Critically i11? Who? Nicole? How could it be?

Yes, Nicole had always appeared slightly too thin. But to say she was critically ill seemed far-fetched.

Jarrod still remembered how Nicole often claimed that despite her fragile appearance, she was as strong as a bull.

At this moment, Jarrod stared at the nurse with a darkened expression and snarled, “Watch your words!"

The nurse was taken aback by the intensity in Jarrod's eyes.

Upon regaining her composure, the nurse responded with a hint of dissatisfaction, "Sir, this is a hospital. We don't joke about these matters. The patient has advanced gastric cancer and is currently suffering from severe bleeding. If you're not eligible to sign the necessary documents, please contact the patient's family immediately!"

Jarrod's mind was suddenly ablaze with shock and disbelief. He gripped the nurse's wrist tightly with a nearly crushing force and, with quivering lips, he demanded, “What did you just say? Say that again!"

The nurse frowned and repeated, "The patient has advanced gastric cancer. Didn't you know that?" As she spoke, she tried to free her wrist from his firm and painful grip.

Clank! Jarrod's black-gold walking stick, adorned with a dragon head, clattered to the floor. Jarrod staggered backward, and his tall frame leaned against the wall for support, preventing himself from collapsing.

His mind reeled as if struck by bullets, and the pain rapidly seared through him. Moreover, his body felt like it was on the brink of explosion.

Advanced gastric cancer? No, it couldn't be true! He must've misheard.

Nicole was devious. How could she be ill and, worse, in critical condition?

The idea of Nicole being sick was absurd to him. Didn't those evil people have long lives? In his mind, someone as vicious and scheming as Nicole should outlive even a turtle. How could she be seriously ill?

Yet, Jarrod's thoughts were interrupted by the nurse's anxious voice.

She urged, “Sir, the patient is in an extremely critical condition and could go into shock at any moment. Every minute we delay increases the danger. Are you her family or not?"

Inside Jarrod's head, a voice repeatedly said that this couldn't be possible. But his eyes couldn't deny the words on the surgery waiver form. Deteriorating condition. Life-threatening condition. Critically ill notice.

It felt like an eternity passed before Jarrod managed to find his voice again. And when he spoke, his words came out as if he were in a dream.

“She... I'll sign for her!"

“Are you her relative?" the nurse asked, adhering to hospital protocol.

“Only spouses or immediate family members can sign according to the regulations."