Xavier wiped away a tear, visibly moved.

Arya paused, guilt flickering in her eyes briefly before vanishing.

“He still has his dad; what's the worry? Besides, that woman's child doesn't even deserve to be here..." she started but was abruptly cut off.

Bartley's slap sent her flying across the courtyard, crashing into a wall before slumping to the ground.

"I won't tolerate a daughter as heartless as you!" Bartley shouted in fury.

With that, the commotion ceased, leaving the courtyard in tranquility once more.

Barth stood by Lilah's bed, his eyes brimming with regret.

"What can I do to make things right?" he asked the three elderly men, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Devonte placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, his voice heavy.

“Let's pray she'll recover. That's all we can do for now."

Two days had elapsed, yet Gerard remained absent.

Lilah's condition had visibly worsened since the previous night.

Worry consumed everyone.

“Hey! Hurry!" Kyler called urgently from inside the room.

They rushed inside.

Lilah struggled for air, her chest heaving as though suffocating.

“I'll fetch the doctor!" Xavier yelled, bolting out.

The island's medical resources were severely strained. The doctor, skilled in treating physical injuries common from frequent brawls, was their best hope.

"She's having another episode!" the doctor exclaimed, his face contorted with concern, feeling helpless to intervene.

Cyrus was already in bad shape. Upon hearing the devastating news, he became so overwhelmed with anxiety that he coughed up blood.

"Get in touch with Gerard! Only Miranda can save Lilah and Cyrus!"

Kyler urgently instructed Xavier.

Xavier, his nerves frayed, hastened to make the call.

They kept Cyrus' condition a secret, fearing that revealing he was spitting up blood would only incite unnecessary panic among the others.