Spoiling the Obsessed

Chapter 68: Whispers in the Storm

The atmosphere in the operating theatre remained tense. Patricia Jackson, after receiving 600ml of plasma, was stable for now but still teetering on the edge between life and death. Just then, the door opened and Damien's assistant entered, cradling bags of plasma: "Someone just voluntarily donated 300ml of blood!"

A ripple of excitement passed through the theatre. Damien, his expression impassive, calmly instructed, "Prepare everything. We'll continue the operation."

In the waiting area next door, Olivia intercepted Adam Jackson. "Mr Jackson, might I have a moment of your time?"

Adam nodded his assent and followed Olivia to a blind spot in the CCTV coverage. Olivia got straight to the point: "I suspect the issues in this operation were deliberate."

Adam's brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't seem surprised. "Please, elaborate."

Olivia handed over her mobile, displaying her research: "This is the list of rare blood types in the city. Only three people meet the donation criteria. One is my friend, whose information has been hidden. The other two coincidentally had emergencies today and couldn't donate. Add to that the unusual press presence downstairs, and it's all too convenient."

After listening, Adam asked, "So, what do you need from me?"

Surprised by his astuteness, Olivia outlined her plan: "What if we put on a little show to expose the puppet master behind this?"

Olivia explained her idea in detail, and Adam grew intrigued. He agreed to cooperate and inquired about Olivia's identity.

"I'm Olivia Carlson. My family once owned Carlson Jewellers, though it's now known as Pearson's," Olivia confessed.

Adam Jackson's eyes widened in recognition. "Ah, Miss Carlson. I saw you and your sister at a soirée years ago."

Olivia was a bit surprised, but then realised that Empire City's social circles were quite small. She smiled, "Well, since we've such a fortuitous connection, shall we work together?"

Adam Jackson nodded. "Indeed, let's."

Before leaving, Adam added, "Regardless of the outcome, we're indebted to you and your friend for donating blood to my grandmother. The Carlson family's kindness won't be forgotten."

Olivia hadn't saved a life for favours, but she graciously accepted the gesture.

Back in the waiting room, Olivia checked on Quinn. "How are you feeling?" she asked, studying her friend's complexion.

"Nothing special, I'm fine!" Quinn replied, then frowned. "I was just scrolling through social media and saw that my idol Jennifer Stewart's manager said her rumoured relationship with Jack is fake!"

Olivia couldn't help but smile at Quinn's continued interest in celebrity gossip. She said mysteriously, "Quinn, rest up. I've got a surprise for you tomorrow evening!"

The operation lasted a full six hours. As the theatre lights dimmed, a reporter finally managed to sneak in. His camera focused on the opening theatre doors, capturing every change of expression. Damien emerged first, his surgical cap and mask still on, revealing only a pair of calm, inscrutable eyes.

The Jackson family crowded around, with Olivia at the forefront. She quickly caught Damien's eye and whispered, "Damien, pretend the operation failed."

Although Olivia and Adam Jackson had planned this, Damien in the theatre was unaware. He had to react based on this brief instruction. Damien swiftly averted his gaze from Olivia and, facing Adam's anxious eyes, said flatly, "We did everything we could."