After seeing the doctor’s solemn expression, Simon sigh looking at the doctor’s face, worried. The doctor sighed, then looked at him and the other men around before speaking. “The both of them are fine,” the doctor’s words were comforting, but not for Simon. “What about the poison? Was it successfully extracted?” he asked, wanting to hear a clear “yes” and to put his worries to rest. “Yes, we were able to stop the poison from spreading further into the heart,” the doctor confirmed, and Simon sighed in relief. “But…” The doctor’s hesitation made Simon’s eyes widen. “He’s not waking up anytime soon. The poison stimulated his body’s reflexes, causing the brain to shut down. As long as the body still feels the poison is there, the brain won’t come back until the body finally believes the poison is gone. For that reason, he’s in a coma,” the doctor’s words echoed in Simon’s head, making him swallow hard. “There’s no way to make the body understand the poison is gone? What kind o
At the company, Simon sped into the president’s garage, parking his car quickly before rushing out and hurrying to the president’s elevator, which took him directly to Alex’s office. As soon as the electric sound was heard, Martha turned, expecting to see Alex. Instead, it was Simon who stepped out, trying to appear composed after catching his breath in the elevator. “I demand to see Alex!” Martha’s voice roared, making everyone around her sigh. “I’m sorry, the boss is not available to see you right now,” Simon said, only for Martha to scoff. “How dare he ask me to meet him and then not show up? Where’s my daughter?!” she screamed, but Simon sighed, glancing at the guards around them. “I’m sorry, the boss is unavailable to see you now. You should—” “Where’s Gerald?” she interrupted, causing Simon to sigh again, in no mood to deal with Martha at that moment. “I’m sorry, ma’am. You should leave. This is a working—” “Why is my account blocked?” Martha demanded, but Simon did
The ambulance brought Alex home with the doctor who was supposed to check on him. The maids and butler were shocked to see their boss, who had left healthy yesterday, come back today looking like he had just returned from the dead. The medical team followed him into his room, where everything was fixed. After his life-supporting machine was repaired, they were about to leave when Alex stopped the doctor. “No need to send the doctor to me, I have my—” “I’m sorry, Mr. McCollum, but she will need to assist your personal doctor as we know exactly what we did to revive you. Please accept the request.” He said this, and Simon nodded. “Sure, she can come tomorrow,” Simon said, and the doctor nodded. They all left, with Butler Thomas seeing them off. After Butler Thomas returned to his boss’s room, he wondered what might have happened. Though it was not his place to ask, he looked at his boss’s pale face and understood that he must be in pain. So, he decided to make some hot soup for his
Hazel’s blue eyes looked deep into Harden’s hazel ones, trying hard to see if he was going to lie. She knew how much he wanted her to stay away from Alex—she wanted that too—but if something bad happened to him, she wasn’t sure her fragile heart could handle it anymore.“Harden, is it about Alex?” she asked again, but this time, worry laced her words.“No… not really. There was an explosion in New York. I don’t want you seeing it and getting worried. You’re pregnant, and the doctor said your hormones aren’t stable. If you get too emotional, “you might lose the baby.”Hazel cut in, chuckling. “I understand, Harden,” she sighed, feeling relieved that it had nothing to do with Alex.“Come, let’s take a walk,” Harden said, causing Hazel to smile.“First, give me my phone,” she said. Harden handed it to her, though he was still worried she might search for news and find out what was really happening. He feared losing her again, knowing she was still madly in love with Alex.Hazel smiled,
The doctor and butler Thomas stood looking at Alex, unable to read his emotions—whether he was upset or indifferent. They watched him scoff as he stared out from the balcony for a few minutes. Then, with an expressionless face, he turned to them.“Take the body to the morgue. My assistant will send your payment for your services. Thomas, inform the subordinates. The funeral will be held this weekend,” he said, relaxing back onto the couch. Both men nodded and left Alex’s room.On their way downstairs, the doctor stopped butler Thomas.“If I may ask, what transpired between Mr. McCollum and his father for him to act so indifferent to his death?” the doctor asked, and Thomas sighed, glancing upstairs.“It’s a family matter. I can’t say,” he replied, and the doctor nodded.“I see,” the doctor said, leaving the mansion while Thomas walked toward the mansion phone.He dialed a number and held the receiver to his ear.“Hello, this is Alex McCollum’s mansion. I’m calling to announce the deat
The doctor hesitated, his eyes darting between Simon, Kayla, and the butler. Finally, after a heavy sigh, he spoke. “I sold him poison,” he confessed. The room fell into a stunned silence. Kayla’s face turned pale, her hand trembling slightly as she tried to comprehend what she had just heard. “What?!” Simon and Kayla both exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with disbelief. “You… sold him poison?” Simon repeated, his brow furrowed in confusion and anger. “Are you saying Gerald McCollum poisoned himself?” The doctor nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. “Yes, it was immediate. It was not a slow-acting poison. He wanted to die right away, because he knew his time was limited. He said it was better than suffering a long, drawn-out illness,” the doctor explained, his voice heavy with guilt. Kayla’s legs felt weak as she leaned against the desk for support. “Why didn’t anyone know? Why didn’t he tell us?” she whispered, her voice breaking. Simon clenched his fists, h
The door to the detention room opened, and Martha turned to see two detectives walking in. “Take her away,” one of them said to his colleague, who approached Martha with two officers. “What? I didn’t admit to anything! You can’t—” “You’ll wait for your lawyer in jail,” the detective said, gathering all the documents and leaving while Martha struggled to free herself. Imagining herself in an orange jumpsuit, Martha couldn’t take it. In a desperate move, she grabbed the officer’s gun from his holster as they tried to take her away. “Madam, don’t do something you’ll regret,” the detective warned, watching her carefully. “I want my lawyer!” she demanded, pointing the gun at her own side. “Madam, don’t—” “My lawyer! I’m not going to jail!” she screamed, her anger rising as the detective sighed. “Your lawyer will fight for your innocence while you await trial, ma—” A gunshot rang out, and the room fell silent. The hallway was silent for a few seconds before the detective immediate
Simon, who saw the doctor leave hurriedly, rushed upstairs to deliver the news about Martha that he had received from the detective. As he opened the door, he saw Alex in his vulnerable state, shaking and murmuring. “Shit,” Simon cursed under his breath. The last time he remembered Alex having an attack, he couldn’t come out of it, even with his medication, until his wife helped him… Simon quickly moved to Alex’s side, cautious yet determined. He had seen Alex like this before, in a state of inner turmoil, fighting against his own mind. Memories of the last time surfaced—how it took hours before Alex calmed down, and only with Hazel’s help. Now, without her, Simon feared this episode could escalate. “Boss, you have to focus. Look at me,” Simon said softly but firmly, trying to ground him. He placed a steadying hand on Alex’s shoulder, but Alex’s trembling didn’t stop. Alex’s breath came in ragged bursts, his eyes unfocused, lost in memories that clawed at him, threatening to pu
The doors to the dining room opened, and three men in black suits entered silently, their imposing presence casting a shadow over the room. Alex smirked, his tone ice-cold. “I mean, Mr. Lark, that your time has run out.” The assistant paled, his hands trembling as the men in black closed in. *Outside the Villa* A convoy of cars pulled up near the entrance to the McCollum estate. The general, sitting stiffly in the backseat of his car, glanced at his assistant. “I don’t think it’s wise to approach the villa uninvited,” the general said, his voice calm but firm. “Shall I write to Mrs. McCollum, then? Ask about her health and that of your great-grandchild?” the assistant offered. The general nodded, his lips curving into a rare smile. “Yes, do that. And… one more thing. Have you found her mother?” “Yes, sir,” the assistant replied. “She’s currently in the city.” “Invite her to the villa,” the general said, his expression unreadable. The assistant hesitated. “Are you sure, sir?
Simon immediately followed Alex’s instructions. As expected, Alex approved of the arrangements. The drive back to the villa was dead silent. Hazel held Alex’s hand tightly, watching him carefully for any unusual signs that might necessitate returning to the hospital. “When are the workers in the mansion coming back?” she asked, breaking the silence and earning a small smile from Alex. “They’re already back. I just want us to stay at the villa until you give birth,” Alex replied, his tone calm. Hazel sighed. “It’s lonely in the villa. At least in the mansion, the maids keep me company when you’re away.” Alex nodded thoughtfully. “I don’t trust them with you. They might accept money to hurt you. Let’s stay here until our child is born,” he said, lifting her hand to his lips and planting a gentle kiss. “And the scan?” Alex asked, watching Hazel closely. “You remember?” Hazel responded with a smile. “Of course. I dare not forget anything about you,” he said, making Hazel blush. “I
Hazel sat in the cold weather as Alex slept soundly, unaware of Simon being out on tasks. The gentle snow falling outside caught her attention so deeply that she didn’t notice someone enter the room. “Erhem,” a familiar voice said, causing Hazel to turn abruptly. Supporting her stomach, she stood up swiftly. “How dare you step your filthy feet in here?” she demanded, her voice full of rage, as Harden raised his hands in mock surrender. “Guards!” she called out, but Harden sighed in response. “Chill. I wouldn’t be here if the guards were active. I just came to visit,” he said, watching Hazel reach for her phone. She knew the sedative Alex was under wouldn’t allow him to wake up. “Haze, chill—” “Don’t call me that!” Hazel snapped, furiously dialing Simon’s number. “I came for a business deal,” Harden continued, undeterred. “I just wanted to check on him after hearing he was in an—” “Or you came to see if he survived the accident you planned!” Hazel cut him off furiously. “Get ou
Alex’s eyes opened slowly, his gaze unfocused but alive. Hazel sobbed with relief, pressing a kiss to his hand. “You’re here… you’re still with us,” she whispered. Alex’s voice was hoarse, barely audible. “Hazel… what happened?” “You were in an accident,” she said softly. “But you’re going to be okay.” His brow furrowed, memories flickering through his mind. “It wasn’t… an accident,” he rasped. Hazel nodded, her voice trembling. “We know. And we’ll find out who did this. Together.” Simon stepped forward, his expression grim. “Sir, we think it was Harden McCall.” Alex’s eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. “Harden… he won’t get away with this.” Hazel squeezed his hand, her resolve matching his. “No, he won’t. We’ll make sure of it.”the soft knock on the hospital door pulled Hazel’s attention away from Alex. A middle-aged man in a white coat stepped in, carrying a clipboard.“Mrs. McCollum, I’m Dr. Harris, I will be taking over from Doctor Gabriel, he has a family emergency,” he s
Tears streamed down the driver’s face as he shook his head. “I didn’t mean to… I swear I didn’t…”The driver’s sobs grew louder, and he buried his face in his hands. “I… I needed the money… but I didn’t think… It wasn’t supposed to…” He broke off, shaking his head in despair. Grant ignored him, stepping out of the room to make a call. “Officer Grant,” a voice answered on the other end. “I’ve got a lead,” Grant said. “Trace the account that sent this transfer. We’re dealing with something bigger than a random accident.”… “Understood,” the voice replied. Grant hung up, his mind racing. He had a gut feeling this wasn’t just a case of reckless driving—it was a targeted attack. And someone wanted Alex McCollum dead. Back at the hospital, Hazel stirred awake, her face still pale and tear-streaked. She glanced around and found Simon seated by the window, speaking quietly on the phone. Alex lay on the hospital bed beside her, his breathing steady but labored. “Simon,” Hazel called
The doctor let out a heavy sigh, his face shadowed with sympathy as he looked into Hazel’s striking blue eyes, which were now brimming with tears. She stood there, shaking, the weight of his silence suffocating her. “We tried our best, but…” His voice wavered, trailing off. “What?!” Hazel screamed, her body jolting forward in shock. Simon, her steadfast support, quickly caught her before she fell. His own face was a mask of anguish, his eyes glassy with unshed tears. “We did everything we could, ma’am,” the doctor said softly, lowering his gaze. “But I’m sorry. The blow to his head was… too severe. He didn’t make it.” “No! No, no, no!” Hazel cried, her voice piercing and raw. She wrestled free from Simon’s arms, shaking her head violently. “Don’t say that to me! Where’s my husband?” Her frantic eyes searched the room for any sign of Alex, her desperation palpable. Simon stood frozen, helplessly watching her crumble. “Ma’am, please,” the doctor interjected, his tone gentle but fi
Inside the McCall office, Harden anxiously drummed his fingers on the polished oak desk, his sharp eyes darting between the wall clock and his expensive wristwatch. The silence in the room was suffocating, broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the clock. He exhaled deeply, frustration evident in his posture. Suddenly, his phone buzzed, breaking the stillness.“You agreed that if I do this, I’ll get twenty percent of the shares in McCall Corporation?” the voice on the other end asked sharply. Harden let out a slow sigh, gripping the phone tighter.“It’s a signed deal, Mr. Lark. Just do this for me,” Harden said curtly, his voice laced with impatience.“Alright,” Lark replied, though there was a hint of reluctance in his tone. “But don’t associate me with this if it doesn’t turn out as you wanted.”Harden’s lips curled into a sly smile. “And if it doesn’t turn out as I wanted, you won’t be getting twenty percent. You’ll get ten percent at most,” he countered, his voice cold and calcula
As they left, Harden remained seated, his fists clenched and his jaw tight. Alex didn’t spare him a second glance, but as they walked through the mansion’s grand halls, he leaned down to whisper in Hazel’s ear. “It’s not over. He’ll try again.” Hazel squeezed his hand. “Then let him try. He’ll lose every time.” Harden stood in the General’s study, pacing furiously as the General watched him with a critical eye. The door clicked shut as the General’s assistant exited, leaving the two men alone. “You’ve lost, Harden,” the General said, his voice calm but laced with finality. “Hazel has chosen Alex. You’ll do well to respect that.” Harden’s jaw clenched, his mind racing. “You don’t understand, General. Alex is dangerous—for her and the child. If she stays with him, she’ll never be free, we’ve spent time together, we’ve shared a bond that she can’t deny, she has confessed her regrets to me. I can give her stability, safety… love.” The General sighed, shaking his head. “Love? T
Alex nodded grimly. “He’s using every connection he has to come for you. Last night, he attended that gala with General Aiko. He’s doubling down, likely whispering in the General’s ear that I’m some monster keeping you captive. He wants to turn him against us.” Hazel stood, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach. “And the General? Do you think he’ll believe him?” Alex exhaled sharply, his gaze darkening. “The General is no fool, but Harden’s desperate. He’s feeding on the General’s guilt for abandoning his family all those years ago. He’ll twist it, make himself seem like the savior you need—someone who can give you the ‘life you deserve.’” Hazel scoffed, her anger rising. “The life I deserve? I have everything I want. I have you. Our baby. He has no right—no idea what’s best for me!” Alex crossed the room, his hand gently cupping her cheek, forcing her to look up at him. “I know, Hazel. But Harden thrives on manipulation, you’ve given him the opportunity to feel I wasn