The operating room lights glared harshly in the sterile hallway. Stella Laurent's fingers trembled as they clutched the hem of her blouse.

Tears slid silently down her cheeks while she stared at the closed doors.

If anything happened to Jenna Roland, she would never forgive herself.

The sudden ringtone made her jump. The caller ID showed "Dad."

"Uncle Vincent, this is Stella..."

Lucien Valois's urgent voice came through the line. "Lucien, we found your sister!"

She ended the call abruptly after a few vague responses, afraid to say too much.

Her gaze flickered toward Ethan Roscente.

The man stood motionless before the operating room doors, his tall frame rigid as a statue.

Thirty minutes later, a nurse rushed past with blood bags.

Lucien emerged, his face ashen and steps unsteady.

"Mr. Valois!" Stella hurried to support him.

Ethan turned, his dark eyes locking onto his rival with unreadable intensity.

"Thank you." His voice was gravelly.

Lucien gave a weak smirk. "Don't mention it. I saved her because I love her."

Their gazes clashed like drawn swords.

"She's my wife." Ethan's pupils darkened.

Leaning against the bench, Lucien laughed bitterly. "So what?"

He stared at the ceiling, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"I know I don't deserve her." The whisper barely reached their ears.

The corridor plunged into tomblike silence.

Only the crimson glow above the operating doors continued its wordless pulse.