Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 170

It took Ines a moment to register the faces in front of her, a smile spreading across her face. "Mom, grandpa, what are you guys doing here? Where's Aaron?" She remembered it was Aaron who took her to the hospital, his arm was also injured at the time.

"Phillip and I rushed over when we got his call. He's fine, just a minor cut on his arm. The nurse has already bandaged it up. I sent him home to change clothes. Don't worry about him, just focus on getting better," Erica said with a smile.

"Sorry for the trouble."

"You silly girl, what are you talking about? Why is this troublesome?" Phillip said with a stern face, clearly disapproving of her words.

Ines chuckled and asked, "Mom, I'm not in serious trouble, am I?"

"Luckily Aaron took some of the hit for you. You lost a lot of blood but with some rest, you'll be back on your feet."

"Since I'm not in grave danger, let's not tell Ethan about this just yet. I don't want him to worry," Ines told Erica.

Erica appreciated Ines' consideration for Ethan but knew if she hid this from him, he would not take it well. "Izzy, you just rest easy. Aaron's already informed Ethan. He probably knows by now and is on his way home."

"I guess I'm causing him trouble again," Ines said, sounding a bit down.

"Silly girl, no one wants to get hurt. You had no control over this. Don't overthink it. I'm here with you. If you're tired, just get some sleep."

Ines glanced out the window, noticing it was already dark. "Grandpa, it's late. You should go home. Mom can stay here with me."

"I'm fine. You just rest. There's a family room in this ward, I won't be tired."

Seeing Phillip's determination, Ines didn't insist. Right now, she was simply too drained to argue. Her eyelids felt heavy and she soon drifted off to sleep.

Phillip stepped out of the room and dialed the chief of police. As soon as the call was connected, he started yelling, shaking the receiver with his voice. "What the hell is your police department doing? You sent all those officers and still couldn't handle the situation. A menace was right under your noses and you didn't even realize it. I'm livid! Mr. Chief, maybe you should consider resigning. With your leadership skills, who knows how many innocents will suffer?"

After hearing about the incident, the chief immediately identified Ines and had been on edge since early morning. Recognizing the caller, he broke out in a cold sweat. He had always known Phillip Meyer had a fiery temper, and today he was experiencing it firsthand. Although Phillip had retired, his prestige and influence were still strong, not to mention his son was the mayor and his grandson was the CEO of the Meyer Group.

All these positions were far above what he could handle. If he mishandled this situation, his superiors would not let him off the hook.

"Please calm down, it's not good for your health to be so angry. You're right, it's our negligence. I will punish the culprit severely and bring justice to Mrs. Meyer."

"Now you know to reflect. Why weren't you more careful when doing your job? Ines was left in such a mess because of you. Can your apology make up for that? Do you have any idea the toll surgery takes on a person's body?" If anything major had happened, he would've turned the police station upside down. What a bunch of incompetents.

"Yes, you're right."

As soon as Phillip finished speaking, Ethan ran off.

Watching his retreating figure, Phillip muttered, "You really have some rotten luck. Why can't you be there when the one you love is in trouble? Aaron got there first."

Standing in the doorway, Ethan watched Ines lying on the hospital bed, looking pale and lifeless. The hospital gown made her look even more frail. Ethan stood there, rooted to the spot. His heart felt as if it was being tightly squeezed. Each breath he took felt like a pull at his heart, the pain gradually spreading throughout his body.

Luckily, she was okay.

But, he was late again.

He wasn't there for her when she was scared and worried.

Erica felt a gaze on her and turned to see Ethan standing there, looking stunned. "Ethan, why are you standing at the doorway? You're not scared stiff, are you?"

Only then did Ethan walk into the room. He glanced at Erica, "Mom, you've been taking care of Izzy all night. Go home and rest, I'll stay with Izzy."

Seeing how worn out Ethan was, Erica said with concern, "I'm fine. You just got back from abroad. You should go rest. I'm here with Izzy, nothing will happen."