Chapter 11 Blacking Out

The Lynn family was on the brink of a golden era! At this banquet, the Lynn family became the center of attention. Thanks to the Yorm family's influence, previously unreachable families and powerful connections now sought the Lynns out, eager to align themselves. Michelle, Samuel, and Callum couldn't hide their pride on the way home. Michelle beamed. "Samuel, with the Yorm family's support, our medical clinic is set to expand, maybe tenfold. You've played a huge role in this. And about those families wanting partnerships? Choose carefully. The Lynn family's status has changed—no more entertaining just anyone." Britney linked arms with Michelle, her tone playful. "Grandma, Callum deserves credit too! If he hadn't brought that Yorm Dragon Jade, none of this would've happened." "Yes, yes, you've all done well," Michelle said approvingly. "With the younger generation like you steering the Lynn family, prosperity is guaranteed." Her words hinted at promotion for both Britney and Callum, sparking excitement in Britney's eyes. As a direct descendant of the family, she would benefit greatly from the prosperity of the Lynn family. Already dreaming of becoming the celebrated princess of Ashtonville, she no longer even thought about Evelyn. Evelyn, however, wore a troubled expression. "Grandma, the Yorm Dragon Jade technically belongs to Dwayne. Won't there be complications if the truth comes out?" "Shut it! Who gave you a voice here?" Britney snapped. Does this woman think she can claim the glory? Callum commented lightly, "Yes, the jade came from Dwayne, but that means nothing. He's a nobody and knows nothing about medicine. Saving Old Mr. Yorm was just blind luck. And if we confessed everything, the Yorm family would think we'd tricked them. Are you ready for those consequences?" One by one, the relatives nodded in agreement. To them, it was ridiculous that Dwayne could have such abilities. Joanna piped up, "The young man Miss Yorm mentioned might not even be Dwayne—he probably just stumbled on the jade somehow." "He must have!" Britney agreed. "If he really knew what the Yorm Dragon Jade was, would he have given it away like that? He'd have to be a fool." "Or, as we all know, he already is," another relative quipped, sending them into fits of laughter. Evelyn felt a heavy disappointment settle in her chest, crushing any hopes she'd had of standing up for Dwayne. Michelle then commented. "This matter stays inside these walls. We are now tied to the Yorm family, and the Lynn family's fortune is a blessing passed down from our ancestors. Anyone who jeopardizes that will be thrown out." Her gaze rested coldly on Evelyn, who took the warning to heart. "Grandma's wisdom knows no bounds." "Leave it to Callum and me, Mom. We'll handle things—no one from the Yorm family will ever suspect a thing. Just relax and enjoy your golden years." "What are you saying? With her health and spirit, I'd say she has another thirty, forty years in her still!" Samuel, Joanna, and the others piled on the compliments, making Michelle very happy. But no one seemed to notice that Michelle's complexion was too good, almost a little ashen. Just as she took a few steps, her body wobbled. Michelle's mind went blank as she slipped from Britney's arms, collapsing onto the ground with a thud. The air thickened with shock, and the Lynn family members stood frozen in horror. "Mom!" "Grandma!" "Don't just stand there and cry! Call 911!" "Samuel, aren't you a medical professor? Do something—check on Mom!" Trying to keep his composure, Samuel checked Michelle's pulse and breathing, and his expression was growing more severe by the second. "Her pulse… it's barely there. Mom's in critical condition!" "But she was fine this morning during the check-up! What happened all of a sudden?" Joanna said as she wiped away her tears. "The whole family business is in her hands. If she goes, the Lynn family will be in chaos." "I know! Just hush," Samuel snapped. He was more anxious than anyone else—Michelle had only just assigned him Evelyn's project, and they hadn't even completed the paperwork. If she suddenly passed away, the prize would slip right through his fingers. Quickly, Samuel pressed various acupoints on Michelle's head, hoping to alleviate her symptoms. But then, blood started trickling from her nose, ears, and even her eyes, worsening the situation. The ambulance arrived, and Michelle was loaded in, the vehicle speeding away. The relatives piled into other cars to follow. Their hopes clung to the idea of Michelle's recovery, but if she didn't make it, being at the hospital would ensure they could secure a bigger slice of the family fortune. Evelyn watched the ambulance vanish in the distance, her heart pounding with dread. Suddenly, she remembered Dwayne's warning and called him without hesitation. At that moment, Dwayne was chatting with his sister in the hospital. Seeing Evelyn's name flash on his screen, he hesitated. Though they were legally married, their relationship had always been a formality, and he had tried to keep his distance from Evelyn—for her sake as much as his own. Noticing the caller ID, Claire nudged him, "Your girl's calling. Why are you ignoring it? Are you running from her?" For the past half year, Claire had known about Evelyn's existence but only thought of her as her brother's girlfriend. Under his sister's urging, Dwayne reluctantly picked up. "What's up?"