CHAPTER 334

NEAL’S POV

The anxiety gnaws at me, growing sharper with each passing hour. Aria still hasn’t woken up. Every time I glance at the clock, I’m reminded that it’s been fifteen hours since the doctor told us she would regain consciousness in three or four. But there she lies, still and silent, her head wrapped in those white bandages. It’s unbearable.

I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards Adam for everything he has done. If it weren’t for him, I shudder to think what might have happened. But then there’s the frustration, the anger bubbling just beneath the surface. Dad’s decision to announce that reward—it feels like a reckless, thoughtless move now. Sure, he was desperate, but it brought more danger down on us than we could handle. Those pirates wouldn’t have come after us if not for that reward, and now, Aria’s paying the price.

“My Aria…”

I hear my Dad sobbing in the corner. He must be blaming himself for his move.

“She’s still not up… Oh, Lord.”

Nathan is s