense and stubborn. Miss, stop. Our lady didn't bring her medicine today. Just wait a few more minutes. The ambulance will be here with everything she needs."