Chapter 106: Dylan, wake up!
Dylan yanked the steering wheel to the side. The tires screeched against the asphalt as the car swerved uncontrollably. It skidded off the road and slammed into a tree with a sickening thud. The force of the impact sent him hurtling forward, but the airbag deployed just in time, cushioning the blow.
Dylan winced, struggling to catch his breath as the airbag pressed against him. The acrid smell of smoke and burnt rubber filled his nose. He pushed against the deflated airbag, groaning as he unclipped his seatbelt. Stumbling out of the wreckage, he fell to his knees on the hard ground, his head spinning violently.
Reaching into his pocket, he managed to pull out his phone. He dialed Justin with his trembling fingers. As the call connected, he rasped, "I... I met with an accident. Come quickly."
"Where are you?" Justin’s alarmed voice rang through the line.
"I am..." Dylan tried to reply, but his vision blurred, and his voice faltered as his strength gave out.
"Hello? Mr. Brooks? Hello!" Justin’s voice grew frantic as Dylan’s voice stopped coming suddenly. His stomach churned with panic. "Shit!" He ran out of the office.
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"Is Dylan not coming?" Lilianna asked, surprised to see that Dylan wasn’t back yet. She had been looking forward to a family dinner and was confused by his absence. "Why did he leave so suddenly?"
She glanced toward the empty doorway, half expecting Dylan to stroll in.
Ava hesitated, the memory of their argument earlier replaying in her mind. She couldn’t bring herself to admit that she had driven him away with her harsh words. Lowering her gaze, she mumbled, "He got an urgent call from the office. Probably something important came up."
She felt guilty for lying. "Don’t worry. You should eat first and rest early." She looked up at her, forcing a smile as she tried to dispel her worry.