Chapter fourteen

CARLTON

I hurried into my father's hospital room, my heart racing with apprehension. Seeing him lying there, unconscious, Laura and Alex by his side, sent a chill down my spine.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice strained with worry.

"He collapsed this morning," Laura explained, her tone matter-of-fact, while Alex sat silently beside Father.

My frustration grew. "What did Adam say?" I inquired, referring to our family doctor.

"I haven't seen him yet," Laura replied.

Before I could respond, Alex stood up, facing Laura. "I will see the doctor. You should wait here," he said. "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere," I instructed Samantha, gently holding her shoulders as she nodded in understanding.

We had to leave Crystal Cove abruptly upon receiving the distressing news of Father's hospitalization.

"Good morning," Adam greeted us, rising from his seat to offer us the file. "From what we've found in our testing, it seems that the symptoms are due to stress. I suggest he take some time of