Chapter Eighteen: Unyielding Resolve

Dr. Hensley walked in alongside his medical assistant, the air around them filled with the sterile scent of antiseptic and the faint hum of machines. He approached Aria’s bed; his demeanor was professional yet warm. “Good morning, Mr. Sinclair,” he greeted Alexander, his eyes flickering with a hint of optimism.

How's she doing, Doctor?" Alexander asked, his voice tense but controlled, not betraying the storm of emotions brewing beneath the surface.

Dr. Hensley checked Aria’s vitals, taking careful notes as he observed her steady but shallow breathing. A smile crept onto his face as he looked up. “She’s recovering fast, Mr. Sinclair. She should be awake any minute now.”

Alexander gave a curt nod, his eyes never leaving Aria's face, a wave of relief washed over Alexander, but it was tempered by the gnawing worry that had haunted him since the incident. He had been waiting anxiously for news about her condition, and hearing that she was improving filled him with cautious hope.

The doctor, sensing there were no further questions, signaled his assistant and the two exited the room. As they walked down the corridor, they entered Dr. Hensley’s office, shutting the door firmly behind them.

Inside the office, the atmosphere shifted to one of intrigue as the assistant glanced up, examining the folder in his hands. The assistant, still holding the patient folder, furrowed his brow. "Doctor, I discovered something unusual."

Dr. Hensley raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "What is it?"

“The new ER hormone in her body is rapidly growing,” the medical assistant replied, a note of excitement in his voice.

Dr. Hensley chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with interest "Oh, it's not just the hormone. Her entire body function is recovering at an accelerated rate. Far beyond normal. I think she’s a fascinating case. I’ll need to study her more closely.”

The assistant hesitated. "But Mr. Alexander… he…”

“Shhh,” Dr. Hensley interrupted, raising a hand. “I’m a doctor, and she’s currently my patient. Do I still need to seek permission to study her?”

“Ah, that’s true,” the assistant said, realization dawning on him.

"Go prepare everything," Dr. Hensley instructed, his voice firm. "We can’t let this chance slip by.”

"Yes, sir." The assistant gave a quick nod and hurried out, leaving Dr. Hensley smirking, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of curiosity and ambition.

Back in Aria’s ward, Lucas entered, his expression serious as he bore the results of his investigation. “Mr. Alexander,” he said, his voice firm, “she was pushed off by Ethan. He had lost a lot of money from gambling, which is why he came to find the young madam.”

Alexander's gaze hardened as he glanced at the results. “I remember his family being good at gambling; that’s how they made their fortune. Ethan understands gambling better than anyone. How could he lose?”

Lucas, realizing the implication of Alexander’s words, replied quickly, “You mean he was being manipulated?”

Alexander nodded, his mind racing. “The person behind this wouldn’t go through all this just for a small amount of money.”

“I’ll check who he’s been in contact with, sir,” Lucas said, already knowing what Alexander wanted.

As Lucas turned to leave, Alexander’s voice stopped him in his tracks. "Wait. One more thing.”

Lucas turned back, his attention fully on his boss.

"Look into what happened before she was adopted," Alexander said, his tone sharp.

Lucas blinked, processing the request. It took him a moment to realize that Alexander was speaking about Aria.

"Right away, sir," Lucas replied, nodding firmly before exiting the ward.

As the door clicked shut, Alexander’s mind spiraled with questions. Why do you make me recall my childhood? Is it the same as what Grandma said? Have we known each other since childhood? The thoughts raced through his head, and he stared at Aria’s unconscious form, his heart aching for answers.

These thoughts kept swirling in his mind, refusing to settle. The memory fragments, the strange connection, the nagging feeling in his gut—none of it made sense. But one thing was clear: Aria was at the center of it all.

His fingers unconsciously tightened around the edge of his chair as he stared at her, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. His feelings toward her were a whirlwind of confusion—anger, protectiveness, suspicion, and something else he couldn’t quite name. She was a puzzle, and he hated that he couldn’t piece it together fast enough.