Chapter 404
At that moment, Lorna couldn't worry about the risks anymore. She leaned close to Morwenna, whispering as if the very walls might eavesdrop on their conversation. Morwenna's eyes narrowed, then she nodded with determination.
Lorna looked at her seriously and said, "Morwenna, what you need to do now is to stay calm. Only by keeping your composure can you reach your goal."
Morwenna nodded again, more resolutely this time, and took deep breaths to calm herself. The panic in her eyes seemed to transform into steadfast resolve.
Before leaving, Morwenna couldn't help but ask, "Lorna, will this affect you?"
"Don't worry, it won't. I'll try to stay out of it as much as I can."
They exited the room together. The area near Norbert's room was heavily guarded, but Morwenna didn't head in that direction. The guards were focused on protecting Norbert, so they paid no attention to where Morwenna was going.
Morwenna and Lorna headed straight for the wing where the younger members of the Hetfield family lived. Morwenna knew exactly which room to enter and barged in. Ryan was there, immersed in his homework. The workload for a sixth grader was already overwhelming, and with additional assignments from his parents, he was still not finished even at nine at night.
Startled by Morwenna's sudden entrance, he called out, "Sis-in-law?"
"I'm sorry," Morwenna apologized, as she walked over and grabbed Ryan by the arm. Ryan froze.
"Ryan, I'm sorry, but I must see Norbert Hetfield. I won't hurt you," Morwenna said, her voice filled with remorse. She wouldn't have chosen this path if there had been another way. But Orson had mentioned that Norbert Hetfield's condition was critical, and she couldn't afford to wait any longer. She had no one else in the family to turn to for help.
Ryan seemed to understand. He didn't resist or call for help, whispering instead, "Sis-in-law, I get it. It's us who've let Grandpa down... I guess you're planning to use me to threaten my parents, but even with me as leverage, they won't give up fighting for the inheritance."
Children from affluent families grow
up quickly, witnessing endless power struggles from a young age Morwenna's eyes reddened, her voice choked with emotion, "I'm not after anything. I just want to see Norbert Hetfield, to find a doctor Who can save him."
"I'll cooperate," Ryan said softly.
"I'm really sorry, Ryan. I won't let you get hurt."
"Even if I do get hurt, it doesn't matter. If I don't, my parents won't believe you're serious about hurting me. Don't feel guilty, sis-in-law. I'm not scared. I don't care about the shares; I just want Grandpa to get better."
Morwenna hugged Ryan tightly. Then, with Ryan in tow and a small knife at his throat, she walked out, finally drawing attention. Someone quickly informed Phineas and the others.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
Upon seeing the scene, Sabrina erupted in anger, "Morwenna! Have you lost your mind? You can't just threaten Ryan; that's illegal, you know! Let him go this instant."
"I just want to see Norbert Hetfield. If not, I'll have to act," Morwenna declared.
Phineas's face darkened, "Morwenna, dare to hurt Ryan, and see what happens!"
Remembering Ryan's words, Morwenna hesitated. She couldn't bring herself to harm a child. Suddenly, she felt Ryan move, deliberately pressing against the knife, causing a cut to appear on his neck.
Morwenna's grip on the knife almost faltered, tears welling in her eyes. A child was willing to make such a sacrifice for his grandfather, while the adults around them were blinded by greed, less humane than
even a
child.
Fighting back tears, Morwenna gritted her teeth, "Phineas, I just want to be by Norbert Hetfield's side, to get a doctor to look at him. I won't interfere with your affairs. Letting me in won't affect you at all."