Reprisal

Chapter 27 : Ensnarled

Foxen was indeed awake when Isabel and Christopher walked inside the room. He had so many monitoring devices and canula drips attached to him that Christopher had no idea of and wasn't interesting in knowing either. He sat on the chair beside the bed as Isabel sat beside her father.

“How are you feeling, Dad ?” - she asked in a choked voice, her eyes dampening rapidly.

Foxen blinked his eyes, attempting a smile before turning to look at Christopher. “What's happ...ening in the company ?”

Christopher couldn't believe it. Even on the deathbed, Foxen just cared about the company and profit. His daughter was right in front of him, worried out of wits for her father and he was interested in the company! God, how could someone be so greedy for wealth ?

“Actually... the investors are asking for a guarantee which only you can sign. I tried to make them understand and asked for a week's time till you are recovered but they are not agreed on it.” - he told him with fake concern.

He had thought to act depressed for a while before approaching the topic but when the man himself didn't care about his health so why should he care ?

“And Aiden ?” - Foxen asked, his breathing laboured.

Oh Christopher was dying to tell Foxen that his son was a wanted criminal in the country now but he refrained. He caught Isabel's eyes who subtly shook her head, signaling to not tell Foxen the truth.

“We can talk about this all later, Dad. Your health is the most important at the moment.” - Christopher said with a smile.

And he was not lying saying that. Foxen's health was really important for him because there was one more task the former had to perform. After that, he could die for all Christopher cared.

Foxen shook his head. “No...” - he tried to raise his hand up to push aside the oxygen mask and talk clearly but his hand didn't oblige. He looked at them with widened eyes.

Tears fell from Isabel's eyes. She placed her hand over Foxen's and squeezed. “You need rest, Dad. The doctor told us to expect these difficulties but these are minor and would be recovered soon.” - she assured, whether Foxen or herself, nobody knew.

Christopher watched her sadly. He could totally get her helplessness. The feeling of watching your father on a hospital bed was agonizing. Just like watching your father being murdered and dying in front of your eyes.

Foxen still shook his head and Christopher started to lose his patience now. If Isabel had been asking something of him with those eyes full of tears, he would have done everything in his power to do it just to stop her tears.

“Call my ad..visors. I want to.. talk.” - Foxen managed to say, looking at Christopher.

“But Dad-”

“Do as I say...” - Foxen stopped him mid-sentence, trying to shout but it didn't work in his fragile condition.

Isabel gasped. “Dad! Stress is dangerous for you!”

“Okay, okay! Relax. I'll call them right away.” - Christopher assured and went out of the room.

Isabel looked at her father in helpless frustration. “Why can't these things wait ?! You shouldn't stress yourself over anything, Dad. Why don't you understand that I'm scared for you!” - her voice broke by the end, throat closing up.

She looked away as tears started to roll down her cheeks. She didn't consider herself rich because she was the only daughter of the renowned industrialist of the country. She considered herself rich because she had Foxen and Christopher in her life. A caring father and a loving husband. The two men she loved dearly and didn't want to lose at any cost.