A Night of Desire-Chapter 80: What’s the Point if the Heroine is Absent?

"Okay, okay, I’ll be right there."

With that, Clara Grant hastily hung up. She’d completely forgotten Liam Keane was sitting across from her and immediately turned to go.

Liam Keane stood up as well, asking with concern, "Miss Grant, what’s wrong?"

Only then did Clara Grant remember he was there. She turned back and apologized hurriedly, "Director Keane, I’m so sorry, but there’s a family emergency. I have to go. As for the role of Tina, I’ll look over the script and get back to you, is that all right?" 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"Of course," Liam Keane said with a nod. "What’s the emergency? Do you need any help?"

"No, that’s alright. Thank you," Clara Grant said as she hurried out of the coffee shop.

Liam Keane stood there, watching until her back disappeared through the doorway. His expression relaxed considerably. ’Since she didn’t refuse outright and said she’d look at the script first, there’s still a chance.’

Clara Grant ran to the school gate, hopped on her bike, and sped away, not noticing a car that had pulled over behind her.

"Chloe, class is about to start. Where could Clara Grant be going in such a rush? She’s the model student who never skips a single class."

Ivy Vance watched Clara Grant’s retreating figure through the open window and spoke to Chloe Grant, who was in the back seat.

Chloe Grant, who had been gazing out the window, turned and narrowed her eyes at Ivy.

Meeting her gaze, Ivy Vance immediately realized she’d said the wrong thing. She quickly corrected herself, "So what if she’s a model student? What’s the point of mastering your studies if you never get a chance to use them? It’s all a waste, isn’t it?"

Only then did Chloe Grant look away, satisfied. Her eyes followed Clara Grant’s distant figure as she asked, "Those photos of Clara Grant getting out of a man’s car... did you post them?"

"Yep. They’re already on the school forum. By now, I bet almost every student and teacher has seen them," Ivy Vance said with a smug smile, as if expecting praise.

"Hmph." Chloe Grant snorted, then added with a hint of disappointment, "What a shame. The star of the show isn’t even here. What’s the point if the gossip can’t immediately hit its target?"

After a two-second pause, she ordered the driver, "Follow Clara Grant. I want to see what she’s up to."

...

Clara Grant raced on her bike to Novaria First Hospital. After getting the room number from the front desk nurse, she charged straight into the patient’s room.

"Clara." Skylar Hayes turned and saw her daughter.

"Mom!" Clara Grant rushed to her side, her eyes immediately finding the still figure of Cherie on the bed. "How is he?" she asked, her voice tight with worry.

Skylar Hayes looked just as worried. She shook her head and glanced at the masked doctor beside the bed. "The doctor is still examining him. Try to stay calm."

Clara Grant looked at the doctor and had no choice but to wait patiently.

A few moments later, the doctor straightened up and turned to face the mother and daughter.

"Doctor, how is he? Why did he suddenly collapse like that?" Clara Grant blurted out before he could even speak.

"He has a congenital heart defect. That’s why he collapsed," the doctor said, his gaze settling on Clara Grant’s face. "Furthermore, episodes like this can happen at any time."

Clara Grant was stunned. "A congenital heart defect? How is that possible? Cherie always seems so healthy. How could he have something like that? Doctor, are you sure you haven’t made a mistake?"

The doctor didn’t answer, merely staring at her with the deep-set eyes visible above his mask.

Clara Grant interpreted the look herself. ’That gaze clearly says there’s no way he’s mistaken!’