Chapter 488: Nolan Brooks Rushed Back to the County Town

Nolan Brooks rushed back to the county town as dusk approached. The sharp scent of disinfectant hit him the moment he stepped into the hospital corridor. He quickened his pace, heading straight for the doctor's office.

"Dr. Miller, how's my father—"

The bespectacled chief physician adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. "Cerebral thrombosis. Not critical, but he'll need annual IV treatments. Must avoid emotional distress."

Nolan froze mid-step when he pushed open the ward door. Laura Bennett stood arms akimbo by the bed, her husband Zachary Dawson hanging his head in the corner while Eleanor Brooks sat grim-faced in the shadows. Rose was conspicuously absent.

"Dad!" Nolan hurried forward, grasping his father's trembling hand. The age-spotted skin felt alarmingly cold.

Walter Brooks's clouded eyes suddenly brightened. "Rock..."

"Don't speak." Nolan gently patted the frail hand. "Just rest. What would you like to eat? I'll get it."

The old man shook his head, gaze darting toward the doorway. Understanding, Nolan explained, "Rose's managing the diner, and the kids have school. She sent twenty thousand dollars—said to ask for more if needed."

Eleanor snorted. "Such charity!"

"Mother!" Nolan's voice spiked before he forced it down. "We can't upset him now."

As the heart monitor's alarm subsided, Walter closed his eyes, a tear escaping. Nolan moistened a cotton swab to dab his father's cracked lips.

Outside, firecrackers suddenly erupted—too early for New Year's, likely some wedding celebration. Walter's eyes flew open, locking onto the window with unnatural intensity.

Nolan's heart twisted like wrung cloth.