To avoid detection, axe was not housed in Tang's high-class private convalescent home but was instead transferred to a secluded villa far from the city.
As this location was also not under axe's name, it had gone undiscovered for so long.
From the outside, it appeared to be an ordinary, oversized villa, but inside, it had been converted into a fully equipped private hospital, complete with all examination and emergency facilities.
Michelle, having composed herself, touched up her makeup. As if nothing had happened, she alighted from the car with a smile and headed into the villa.
The doctor was examining axe, who lay on the hospital bed. axe, who relied on a ventilator and nutrient solution for life support daily, was so weak that he could only wake up once or twice a day, for mere minutes at a time.
Doctor: "axe's condition is worsening. If a heart transplant surgery isn't arranged soon, he may only have..."
Michelle: "How much time left?"
Doctor: "It's hard to say. Maintaining this state might last for another year or so, but his old heart can't be used any longer."
Michelle: "I understand. You may go now."
At this moment, axe, lying on the bed, had regained some awareness. He turned his head slightly, looking in Michelle's direction.
Though his gaze was clouded, he knew the woman standing there was the wife he loved dearly.
Michelle took axe's hand and brought it to her face.
Every day, she had to deceive this man with kind lies, urging him to hold on a little longer...
Michelle: "The doctor said you're getting better and better. We'll be able to travel together soon. How about Hawaii? We can go surfing together! We'll go on vacation there when you recover, okay?"
axe nodded slowly.
Michelle: "I know you're worried about your brothers. They're all doing fine. Don't worry, the maritime damage case will be resolved soon."
axe gently touched Michelle's face. Her eyes were bloodshot. She must have suffered greatly to manage the empire's affairs.
His brothers likely weren't cooperating as smoothly as she claimed. He could imagine people taking this opportunity to make things difficult for Michelle, especially since so many coveted the position of Tang.
After listening for a while, axe slowly closed his eyes. He was tired. Michelle, by his side, tucked him in, gently kissing his forehead, cheeks, and the back of his hand.
Shortly after Michelle left the room, lawyer Yan Zhenghao entered.
Lawyer Yan quietly asked, "axe, are you alright?"
axe opened his eyes again. This time, he seemed more alert than before. Simultaneously, the button on the bed was activated, and axe wanted to sit up to receive the report.
Lawyer Yan: "The maritime damage case isn't going smoothly. The shipowner, Hui Hengxing Ren, the carrier, Zhang Haiyong, and the insurance company's Paul are not cooperating with Michelle. They still insist on your personal appearance, and your letter of authorization is useless to them."
axe had expected this. The factions led by these three individuals were not to be trifled with, and trouble was bound to arise. He just hadn't anticipated them being so disobedient.
Lawyer Yan: "Furthermore, the three of them have proposed a general meeting for tomorrow. If you cannot attend, they will elect a new representative."
Upon hearing this, axe's heart monitor accelerated. He clenched his fists, his gaze fierce.
Lawyer Yan: "At tomorrow's meeting, Michelle will likely be in grave danger. And from what I've learned, the three of them have already been secretly forming alliances. Once the election begins, one of them might be chosen as the representative."
axe pondered. He could no longer hide here. It was time to deal with those with disloyal hearts.
Lawyer Yan: "Oh, and there's one more thing. Gu Yilong met with Sister Xue this afternoon."
axe frowned slightly. As Tang, he had approached Gu Yilong many times and offered what he considered an irresistible deal. Yet, Gu Yilong had remained indifferent. How could he agree to meet Michelle?
Lawyer Yan: "Their meeting place was the opera house, and they only spoke for a short while before Gu Yilong left. Due to Mr. Gu's tight security, I couldn't get close."
axe looked up, inquiring about the outcome. Lawyer Yan shook his head, equally perplexed. Despite agreeing to meet, it seemed Gu Yilong had given Michelle no hope.
axe closed his eyes again. Lawyer Yan adjusted the hospital bed back to a lying position. axe waved his hand, signaling that he needed to rest.