Don't Come Any Closer!

The name hit Alexander Blackwood like a physical blow. His expression darkened instantly.

Benjamin Carter’s suspicion grew. "In this city, for every person trying to curry favor with the founder of Aethelgard Industries, there's another trying to destroy you. Theodore Vance is the prime example. He hasn't just made repeated attempts to steal resources from your company. He's been digging into your identity. He's probably tried to eliminate you more times than we know. Could he be behind tonight? Maybe he discovered something and arranged this as retaliation?"

Alexander’s face became a mask of grim severity.

For years, he had played the part of the useless eldest son of the Blackwood family. It was a carefully constructed facade to mislead his own family, but its primary purpose was always to evade the schemes of Theodore Vance.

The constant attacks from Theodore were one thing. But if Evelyn was now a target, Alexander would not allow it.

He drew a sharp, controlled breath. "I will find out who is responsible," he stated, his voice low and dangerous.

Just then, Benjamin’s assistant knocked and entered. "Dr. Carter, the young lady should be regaining consciousness soon."

All other thoughts vanished from Alexander's mind. He moved to go to Evelyn.

Benjamin stepped swiftly into his path. "You can't go out there like that," he urged, his tone urgent. His eyes flicked down to Alexander's legs. "There are too many watching eyes in this hospital. For Evelyn's safety, you cannot risk anyone seeing that the wheelchair is a deception."

Alexander halted, absorbing the warning. "Understood," he murmured, the word tight with frustration.

Inside the private room, Evelyn’s eyelids fluttered open. Her vision was blurred. She stared at the sterile white ceiling above, her mind a thick, confused fog.

Where was this? What had happened? Why could she remember nothing?

A faint line of confusion etched itself between her brows.

Suddenly, a voice, thick with relief, spoke from beside her. "You're awake."

A hand reached toward her forehead.

The movement triggered a flashback. Julian Blackwood lunging at her.

"Ah!" Her heart hammered against her ribs in sheer panic. She scrambled upright, pushing herself backward on the bed. She didn't even feel the IV needle tearing from her hand. "Don't touch me! Get away!"

The nurse, startled by the violent reaction, tried to soothe her. "What's wrong? It's alright."

But the sight of the unfamiliar woman's face only amplified Evelyn's terror. She shook her head wildly, eyes wide with horror. "Don't come any closer!" she cried, her voice a ragged whisper.

The nurse saw the blood welling up from Evelyn's hand. "Please, you need to calm down. You're hurt. Let me help you."

Consumed by blind fear, Evelyn didn't hear the words. As the nurse took another step, her panic exploded.

"Stay back!" Evelyn screamed, tears now streaming down her face. Desperate, her gaze swept the room and landed on a small fruit knife on the bedside table.

She snatched it, holding the blade out in a shaking, defensive gesture. "Stay away! If you take one more step, I'll... I'll..."

The nurse froze, unsure how to proceed without provoking her further.

Fearing the patient would harm herself, the nurse turned and hurried from the room to get help.

She rushed into the corridor and almost collided with Benjamin Carter, who was pushing Alexander's wheelchair. "Dr. Carter! Please, come quickly! The patient is hysterical. I don't know what to do!"

Alexander's eyes flashed with alarm. He propelled the wheelchair forward with a powerful thrust of his arms, moving with startling speed.

He reached the doorway.

There she was. Evelyn, clutching the knife, her face a portrait of utter terror.