Chapter 808

Thud! He fell heavily back onto the bed.

"Uncle Derrick!" Arianna exclaimed.

Stephanie rushed forward, exclaiming frantically, "Derrick?! Derrick! Doctor! Call a doctor!" She pressed the emergency buzzer by the bed, and soon, a doctor and several nurses rushed in, ushering everyone else out. Emergency procedures began immediately.

Stephanie stood outside the door, her face etched with worry. She looked pale and lifeless; tears streamed down her cheeks like a broken pearl necklace. Already frail, she seemed on the verge of collapse. Arianna remained at her side, offering a tissue.

"Aunt Stephanie, don't be too upset. I'm sure Uncle Derrick will be fine."

Stephanie refused the tissue, her head snapping up. Resentment and anger flared in her eyes.

"Ari, why did you say that? Don't you know you shouldn't upset your uncle, especially now?"

"Aunt Stephanie, I didn't mean to. It was a slip of the tongue… and Uncle Derrick insisted I answer him. You saw; I had no choice." Arianna looked aggrieved, explaining that Derrick had forced her response.

"Not on purpose? You did it deliberately! Also, how do you know about Benny's situation?" Stephanie's gaze was sharp. Though weak, her mind remained clear.

"I heard it from our people. We're concerned about Benedict's whereabouts, too. With Uncle Derrick ill for so long, we thought Benedict should return to care for him and take over the company, but…" Arianna sighed, staring at the closed door. "Aunt Stephanie, I know you're upset, and I am too. Uncle Derrick is suffering, but how long can you hide Benedict's situation from him? Forever? It's better to tell him the truth. It's best for Uncle Derrick." The door obscured her view; it lacked a window, preventing anyone outside from seeing inside the ward. They could only guess at the outcome of the emergency procedures, but judging by Derrick's earlier condition, his state was likely worsening. Arianna hadn't anticipated such a severe illness; he had always been healthy.

"Ari, I can't believe you told him! I never thought you'd do such a thing!" Stephanie reprimanded angrily.

"Aunt Stephanie, it doesn't matter who told him," Arianna countered, thoughtfully removing some papers from a folder. "Since Uncle Derrick is so ill, you're safeguarding his assets, right? Do you have his personal stamp? Could you lend it to me?" Stephanie eyed her warily.

"What are you planning?"

"Nothing. Many things are on hold because Uncle Derrick hasn't been to the company. I didn't want to bother him by visiting frequently to discuss company matters. If I had his stamp, it would be easier for me to handle things, wouldn't it?"

"You're trying to seize his authority!" Stephanie took a step back, her wariness palpable.

"Aunt Stephanie, don't say that. We're family. Besides, I've been handling most company matters in his absence. Giving me the stamp would only make things easier for both of you; no one else would bother you."