Chapter 318:
Finally, Leonel felt a sense of ease wash over him. He had waited a long time for this moment, and now it seemed closer than ever.
Soon, Austin was carefully transferred to the ICU, his condition monitored closely by the hospital staff.
John turned to Leonel and suggested, “Mr. Barton, it’s late. You should head home and rest. I’ll stay here and keep watch over Austin.”
Leonel shook his head, his expression painted with mock sincerity. “How could I possibly leave? I’m his uncle, it’s my duty to stay by his side when he needs me.”
John gave a polite smile, though his eyes gleamed with understanding. “Mr. Barton, Austin and I grew up like brothers. Please, let me handle this. There’s no need for formality between us.”
Feigning reluctance, Leonel nodded. “You’re right, you’ve always been like a brother to him. Very well, I’ll leave him in your capable hands. I’ll head back and ensure the company runs smoothly. If Austin wakes up, there can’t be any chaos. Someone needs to keep things steady.”
John’s lips twitched as he suppressed a chuckle. So quick to play the selfless hero. He was amused by how easily Leonel’s true priorities had slipped out.
Still, he nodded respectfully and said, “Thank you, Mr. Barton. That’s very thoughtful of you.”
“It’s nothing,” Leonel replied smoothly before striding away.
John watched him go, his expression growing more contemplative.
Austin was right about him. This old fox was already angling for power.
A sly grin crept onto John’s face. When Leonel least expected it, Austin would make his grand return, and that would be a sight to behold.
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With that thought, John turned to Yelena, and the two headed toward the ICU.
Leonel strode toward the elevator, a faint smirk on his lips, pleased with how the evening had unfolded. But his attention was caught by the hushed voices of two nurses chatting nearby.
Initially, he dismissed it as idle gossip, but the mention of “Mr. Barton” made him pause mid-step.
Austin?
Leonel slowed his pace, keeping his movements subtle as he strained to catch more of their conversation.
“Were you in the emergency room earlier?” one nurse asked.
“No, why?” the other replied.
“I heard Mr. Barton is in critical condition and might stay in a coma indefinitely.”
“Seriously? That bad?”
“Yeah. When they brought him in, I saw the blood-soaked sheets. It was horrifying.”
The second nurse sighed. “It just proves that money means nothing if you don’t have your health.”
“Exactly,” the first replied.
“What a pity, though. He’s so handsome and wealthy. Such a waste.”
“Yeah, such a waste,” the other echoed as they walked away, and their voices faded.
Leonel’s smirk deepened, his triumph bubbling to the surface.
Absolutely perfect!
He couldn’t wait to tell Aanya the good news. She was still at home, eagerly awaiting updates.
Unbeknownst to Leonel, as soon as he disappeared into the elevator, the two nurses exchanged a knowing glance and stifled a chuckle.
They didn’t know exactly why their supervisor had told them to say those things, but they followed orders without question.
.
.
.