Francesca's expression hardened as she delivered the news to Ernest. She said coldly, "Our deputy chief has a message for you."

Ernest was desperate, willing to do anything to save his life.

"What is it? Tell me quickly!" he demanded before another violent bout of blood-coughing seized him.

He clamped his mouth shut afterward, trying to minimize his speech to reduce the bleeding.

"He can't return to the hospital," Francesca stated professionally, softening the harsh message out of her medical duty to do no harm. "You should prepare yourself—this mysterious condition could be fatal."

The news hit Ernest like a ton of bricks, and he nearly passed out from shock. A terrible realization dawned on him as he turned to his bodyguards with a blood-stained snarl.

"What are you idiots standing around for? Get me back there to find that guy, hurry!"

Ernest could feel his life force draining away with each passing moment. The taste of death was upon him, making his head spin with g