Chapter 9 Please Do Not Die

• No one understood a child better than their mother, and Charlotte was well aware that her children only appeared to be well-behaved on the surface. However, she had experienced quite a bit of stress that day and was feeling somewhat fatigued. Rubbing her temples, she said, “Go and take a bath first. We will have a family meeting later!”
• In their family, every matter, big or small, was discussed in meetings. So, despite the children being young, they had long been involved in household affairs.
• After a short while, a voice rang out. “Mommy!”
• Upon hearing that, Charlotte looked over to find the three little ones had already finished their bath and changed into Pikachu pajamas. The fluffy yellow outfits, complete with tiny zigzag tails behind them, only enhanced the trio's cherubic appearances, making them look utterly adorable.
• After finishing her bath, Olivia was already feeling sleepy. She rubbed her eyes and patted her cheeks, putting on a brave front to stay awake. “Mommy, let's start the meeting!”
• The other two kids were also barely awake, yet they managed to trudge over to the couch and sat side by side.
• Dressed in matching parent-child Pikachu pajamas, Charlotte cleared her throat once, her expression serious. “You all know the situation at Daddy's house, right?”
• The three little ones clenched their tiny fists, nodding emphatically. “Yes!”
• They looked so adorable at that moment, and it melted her heart. “We've hit a bit of a snag with our mission this time,” she said.
• Pausing for a moment, Charlotte looked at the serious expressions on her darlings' faces and continued, “Our main objective in returning was to take your younger brothers away. Initially, we planned to use my treatment as a pretext for you to build a good relationship with them and find an opportunity to take them away. But now, that path through me is no longer available.”
• Anthony scrunched up his face, raising his chubby hand, ready to speak.
• Charlotte nodded slightly.
• Anthony sleepily murmured, “Hmm, Mommy, why don't Benny, Liv, and I visit my younger brothers? Mr. Caseareo is coming over anyway, so it makes perfect sense for us to visit!”
• Bennett and Olivia nodded in agreement, chiming in, “That's true. That's true. Who knows? If we go to Daddy's side, he might suddenly wake up!”
• Charlotte furrowed her brows, sternly saying, “No, it's not safe. Your daddy was poisoned by someone. The Quille residence is not a safe place. If something were to happen to you, what would I do?”
• The three little ones exchanged glances, then the eldest, Anthony, assured with a face full of confidence, “Mommy, I will take good care of them.”
• Charlotte watched the few wriggling babies before her, resolutely saying, “There's no room for negotiation on this. Tony, you need to keep an eye on your brother and sister. Don't let them sneak to the Quille residence while I'm not paying attention.”
• Once she finished speaking, Charlotte announced the end of the meeting. Drained, she retreated to her room to get some sleep.
• The remaining little ones blinked their eyes, and Olivia asked in a hushed voice, “What do we do now? Mommy won't let us get close!”
• Bennett expressed his concern, “We need to warn our younger brothers. That so-called Dr. Lynch is not trustworthy. What if he worsens Daddy's condition?”
• When Olivia heard that, her eyes immediately welled up with tears. Her pitiful appearance was heart-wrenching. She choked out, “What should we do? I don't want to lose my daddy...”
• The two little ones were talking, their eyes simultaneously turning toward their elder sibling.
• After a moment of contemplation, Anthony spoke seriously. “Then let's sneak over to the Quille residence tonight. We need to warn the younger ones to be wary of that doctor, then we'll come straight back!”
• Under the cover of night, the three kids stealthily slipped out of the hotel.
• Anthony hailed a taxi on the street side. The three little ones clambered into the back seat and settled down. Then, Anthony announced the destination.
• The driver cast a puzzled glance over his shoulder, his tone wary as he asked, “Where are your guardians?”
• Anthony feigned a look of urgency and pleaded, “Mister, my daddy suddenly fell ill. Our home is in chaos, so we're rushing to see him.”
• Upon hearing this, the driver glanced sympathetically at the rear-view mirror before pressing down on the accelerator.
• Upon arriving at the Quille residence, the three little ones politely expressed their thanks before getting out of the car. Then, hand in hand, they ran off inside.
• The lights were ablaze in the Quille residence. When the three little ones arrived, an inexplicable thought suddenly surged in their minds.
• Anthony tiptoed to reach and rang the doorbell.
• The butler appeared swiftly, taken aback at their presence. Anthony blinked, quickly explaining their purpose, “Today seems to be Dr. Lynch's first treatment. Mommy was worried about any changes in Mr. Quille's condition, so she sent us to check on things.”
• The butler asked curiously, “Why didn't your mommy come herself?”
• Anthony replied, “She's on the phone with Mr. Caseareo, discussing treatment plans. Mr. Caseareo warned that this illness is very risky and requires constant monitoring!”
• Upon hearing that it was a request from the venerable Caseareo, the butler promptly ushered the three children in, all the while expressing his concerns, “Indeed, Mr. Caseareo's worries were not unfounded. Mr. Quille fell ill with a sudden high fever last night, and now the whole household is in chaos.”
• It didn't take long before they arrived outside the room. The butler pushed the door open and explained the situation to Frederick, who was seated inside.
• The imposing air that once surrounded Frederick during the day was no longer present. His face was filled with dejection as he silently gestured at them. Then, he instructed the housekeeper, “Go and ask the kitchen to prepare some desserts that children love.”
• Three little ones scampered over to the bedside with their stubby legs. The handsome man lying sick in bed was flushed, his lips pale, and his forehead slick with sweat. It was clear he was feeling extremely unwell. Two children stood by the side, one biting his lower lip, quietly sobbing. The other, eyes red and filled with determination, held his younger brother's hand tightly, his gaze fixed on the bed.
• “What happened to Dad... Mr. Quille?” Tears welled up in Olivia's eyes as she asked, her voice trembling.
• Daniel glanced at her, and for some reason, a sudden urge to confide washed over him despite his usual resilience. Holding back tears, he said, “Daddy suddenly developed a high fever. It's so high, and it just won't subside!”
• Sensing his distress, Olivia quickly rushed forward to embrace him, her tiny hands patting his back comfortingly. She reassured him in her soft, childlike voice, “Don't be scared, Danny, don't be scared. Mr. Quille will definitely be all right!”
• Anthony, lips pursed, moved to the side of the weeping Elijah. He patted his shoulder in silent consolation.
• Frederick watched the scene unfold, his heart skipping a beat. He turned to the person next to him, his voice trembling. “Is Dr. Lynch ready yet? Why hasn't he come over?”
• No sooner had the words been spoken than the person they were about to discuss appeared. Seamus, with a stern expression, carried a bowl of pitch-black medicinal soup. He urgently said, “Quickly, have Mr. Quille drink this!”
• Frederick hastily rose from his chair, rushing to the bedside to personally witness him feeding the entire bowl of medicine to Nathan.
• The dark medicine emitted a strong, unpleasant smell. The five children nearby watched silently, too scared to make a sound.
• Frederick anxiously asked, “Will Nathan's fever subside after taking the medicine?”
• Seamus sighed, his expression full of sorrow. “I don't know why Mr. Quille's condition suddenly worsened. I've given him the fever-reducing medicine. Tonight, well, it's in the hands of fate.”
• The implication of his words, though not explicitly stated, was quite clear.
• After Frederick heard these words, his body swayed, his face turning deathly pale. He stuttered, “You, you mean...” As he spoke, he began to clutch his chest, gasping for air. The butler hurriedly stepped forward to support him, anxiously urging, “Old Mr. Quille, please don't get too agitated!”
• A mysterious smile flickered in Dr. Lynch's eyes as he observed the situation.
• The three children standing by were anxiously watching the man on the bed. Olivia began to whimper, “Mr. Quille, please don't die!”