Outside the study, Some of the family members around were on edge while Desmond paced the hallway furiously.
He was in the sitting room when Alfred hurried past him to the old man's room without sparing him a glance or even talking to him.
His hurried footsteps, a testament that something has gone amiss, he knows the old man's body the best. Though, the doctors have always given him a report that it is as a result of old age- that was an excuse to keep him from investigating further.
With his suspicion mounting, he dialed out to some of the family members who hasn't gone far making sure they return to the house, they have to be present to witness the scene he waited for a long time.
He wished his son would have been here but then the journey to the hospital is inevitable.
By the time he finished his arrangement, Alfred had already hurried past him to the study, he followed him but then the door was shut against his face.
Desmond's blood boiled with rage, he heard Alfred clearly issuing instructions not to allow anyone entry including himself.
"How dare he, a mere butler take such decision?" He mused. He promise to put them in their place in a short while.
Ethan stood guard together with the few bodyguard Alfred had deployed with the old man's token which means he cannot order them out of the way and they will obey only obey Alfred—even as the Chairman of the group he has been denied of such privilege. He is not resigned with such arrangement.
"I have to go in and see my father", he thundered, his voice trembling with anger as he forced to push himself through the door but they did not budge, their expressions impassive.
Alfred had given strict instructions not to allow anybody in at the moment. He has always been wary of Desmond and since Jessica mentioned some traces of drug in his system, he couldn't take any chances —not now, not later.
Despite Desmond shouts and anger threatening to set the guards ablaze, the door remained shut, a barrier between him and the truth he wanted the most.
His fists clenched at his sides, his mind racing. Every passing second made his nerves tighten. He had planned everything carefully—Elder Allen was supposed to collapse beyond recovery, and the chaos that followed would have been his long awaited opportunity.
Why hadn't Davis or Jessica come out in a panic? Why was there no sign of them calling for immediate medical help and assistant? "Why are they so calm and silent?" He thought loudly to himself.
His stomach twisted. Pamela had returned earlier to get Jessica's contact but she ran into Alfred in the hallway and like other members of the family she joined Desmond to the study but was surprised that he was denied entry. With no option left, she decided to wait alongside Desmond.
Desmond paced the hallway angry and curious while she gazed on worriedly continuously praying silently for his recovery. Should Desmond find out, he will definitely kick her out.
Desmond didn't expect today's incident, the old man collapsing on this day was beyond his expectation. He was confident that he will be the one to handle everything concerning his health since Davis had lost interest in life and anything happening in the Allen family.
But never in his wildest dream did he expect Davis and Jessica staying back after the dinner or the old man summoning them to his study.
With cold glint shimmering in his eyes, he decided to take another step. Desmond turned sharply, his voice cutting through the air. "Open this door!" he barked.
Rather than obeying him, the guards stared at him incredulously as though they are seeing him for the first time, an attitude that irked him. His patience snapped.
"What do you are doing? Staring at me when the boss you are supposed to protect is on a butchering table?" He snarled.
The body guards glanced at each, a flicker in their eyes yet they didn't move out of the door, Ethan frowned at Desmond's words.
"Mr. Allen, you should be responsible for what you say you know?" Ethan smirked.
He had long wanted to talk some sense into this man who felt he has the world in his hands since he enthroned himself as the CEO.
"How am I not responsible for what I say? Am I lying?" He queried, his gaze challenging as Ethan met his without flinching back.
"Do you know it is more reasonable to say you have plotted for his death rather than saying he is on a butchering table?" Ethan snarled.
It baffles him how Desmond will be here screaming to see the old man but he didn't think of calling the doctor, it is quite ridiculous to think he cares. It is more like he wants to see the situation and devise a new plan for his target.
Desmond glanced at Ethan briefly, his gaze momentarily complicated which disappeared as it came.
He scoffed. "Do you think I don't know that Davis, the crippled disappointment, has finally lost it. He couldn't handle losing his position and his fiancée, so now he's taking matters into his own hands."
"Matters in his own hands you say?", Ethan smirked. He really wants to cut open the head of this man and see what is inside. He sighed deeply as he made a decision to ignore his ranting.
Desmond didn't believe he cannot put this servant in place. His voice rose, sharp and accusing. "He's trying to kill the old man! That's why they won't let anyone in!"
Murmurs rippled through the house as family members, gathered more and more in the hallway, their expression in various shades —mockery, happy, curious, fearful and helpless.
~In the study~
Jessica sat beside the unconscious Elder Allen, her expression calm but unwavering. She had stabilized his condition, but she wasn't about to leave his side until he regained consciousness.
Davis, though visibly tense, marveled at her composure. He has witnessed her series of action and his inference is she is a doctor.
His fingers continuously tapped lightly on the armrest of his wheelchair as he kept his gaze locked on his grandfather's pale face and Jessica attentiveness
.
Outside the study, voices continued to rise.
"Why aren't they bringing him out if one cannot go in?" Bruce Allen questioned impatiently.
Desmond's eyes gleamed with triumph. "What else explains the secrecy? We all saw the old man's condition—weak, vulnerable. Now, Davis locks himself in there with his wife? "Doesn't that mean something fishy is going on?"
A few gasps echoed. A murmur of doubt spread among the onlookers. They chattered within themselves reveling on the stories of Davis temper and irritation since the accident. As a matter of fact sitting with him at the same table earlier had taken much courage and determination.
Desmond seeing the changes in their expression decided to seize the moment, his tone turning grave. "Jessica was never meant to be here. And Davis? He's bitter. He lost everything—his inheritance, his position—because of that accident. And now, he's making sure there's no one left to oppose him!"
The accusations landed like a dagger, their sharp edges designed to cut through their reasoning and as expected it worked as they all began clamoring they opened the door.
The situation dire and the tension palpable. Ethan felt hot sweat trickling down his face. Though, he had guarded the door as instructed but the situation in the room is still unknown to him. Seeing the steaming number of people clamoring to open the door, he worried for Davis and Jessica.
At that moment—