Chapter 215

The closer we got to the mansion, the more excited I became. When William pulled the car in front of the house, I struggled to keep myself from leaping out of the Mustang and running inside to find Alex.

It was only fair to wait for William. He found this potential miracle, so he should be there to tell Alex.

Benson heard us at the front entrance and hurried to ask if William was staying for dinner.

“Probably, but don’t worry about that right now,” I said. “Where is Alex?”

“He’s in the living room,” Benson replied. “I’m afraid he’s quite tired today.”

“We may have something that will make him feel better,” I said with a grin. “You should come with us, Benson. You’ll want to hear what we have to tell Alex.”

Benson followed us to the living room, where we found Alex asleep on the recliner. He stirred when the three of us trooped into the room.

I knelt by his side. “William and I need to tell you about something he found for you.”

Alex gave me a weak smile. “Not a gift? It’s not my birthday or Christmas.”

“This is a special gift,” I told him. “Maybe even a miracle.”

Alex listened as William explained. After William told him everything, he asked to see the letter and the information packet.

A few moments later, he was sitting up. “Benson, call Dr. Stedman. Ask him to get here as soon as possible.”

After Benson left the room, I could see Alex was fighting back tears.

I took his hand. “This is going to work. I know it.”

“I hope so, my darling,” he said. “But I know I have to try. If not, I won’t be here much longer. I’ve been growing weaker again.”

“This new medicine will make you well again,” I insisted.

“I want to hear what Dr. Stedman thinks,” Alex said. “He’s been with me throughout my ordeal. I owe it to him to at least hear his opinion.”

“But you’ll try the treatment?” William asked.

“Unless my doctor has a good reason why I shouldn’t,” Alex replied. “An excellent reason.”

Dr. Stedman arrived within minutes. “Your butler said you need to speak to me immediately. What can I do for you, Alex?”

Alex handed him the information packet. “Did you know about this new treatment?”

“I heard rumors there was a lab close to a breakthrough,” Dr. Stedman replied. “But I didn’t know they were having this kind of success.”

“I want to try the new medication as soon as possible,” Alex said.

William and I exchanged a smile.

“Let me get more information first,” Dr. Stedman said.

“How long is that going to take?” Alex asked. “I want to get started as soon as possible. I’ll pay whatever they want to have it flown here tonight.”

“Give me half an hour,” Dr. Stedman replied.

Alex nodded and closed his eyes.

Dr. Stedman asked Benson for some privacy to make some calls. He showed the doctor to the drawing room while William and I waited quietly with Alex.

The wait for Dr. Stedman’s return was excruciating, but he returned a few minutes before the half-hour was up. His expression was impossible to read.

“Well, what’s your opinion?” Alex asked.

“I spoke with two colleagues and the head of Roker Labs,” Dr. Stedman began. “The drug called redoxgen has an impressive success rate. But it’s never been administered to a subject whose disease has progressed as far as yours.”

“Why does that matter?” I asked. It sounded like Dr. Stedman didn’t want Alex to try the new drug.

“Alex may not be strong enough to survive the treatment,” Dr. Stedman replied. “The drug is a shock to the system at first.”

“So the cure can kill me?” Alex said. “Has it been fatal for anyone so far?”

Dr. Stedman nodded. “Yes, two subjects whose disease was several months behind you in progression did not survive the first infusion of the drug.”

“Infusion,” I repeated. “What does that mean?”

“It means the drug is given intravenously twice a week the first week and then once weekly for two months,” Dr. Stedman explained. “Its success rate is phenomenal.”

“But you’re saying it’s not for me?” Alex asked. His voice was weak as if he’d given up all hope.

“I’m saying that the decision must be yours,” Dr. Stedman replied. “There is a great risk that you’re too far gone, and the drug will kill you within a few hours.”

Alex turned more pale than before. He closed his eyes and took a long, shaky breath.

“Have the drug flown here tonight,” Alex told Dr. Stedman. “I want my first infusion by morning.”

“Are you sure, Alex?” The doctor looked skeptical. He didn’t think the drug would help Alex.

“If I don’t try this new drug, I fear I won’t be here much longer,” Alex replied. “Trying this drug gives me a chance to live. I want that chance.”

“I’ll make the calls right now,” Dr. Stedman said and hurried from the room.

“I’m sorry, Daisy,” William whispered. “I didn’t know it would be dangerous for him.”

“The drug will make him better,” I said. “I know it will.”

Alex heard me. “I think you’re right,” he said with another weak smile.

Benson gestured for me to join him in the hallway. “Miss Wilson, the cook has dinner ready. Do you and Mr. James wish to eat in the dining room?”

“Is Alex eating here?” I asked.

“Yes, he’s asked for a tray,” Benson replied.

“Then, if it’s not too much trouble, we will eat here with him,” I said. These could be Alex’s final hours. I didn’t want to miss a moment of them.

“It will be no trouble at all, Miss,” Benson said and left for the kitchen.

Dr. Stedman returned before Benson.

“Your first two infusions of redoxgen will arrive by morning,” he told Alex. “I’m going home for the night. I’ll be back to administer the drug as soon as it arrives. Call me if I’m needed before then.”

The doctor left, and Benson brought three trays. The cook had prepared Alex’s favorite pot roast with potatoes, carrots, and onions. It was delicious, but Alex ate less than half of his meal.

“William, I’m grateful to you for finding the new treatment for Alex, but I would like to spend time alone with him tonight,” I said after Benson took the trays back to the kitchen.

William nodded. “Call me if I can do anything.”

“I will,” I promised and watched him leave the room.

Sitting alone with Alex, I saw how weak he had been getting again, and I felt terrible for letting him hide it from me.

“Do you forgive me for the Olivia ordeal?” Alex asked.

“Of course,” I replied and took his hand. “I understand why you did it. I’m glad you love me enough to make sure I wasn’t going to be used by a playboy.”

“I want you to know that you are the best thing in my life,” Alex said. “I am so proud of you. And don’t be sad if I don’t survive the new treatment. I will be reunited with your mother.”

Tears came to my eyes. “Tell her I love her as much as I love you.”

“I will.” Alex smiled. “I’ll also tell her how wonderful you are, but I’m sure she’s been watching.”

As Alex began to drift off to sleep, Benson brought pillows and blankets. We made him more comfortable on the recliner, and I made my bed on the couch.

“Go to your room and get some sleep, Benson,” I told the worried Butler. “Tomorrow is going to be a long, stressful day.”

“Thank you, Miss,” Benson said. “I'll be awake before sunrise, but don’t hesitate to call me before that if you need me.”

After Benson went to his room, I settled beneath a blanket on the couch and checked my phone for messages. There weren’t any.

Where was Victor?

Lying on the couch, I placed the phone on the end table near my head and let myself doze off, listening to the drone of the TV.

I woke up a few minutes before dawn. Alex wasn’t in his chair because Benson had helped him to the bathroom across the hall.

“The new medication has arrived,” Benson told me. “Dr. Stedman is on his way to administer it.”

I began to shake. The drug could kill Alex. But I forced myself to remain calm. Instead of crying, I looked upward and prayed to the Goddess.

“If you let my father survive, I will do as you wish without complaining,” I promised her. “Please don’t take him from me yet.”