As the atmosphere in the hospital became increasingly dense, a thick tension hung in the air, involving not only the members of the Kadman and Campbell families but also the Phillips, whose expressions reflected their shared anguish at Taylor and Clarice's critical situation.
Adam Kadman's arrival at the hospital was marked by an expression of deep concern on his face. It was a fateful day, the first in his financial journey in which he had not gone to work, as his focus was now entirely on Damian's well-being.
The tragedy had brought them together in a way they could never have imagined. While each family member wondered if they could have done more to avoid the situation, the hallway echoed with questions about who in the world would try something so heinous against the Phillips family's children.
Beatrice Phillips, at the height of her despair, found comfort in the arms of Sarah Campbell, whose soft words sought to calm her friend's distress. Together, they shared the burden of worry as they awaited news of Taylor's condition.
However, even in the midst of the chaos and pain, a professional voice broke through, bringing a ray of hope. The doctor informed them that Taylor would undergo surgery due to the seriousness of his injuries, but stressed that, despite the seriousness of the situation, Taylor's youth and strength could be crucial to his recovery.
As for Clarice, the doctors diagnosed a serious head injury, and the potential damage was still unknown. The gloomy atmosphere that enveloped the waiting room reflected the uncertainty and concern that hung over everyone present, as they anxiously awaited further news about the state of health of the two women.
The muffled sound of doctors' footsteps echoed through the corridors, each second seeming like an eternity in the agonizing wait.
Suddenly, a police officer entered the waiting room. Captain Anderson, accompanied by a colleague, gives a brief greeting to the families, expressing his condolences for the situation and thanking them for agreeing to meet to discuss the incident.
Adam Kadman, Callum Campbell, Malcolm Kadman, Mallet Campbell, Jared Phillips, Roberts Phillips and Gunnar May stood up immediately upon seeing the police officers arrive. Aware of the seriousness of the situation, they readily agree to follow the officers into a separate conference room, away from the suffering of the girls' mothers.
In a private room, Captain Anderson approaches the assembled group, his serious expression reflecting the gravity of the situation. With a solemn gesture, he begins his approach, choosing his words carefully.
"Good afternoon, everyone. First of all, I would like to express my condolences for everything that has happened. We're here to help and clarify the events that led to this tragic incident."
He pauses for a moment, allowing the families to absorb his words before continuing.
"As part of our investigation, I'd like to ask a few standard questions. Had any of the occupants of the vehicle been receiving threats recently? Is there any information that could help us understand the motives behind this attack?"
As he speaks, the Captain carefully observes the reactions of the people in the room, searching for any signs that might indicate a relevant clue for the investigation.
"Furthermore, I would like to inform you that we have located the SUV used in the attack. Our team has already been dispatched to investigate the location where it was found, which appears to be a remote, uninhabited area on the border of states."
He pauses, allowing the information to be absorbed, before continuing.
"However, there is something I need to share with you all. The occupants of the attacked vehicle were found dead, and our investigators have identified that the shots were fired from an alarming proximity. This leads us to believe that the attack was highly planned and executed with precision."
The Captain observes the expressions of those present, searching for signs of shock, surprise, or recognition at the revelations.
"Additionally, we have discovered that the three individuals in the car were members of a small local gang, with a significant criminal history and many enemies. It seems that the attacker or mastermind attempted to cover their tracks, but left evidence that alerts us to the imminent danger they represent."
He pauses briefly before continuing.
"One of these pieces of evidence is 'blue roses' with bright petals, found in the car. Does this have any significance or connection to the victims? We need information or clues about possible motives or connections."
"The 'Stalker,' Jared Phillips, began to speak, visibly disturbed".
"I simply can't believe it..." His voice faltered for a moment before continuing. "My interest in Clarice and Taylor began some time ago. He was a strange character, always talking about being from another world, telling nonsensical stories."
He paused as if reliving disturbing memories in his mind.
"He sent several bouquets of blue roses with bright petals, always wrapped in white and red colors. At the time, I thought the 'Stalker' was suffering from hallucinations, believing himself to be an alien from another planet."
Before Jared could continue, Gunnar May intervened firmly.
"No, I always considered this individual a great threat. He broke into Taylor's apartment," declared Gunnar, his voice laden with concern and containing anger.
He continued, with renewed intensity.
"That's why Lady Elizabeth Kadman and Adam invited Taylor to live in the Kadman residence. Her apartment was renovated and equipped with state-of-the-art security systems. And yet, look what happened to her. My sister is fighting for her life."
Gunnar paused, his tense expression reflecting the weight of the words he had just uttered.
"Did anyone have information about her visit to the apartment?" he asked, staring fixedly at the others present.
Everyone vehemently denied it, except Oliver, whose concerned voice interrupted the conversation.
"No, it was a coincidence. It was all planned that day," he said, his determination evident in his weakened voice.
Adam Kadman decided to contribute his version of the facts.
"My work schedule was changed that day," he explained briefly.
The investigator present paused, his serious expression conveying the gravity of the situation.
"We will handle this matter with the utmost confidentiality," he assured before continuing.
"It is evident that we are dealing with a crime perpetrated by someone close. I ask that you exercise caution and discretion in your future words," he concluded, his firm voice echoing in the conference room.
In his chambers in the Kadman mansion...
Damián had no desire to wake up; he didn't need to deny his truth. He was identifying what he wanted; yes, he was navigating dangerous waters.
However, a voice thundered in his subconscious: How dare you?
What right do you have to be happy?
Damián slowly opened his eyes, still feeling groggy after a deep sleep. The glimpse of the late afternoon light flooded the room, and his dark thoughts indicated that the day was almost over. Normally, he would have woken up much earlier, but the restless night and the emotional weight of recent events had led him to a longer sleep than usual.
As he got out of bed and walked towards the door, Damián was greeted by the presence of Mason and Aster, whose anxious expressions did not go unnoticed by him. Aster, with a serious look and a portable screen in hand, seemed about to say something important.
"Damián, I was about to wake you up," said Aster, his voice laden with concern.
Damián frowned, confused. "Wake me up for what?" he asked, his mind still foggy from sleep.
It was then that Aster showed him the portable screen, where news of the accident was highlighted everywhere. Damián was momentarily stunned, processing the information.
"Violent Attack Hits Children of Influential Families in Shocking Incident"
"Young Members of Prominent Families Involved in Fatal Attack: Shocking Details Emerge"
Initial reports about the attack highlighted the severity of the situation and the identities of the victims.
Interviews with police authorities about the first details of the investigation.
"That... that wasn't written," Aster murmured, his worried expression reflecting the severity of the situation.
Mason, alongside Aster, looked at Damián with a serious expression. "What wasn't written?" he asked, his curiosity piqued by the exchange of glances between Damián and Aster.
Faced with the tense silence that followed, Damián sighed resignedly. "Alright," he said, resigning. "You can keep hiding things from me."
The weight of the words hung in the air as Damián tried to decipher what was happening around him.
In the Hospital…
As the tension in the hospital continued to mount, Adam Kadman found himself facing a difficult choice. On one hand, his loyalty to Taylor, his dedicated assistant for five long years, clamored for his presence during her critical surgery. On the other hand, his mother, Lady Elizabeth, and Greta, Taylor's mother, were already there to offer support to the young woman.
The night progressed slowly, shrouded in a somber aura and laden with worry. Adam knew his decision wouldn't be easy, but the image of Taylor, always so poised and committed to her work, lingered in his mind. Although they had never shared romantic feelings, their relationship was one of profound respect and mutual appreciation.
Finally, Adam chose to stay at the hospital, alongside Lady Elizabeth and Greta, in a silent demonstration of solidarity and recognition for the crucial role Taylor had played in his life and his company.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, a thorough investigation was underway. Investigators meticulously sifted through the past and present of all employees from the Kadman, Campbell, and Phillips families, searching for any clues that could lead to the identity of those responsible for the attack.
As the hours dragged on, the families anxiously awaited news of Taylor and Clarice, united by a common desire for justice and a longing to understand the motives behind the brutal attack that had shaken their lives.
In the heart of the hospital, where the dim light of the lamps cast dancing shadows on the empty corridors, the fate of Taylor and Clarice was being decided. And while the world outside continued its relentless march, those waiting in the waiting room maintained a silent vigil, their hearts filled with hope and fear for what the dawn might bring.
After hours of tense waiting, the medical bulletin finally arrives, bringing a mix of relief and apprehension to the Kadman, Campbell, and Phillips families. The attending doctor emerges from the operating room, his serious face now lit up by a faint smile.
"I'm pleased to inform you that the surgery was a success," he announces, his voice tinged with optimism. "Taylor is stable at the moment and breathing with the help of machines. However, we must remain cautious, as the next few days will be crucial for her recovery."
He pauses for a moment, allowing the words to settle among those present.
"Taylor's young age and good physical condition are certainly in her favor, and our team is confident that she will have a positive recovery. However, we still face challenges ahead, and we must continue to monitor her progress closely."
The doctor makes a brief pause, his gaze sweeping over the worried expressions around him.
"We will do everything possible to ensure the best possible care for Taylor during her stay in the hospital. And, of course, we will keep everyone informed of any significant developments in her health."
With these words, a collective sigh of relief echoes through the waiting room as the families share a brief moment of hope upon hearing the encouraging news about Taylor.
Greta May, Taylor's mother, can't contain her emotion, letting her tears of relief flow freely, a mix of happiness flooding her face. Although the path to Taylor's recovery is still uncertain, a sense of optimism has emerged in the air.
When the doctor responsible for Clarice's case emerges from the examination room, his serious demeanor does not bode well for good news. He approaches the families gathered in the waiting room, holding Clarice's medical bulletin in his trembling hands.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the doctor begins, his voice firm but laden with concern. "I would like to inform you that the imaging tests performed on Clarice did not reveal any serious anomalies. However, due to the severity of the concussion, she remains unconscious, and the potential damages remain unknown."
He pauses briefly, allowing the words to settle among those present, before continuing:
"It is important to emphasize that Clarice is young and strong, which certainly contributes to her chances of recovery. However, at this time, her condition remains stable."
As the doctor finishes speaking, Beatrice Phillips quickly changes her demeanor, her tense expression, and her eyes, which are filled with anguish. Her gaze quickly passes over each person in the room before settling on Jared, her husband, and Callum, her daughter's ex-fiancé.
"Where is Clarice? I want to see my daughter?" She asks, her voice trembling with the intensity of her emotions. "Why won't she wake up?"
The doctor swallows hard, preparing to face Beatrice's imminent emotional outburst.
"Mrs. Phillips, please allow me to explain," he begins but is interrupted by Beatrice before he can continue.
"You promised to protect my daughter," she accuses, looking alternately at Jared and Callum. "Both of you promised to take care of her, to keep her safe. Where were you when this happened?"
Jared lowers his eyes, unable to meet his wife's accusing gaze, while Callum seems to struggle to find words to calm Beatrice's despair.
The tension in the room reaches its peak as Beatrice confronts those she holds responsible for her daughter's safety, creating a dense sense of obligation and guilt among those present.
As he got ready to go to the gallery, Damián came across his reflection in the mirror. In that introspective moment, he couldn't help but reflect on his own identity and place in the world. In the early years of his youth, he found himself confronted with the complexity of his racial heritage, often feeling like he didn't fully belong to any ethnic group. Racism was deeply ingrained within him, and the question of racial belonging was especially challenging.
He found himself in a constant dilemma, oscillating between his racial identity and the need to fit into standards predefined by society. He wasn't black enough to be fully accepted by the black community, nor white enough to align with the privileges and expectations of the white community. This internal struggle was a reflection of the systemic racism that permeated all aspects of life.
That's when he decided to become "green," the color of money; he immersed himself in the world of money and power, where racial barriers seemed to dissolve under the influence of financial status. Even if he had to kill or blow up anything.