?Chapter 672:


    A sudden, familiar voice spoke softly as a tall shadow fell over them.


    Eric stood in front, looking surprised.


    Eric had stopped by the hospital to help Linda pick up her prescription; he hadn’t expected to encounter Joy looking so fragile. Melba met his gaze. “Oh, it’s you.”


    With tear-stained cheeks, Joy stretched tiny arms toward Eric pleadingly. “Joy wants a hug!”


    Eric couldn’t possibly turn her down.


    Melba didn’t object either.


    She noticed Joy genuinely adored Eric. Besides, she was right there, and no harm coulde from himforting the child. Perhaps he could ease Joy’s suffering, even if only briefly.


    “It’s alright. I’ve got you. You’re so brave, Joy.”


    Cradling her gently, Eric nced toward Melba, concern evident.


    “What exactly is Joy’s condition?”


    Melba stood silently, conflicted for several moments before finally choosing to speak.


    Her voice cracked slightly as she admitted quietly, “It’s astic anemia.”


    Astic anemia!


    Stunned silence gripped Eric instantly.


    He had prepared himself for difficult news, yet the reality of Joy’s illness struck him deeper than expected.


    As he held Joy gently against him, Eric struggled to control his breathing.


    She was still a child—how could she face something so severe?


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    Instinctively, Eric looked down at the girl in his embrace, fearing even the slightest pressure could harm her.


    Brows deeply knitted, Eric asked Melba urgently, “What’s the reason for today’s visit?”


    Melba dabbed her moist eyes, exhaling slowly. “We came today to get her admitted for her regr examinations. She’s spent all morning enduring one test after another—it’s exhausting for her tiny body.”


    That exined why Joy appeared so weak, Eric realized with concern. He gently shifted Joy’s weight in his arms and softly asked, “Joy, can you tell me what’s hurting you right now?”


    Thinking carefully, Joy finally shook her head. “Joy doesn’t know.” She bit her lip, tears spilling quietly down her cheeks. “But I feel really, really sick inside.”


    “Shh, it’s okay.” Eric immediately stopped questioning. “I know, sweetheart. I’m right here with you; don’t cry.”


    “Okay!”


    Joy sniffled, pressing her tiny face closer into Eric’s chest.


    Unsettled by her frail condition, Eric nced worriedly toward Melba.


    “Where’s her room?”


    “Pleasee with me.” Once they reached the room, Eric’s tension only increased. “Get a doctor in here quickly!”


    With Joy clearly distressed, Eric knew he wouldn’t rx until a medical professional had checked on her. “I’ll get someone right now.” She left the room hurriedly.


    Colden had been busy all morning himself but immediately rushed in when informed about Joy’s condition.


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