Chapter 21 Carl Wakes Up
The next morning, a bunch of relatives from the Brooks family arrived at the hospital, including Carl’s second uncle’s family–Nathaniel and his parents.
As soon as Edie entered the ward, she heard Fabian’s voice. “Carl isn’t dead yet! And you’re already thinking about dividing up the family estate?”
Carl’s second uncle, Vincent Brooks, said, “We are also part of the Brooks family, so naturally, we have a share in the family property.”
Carl’s third uncle Theodore Brooks chimed in, “Fabian, when Carl had his accident, you took over the family business on his behalf, and we didn’t say anything about it. Now that Carl’s condition has worsened, and there’s no hope, shouldn’t we consider what’s best for the whole family?”
Another relative who came to claim their share added, “Fabian, you’re old now, and it’s too much for you to handle everything. We’re just trying to help lighten your load.”
Carl’s grandfather, Jerome Brooks, was in poor health and had been living in the Brooks family’s old residence. He had three sons. Carl’s father, Fabian, was the eldest. After Carl was designated by Jerome to take charge, Fabian had already handed over control and retired.
That was until Carl’s car accident.
These people were clearly hoping for Carl to die so they could squeeze more benefits from the Brooks family.
With Carl out of the way, their opportunity had come.
Zelda retorted sharply, “Who says Carl has no hope? It hasn’t been long since the accident, but you’re just wishing he’d die soon, right?”
Zelda’s fierce demeanor left them momentarily speechless.
Vincent said, “Zelda, acting out now won’t help. The facts are in front of us. We’re all adults here, and we need to be realistic, don’t we?”
Theodore joined in. “Exactly. Carl has even received a critical condition notice this time.”
Edie calmly argued back. “Where did you hear that Carl received a critical condition notice? We don’t even know about this ourselves. My husband was just admitted to emergency care yesterday due to complications. How did that turn into a critical condition in your ears?”
Surprised by Edie speaking up, Zelda quickly aligned herself with Edie, ignoring her previous displeasure.
“You all brought a crowd here, not to visit Carl but to start talking about dividing up the family estate,” she said coldly. Sneering, she added, “Carl has been supporting you all
Chapter 21 Cari Wakes Up
these years with company profits, but it seems like it’s all been in vain.”
Sophia also snarled threateningly, “When my brother wakes up and finds out about this, he definitely won’t spare you.”
Fabian mildly rebuked Sophia, “Watch how you speak to your elders.”
In their family, some played good cop and others bad cop.
Fabian declared, “If the doctor really meant that Carl would never wake up, I wouldn’t cling to such a vast estate. But since Carl is currently in a vegetative state, I must protect it for him, to prevent it from being wasted by certain vermin.”
This veiled criticism enraged Theodore. “What do you mean by that?”
“You know exactly what I mean,” Fabian replied. “Back then, Dad gave you several subsidiaries, which either went bankrupt or shrank in value. Even if it were time to divide the family estate, I wouldn’t hand over the Brooks family business to someone like you who would ruin a century–old enterprise.”–
Suddenly touched on a sore spot and emboldened by Carl’s vegetative state, Theodore started cursing, “You old coot! How many more years do you think you can hold onto the family fortune? If Carl never wakes up, once you’re gone, the estate will still come to us. We’re talking to you now out of respect; don’t be ungrateful!”
Suddenly, a shocking voice sounded.
“Who will never wake up?”
The voice was cold and slow, making everyone present reveal shock, fear, or surprise
in their hearts.
It was Carl.
AV
