Annie stormed into the hospital, her breath coming in quick gasps, the bandage on her forehead barely concealing the wound beneath. Though the injury was visible, the fierce determination in her eyes spoke louder than any mark.

She had misjudged Katelyn before, falling victim to her clever tactics and losing time after time. But today was different. Today, she was here for revenge.

Katelyn’s eyes narrowed, her gaze sharp and cold, creating an unsettling tension in the air.

“Looks like that bump on your head isn’t bothering you anymore!” Katelyn sneered, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Annie’s temper flared, her fists clenching tightly at her sides. Katelyn couldn’t help but wonder if all the nobles in this country were this ridiculous, or if Annie had truly mastered the art of arrogance.

With barely contained fury, Annie shot back, “Katelyn, just wait—one day, you’ll be the one begging me for mercy!”

The doctor, standing in the doorway, blinked in shock at the heated exchange.

“Who among you here is the patient’s family?” he asked, trying to cut through the tension.

“I am!” two voices chimed in unison, each filled with authority and unwilling to concede.

Katelyn glanced at Annie before turning back to the doctor. “The man on that table is my boss,” she stated evenly. “His life is in my hands.”

“You’re just an employee. That doesn’t make you family,” Annie said, tilting her head with a smug smile spreading across her face. She let the words hang in the air before adding, “But I am. He’s my cousin-in-law. Does that clear things up?”

It was clear she wanted to assert her connection, reveling in her own superiority.

? ?: ν?

Katelyn clenched her fists, her patience fraying. Annie still wasn’t getting it.

Just then, Jaxen approached casually, a playful smirk on his lips, clearly entertained by the standoff. His eyes glinted with mischief as he spoke. For more chapters visit Find[?]ovel.net

“You should watch your words, Annie,” he said, his tone light but carrying a warning. “Vincent isn’t married. When he wakes up and finds out what you’ve been telling people, you might end up in a lot of trouble.”

Annie’s confident expression faltered. Just the thought of Vincent’s cold, piercing gaze unsettled her, sending a shiver down her spine.

Katelyn was fierce. But Vincent? He was on an entirely different level of frightening.

Annie had always shied away from his gaze.

A flash of fear crossed her face, betraying her vulnerability.

“If you’re eager for him to find out, you might as well stay,” Jaxen said, his smile cold and empty.

“But if you know what’s best for you, you should leave now. Otherwise, even the royal family can’t protect you from what’s coming.”

In Yata, outsiders never dared to challenge the locals’ power, especially not the royal family.

Vincent had always been careful, hiding his true strength. But if he chose to act, even the kingdom’s mightiest would think twice before crossing him. In this world, power was everything, and Jaxen’s threat hit hard.

Annie stepped back, her confidence crumbling as she stumbled toward the door, her retreat frantic and unsteady.

But as she fled, she couldn’t resist throwing one last biting remark at Katelyn.

“Just wait! We’re not finished yet!”

Annie’s shout fell on deaf ears as Katelyn brushed her aside.

She had no time for someone so insignificant.

“Doctor, how did the surgery go?” she asked, shifting her attention to what truly mattered.

“The surgery was successful,” the doctor said, his tone steady and reassuring. “The patient should wake up by tonight.”

Those words wrapped around Katelyn like a warm embrace, and even Jaxen let out a relieved sigh beside her.

As long as Vincent was alright, everything else could wait.

Around eight that evening, Vincent began to stir. He lay in the hospital bed, and the slightest movement of his fingers caught Katelyn’s eye.

“Mr. Adams,” she called softly, her voice filled with warmth and concern.

Vincent’s eyelashes flickered as he slowly began to wake. The soft, dim light above shimmered in his eyes, making them glint like stars in the night sky.

Katelyn turned, pouring a cup of water with steady hands, her focus unwavering.

Vincent, looking pale and fragile, tried to push himself up, but a sharp pain shot through his shoulder, causing him to wince.

“Mr. Adams, please stay still,” Katelyn said gently but firmly. “The doctor said the wound on your shoulder has reopened. You need to rest.”

Concern flashed across Vincent’s face as he noticed the thick bandages wrapped around him.

“How long have I been out?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“About eight hours,” Katelyn answered, extending the cup toward him. She carefully offered him a sip with a straw, making sure not to spill a drop.

As the cool liquid soothed his dry throat, Vincent felt a comforting wave wash over him. When he spoke again, his voice was steadier. “Where’s Neil?” he asked.

A sharp glint appeared in Katelyn’s eyes. “I sent him to a psychiatric hospital. The doctors there will evaluate his mental state.”

Before she could continue, the door swung open, and Samuel rushed in.

When he saw Vincent awake, a broad smile broke across his face. “Mr. Adams, you’re finally awake!” Vincent nodded slightly in response.

But Samuel’s expression quickly shifted to serious, as if a troubling thought had crossed his mind.

“I saw online that a restraining order has been issued against—”

.

.

.