Victoria told the two men to look outside immediately. She was still watching Johan and Caroline. Even with her son, she could be reckless.'Is Ben here and ready to take Caroline home?'Johan muttered to himself. Maybe it was true that Ben had come. His plan from the beginning was to take Ben's life, but now he wanted Ben to take Caroline away safely. Meanwhile, Victoria looked so anxious."Why do you look so panicked, Mom? What are you afraid of?" asked Johan.Victoria didn't want to answer Johan's question. Outside the situation was more tense. Then, Johan tried to stand up and approach his mother. Even though his shoulder was shot, Johan wanted to try to see the situation outside."Johan, stay here, don't go outside. It's dangerous outside," Victoria said."I want to go outside for a while, Mom. You stay here with Caroline.""No! If I say no, you don't go out there!" Victoria held Johan's hand tightly, but Johan left his mother.It was getting noisy outside and a fight was breakin
Victoria's hand shook violently. The gun had fallen to the floor. In that gaze was the regret, anger and despair of a mother who had lost control. Johan had been shot by his mother."Ben, take Caroline away from this place." Johan's voice was low and disjointed, but Ben could still hear it.Then, Ben and Andrew immediately saved Caroline. Ben lifted Caroline's body and immediately carried her outside. The car was ready to go to the hospital. Andrew would drive the car, while Ben was in the back seat along with Caroline. "Andrew, hurry up." Ben panicked as he touched Caroline's cold body.He didn't want Caroline to die this quickly. Moreover, he still can't give the best for the person he loves. Andrew quickly drove the car but was alert and focused."Caroline, don't leave me." Ben checked Caroline's pulse which was getting weaker.***Upon arrival at the hospital, Caroline was immediately rushed to the Emergency room for immediate treatment. Doctors and nurses quickly checked her con
'The surgery was successful. The bullet was removed and the bleeding was stopped. However, her condition is still weak. She needs time to recover.'Ben was still reeling from the doctor's words. However, he was very grateful to God that Caroline's life could still be saved. He breathed a sigh of relief, although there was still some lingering worry. He grasped Caroline's hand carefully and put on sterile clothes. The room was quiet, with only the sound of medical equipment working to stabilize Caroline's body."I know you'll be strong, sweetheart."Ben sat beside Caroline's bed. His eyes did not leave Caroline's pale face. The oxygen tube was still in place and the bedside machine continued to monitor her vital signs. However, what relieved Ben the most was the soft sound of the heart rate monitor still beeping regularly. "You've been through worse than this," Ben whispered as he gripped Caroline's hand tighter. "So I'm sure you can get through this too." The ICU door opened sligh
"There were two patients with gunshot wounds admitted in the last 24 hours. One of them was on the VIP floor. His name is suspicious, with no previous record. He is guarded by two armed men."Ben and Maxime met at the apartment close to the hospital to discuss Johan. That was enough to confirm that Johan was indeed there. However, the heavy guard made things more complicated. He needed a smarter strategy."Do you have a plan to get in there?" asked Max as he sipped his orange juice."I'll disguise myself as the doctor who treated Johan. I'm sure they'll trust me and not suspect me. But I have to do it carefully. I can't just rely on luck."Ben would ask Professor Reinhardt to give him one of the doctor's ID names. Max supported him."Good idea." Max also invited Ben to do cheers.***Ben stood in the hallway of the hospital. His eyes were fixed on the door labeled VIP Ward at the end of the corridor. The information from Maxime had co
"Who are you?" asked Victoria who had just arrived and wanted to enter Johan's room.Ben looked at Victoria with sharp eyes from behind the mask. He was feeling very angry, but he hid it."Are you the doctor who treated my son?" asked Victoria."Yes, Ma'am." Ben changed his tone of voice slightly and kept it steady."How is he?" asked a worried Victoria."The wound is quite deep, but so far there are no signs of infection or serious complications. However, he is still under observation due to heavy blood loss. We will keep an eye on his progress." Ben answered so calmly that it didn't raise Victoria's suspicions."That's good then. I'm glad to hear that." Victoria gave Ben a small smile.Before Victoria suspected him, Ben excused himself and quickly left Victoria's presence. He knew that Victoria was not a stupid woman, the slightest mistake could make her suspicious. The woman walked into Johan's room without asking him any further questions.When he was far enough away from Johan's
Ever since, Andrew had been holding Flo's hand to invite her out. Flo's heart was beating violently and she felt her cheeks heat up at this moment. Perhaps, the man hasn't realized it yet."Andrew, can you ...."Flo's eyes were fixed on the hand that Andrew was still holding. Andrew just realized and released his grip slowly. It wasn't just Flo who was misbehaving, but he too.Andrew immediately cleared his throat softly, trying to cover up the awkwardness that suddenly enveloped them. Meanwhile, Flo quickly looked down, pretending to tidy up her skirt, even though she just wanted to avoid Andrew's gaze."Sorry, I didn't mean to," Andrew said quickly as he turned his gaze in another direction."Umm... it's okay." Flo nodded even though her face was still flushed.Flo felt nervous and fiddled with the hem of her shirt to hide the anxiety in her heart. She immediately bit her lower lip, feeling even more embarrassed. They stood next to each other in a strange silence. Occasionally, Flo
"I'm ....""What's wrong, Flo?" Andrew moved his face forward to look at Flo."I'm not sorry for doing things like that with you." Flo blushed and squeezed the hem of her skirt.Andrew chuckled. He had been afraid beforehand, afraid that Flo would feel uncomfortable with his behavior. However, Flo enjoyed it. He lifted her chin gently. Their eyes met."Then, can I do it again?" asked Andrew in a low voice.When their lips met again, this time Andrew was not as formal as before. His kiss was deeper and bolder. His hand slipped down Flo's back and made her startle but not resist. Meanwhile, Flo squeezes Andrew's shirt unconsciously, trying to hold back her racing heart. When they finally pull away to catch their breath, Andrew rests his forehead against Flo's and smiles a little."I can't stop, Flo. You're driving me crazy tonight," Andrew said with a smile."But, you have to take me home soon. Otherwise, Mr. Charles will be looking for you." Flo warned."Oh, shit! I forgot about that."
~ Three days laterCaroline had returned home from the hospital and security at home was very tight. Ben deliberately installed additional security systems such as motion and sound sensors around his house to identify suspicious movements or sounds from outside. Not only that, Ben increased the number of professional subordinates. Some of them were former military members or experienced martial arts experts to keep his house safe. "Ben, are you overreacting to this?" asked Caroline as she leaned against the back of the bed."No, I'm not. I would do anything for the safety of this house and you, Caroline. I don't want it to happen again and cost you your life." Ben's hand went to the top of Caroline's head and gently stroked her hair.Caroline smiled sweetly at Ben and felt so protected. Since Johan had caused her harm, there was no chance for him to be present in her life. After she recovered, she would file for divorce from Johan."Ben, I want to sue Johan for divorce immediately. I
Jolina walked gracefully, mingling among the guests with her tray in hand. Dressed in a black and white waitress uniform, she looked like the original staff of the event. On the tray, two glasses of champagne glittered in the light of a crystal chandelier. One of them had been laced with sleeping pills as per Sophia's orders.Jolina's eyes fell on Ben who was chatting with a business associate, while Caroline stayed by his side, gently holding his arm. Jolina approached and flashed a professional smile as she stopped in front of them and handed them the champagne.Ben and Caroline were not the least bit suspicious. Jolina looked like a normal waitress, her professional smile showing no signs of ulterior motives. Caroline stared at the champagne in her hand for a moment before lifting it slowly. Ben did the same.Jolina remained standing near them, ostensibly waiting to make sure her task was successful. Within seconds, if Ben took a sip of the champagne, the sleeping pills would kick
"Mr. Charles, are you sure you want to attend the event tonight?" asked Andrew, who was worried about his employer's health."Take it easy. I'm already fine. Besides, tonight I will be guarded by some of my confidants, including you." Ben looked at Andrew with confidence, even though his body was still recovering.Shortly after, Caroline came down the stairs with a dark blue dress wrapped around her body. It was made of soft satin fabric that followed her curves gracefully, without being overdone. The off-shoulder cut of the dress revealed her delicate shoulders.Her long, soft brown hair was styled in a simple yet elegant half-up style. A few strands of hair were allowed to fall to frame her face, giving a soft and natural impression. The look in her eyes was deeper, radiating anxiety that she couldn't completely hide. Although her makeup was light, just a touch of light blush and a nude color on her lips, her beauty still shone through charmingly.On her wrist, there was a small dia
Johan sat in his room with a glass of bourbon in hand. His mind was filled with strategy, but also a little uneasy. Sophia was cunning, but she wasn't someone who could be trusted. He knew full well that she always played to her interests.However, this plan made sense. If Caroline believed that Ben had betrayed her, she would be devastated. The trauma of her past would drag her back into the darkness and by then, Johan would be there, looking like the only option she could rely on. And Johan would also apologize to Caroline, inviting her to rebuild the household.He sighed and put down his glass. Shortly after, his cell phone vibrated. A message came in from Sophia and he read it slowly.[The gala event is tomorrow night at the Grand Royale. Ben will probably come along with Caroline. We'll see how everything falls apart.]Johan grinned slightly. So this was the event she was referring to. A big charity gala, where top businessmen gather. It was no surprise that Ben would attend, as
Finally, Johan was willing to work together to get Caroline and Ben to split up. Sophia poured the white wine into her glass before taking a small sip. Her gaze flirted with Johan."At least you can still think logically, Johan. The bottom line is simple. Caroline and Ben should split up. And you can get back what is rightfully yours."Johan narrowed his eyes, his expression cold. He knew Sophia was not the type of woman to speak aimlessly. She had something to hide. Sophia chuckled as she twirled her wine glass with her fingertips."What's your plan?""I have access to someone who can make Ben look like an unfaithful man in Caroline's eyes. We just need to devise a scenario that's convincing enough. As if I'm not involved in this plan," Sophia explained to Johan.Johan was quite interested in this plan and they would not do it halfway. Sophia knew that Ben was a man who was quite loyal when he felt comfortable with a woman. Therefore, she had to be clever with this plan."I have some
"I didn't expect a man as great as you to be lying helpless like this," Sophia said with a faint grin.Ben tried to calm Caroline down by slightly pressing his fingers in the grip, then looked at Sophia with a cold gaze. Sophia burned with jealousy when Ben treated Caroline intimately."Ben, we're not done yet!""We're done!" Ben raised his voice in front of Sophia.This made Caroline even more worried about Ben's health. She looked at Sophia and was about to kick her out for interfering with Ben's recovery."I don't know you and have never met you before. I want you out of this room immediately, because Ben needs rest. And your coming here is only disturbing his peace." Caroline ventured to speak in Sophia's presence."A hag like you wants to kick me out?" Sophia laughed loudly and belittled Caroline."You have no right to speak to Miss Caroline like that." Flo, who had been silent, finally spoke up because she knew Sophia."I won't let anyone belittle Caroline in front of me," Ben s
"What do you mean, why did Andrew get hurt?" Ben tried to sit up while holding his aching chest.Caroline grabbed Ben's shoulders frantically, preventing him from moving further. She shook her head and didn't allow Ben to sit up."Ben, don't! The doctor said you need to rest," Caroline said anxiously."Flo, tell me what happened to Andrew." Ben urged Flo to tell the truth.He ignored the pain in his chest. His eyes stared intently at Flo. However, Flo still hadn't answered his question and was still crying. Caroline was silent as if her mind rejected what she had just heard."There was... an explosion," Flo replied sobbing. "Andrew was affected. I don't know how bad he is yet, but-""Where is he now?" Ben cut Flo off, his voice sharper despite his weakened body."He was rushed to another hospital along with Glenn," Flo said in a shaky voice."Glenn was hurt too?" Ben asked.Flo just nodded. Ben wanted to leave the hospital quickly, but Caroline wouldn't let him. Ben clenched his hands
Ben?"Caroline leaned closer to Ben. She grasped her lover's hand tightly. Ben's eyelids slowly began to move, then opened slightly. His vision was blurry, but as soon as he saw Caroline's crying figure beside him, he tried to smile even though his lips were dry and pale. Caroline's tears flowed again, but this time it wasn't out of sadness, but joy."Ben, you finally realized." Caroline's grip on his hand tightened."Mr. Charles, you're finally awake." Flo smiled and felt happiness.Ben blinked but was still weak. He could feel Caroline's tight grip, filled with worry and love. With what strength he had left, he tried to move his fingers, returning Caroline's hand."Are you crying because of me?" asked a weakly spoken Ben with a faint smile."I was afraid of losing you." Caroline sobbed then lowered her head and nodded towards Ben.Ben looked at her gently and saw that there was a bandage wrapped around Caroline's head. Although the pain still ruled his body, he wanted to wipe Caroli
Alexander Morena was talking to one of his subordinates who informed him that Ben had been in an accident. That meant his plan had worked. Not only was Ben hurt, but Caroline was too.Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Alexander immediately froze when he saw his daughter walk in. He made a hand signal for his subordinate to leave his room. Sophia's gaze was full of suspicion towards her father."My father, what else are you doing?" Sophia asked.Alexander leaned his back against the chair, his face calm again, as if nothing had happened. He glanced at Sophia who stood up."What do you mean, Sophia? I don't know what you mean." Alexander was evasive when asked by his daughter."I'm not a child anymore. I know that expression. You're hiding something." Sophia's eyes narrowed sharply.Alexander just laughed as his daughter suspected him. Sophia frowned, getting more and more curious about what her father was doing. It made her wonder."You're too suspicious, dear. This is just busi
Andrew stood at the edge of the hospital bed, looking down at Ben who was still lying weakly with his head bandaged. The cut on his forehead was deep, but more worrying was the injury to his chest from the violent impact of the accident. An IV was attached to his arm, while a monitor beeped at a steady rhythm.In the next room, Caroline was still not fully conscious. The wound on her temple had been cleaned and bandaged, but her face still looked pale. The doctor said that Caroline was in severe shock and exhausted after last night's incident. Seeing Ben and Caroline in this state stirred up a rage that was difficult for him to control.He stepped out of Ben's hospital room and closed the door slowly. Outside, a well-built man in a black suit was waiting for him. The man's name was Glenn, just like Andrew who worked for Ben."How is Mr. Charles doing in there?" Glenn asked."Stable, but unconscious. Did you find out who was behind this attack?" Andrew looked at Glenn with an intense g