A sigh escaped her lips, soft and contemplative. Emotion surged in her chest, not just sorrow for what had happened, but also a deeper gratitude for seeing things clearly now. She believed Myla deeply. A mother who loved her son wouldn t accept just anyone into the family. If Alicia hadn t been genuine, Myla would never have approved of her.

And with that thought, Linsey s mind circled back to something else.

Back when Jeffery had offered to transfer his shares of the Lawson Group to Linsey, Alicia hadn t uttered a single complaint. On the contrary, she had appeared genuinely pleased.

If Alicia had truly been driven by greed, she would never have let Jeffery hand over such significant assets so effortlessly.

As Linsey reflected on this, a soft smile unconsciously curved her lips. Her gaze drifted tenderly to Alicia s sleeping face. Her instincts had been right all along. Alicia was a kind, sincere soul and it was that quiet goodness that had drawn Linsey to her so naturally.

Suddenly, Alicia s eyelids began to flutter ever so slightly.

Alicia? Alicia! Jeffery called out, barely able to contain his excitement. He had been watching her the entire time even the slightest twitch didn t escape him.

At the sound of his voice, everyone in the room turned their eyes toward Alicia. She slowly opened her eyes, her expression still weak, but her spirit unmistakably present.

She gave a faint smile and whispered teasingly, You re all so loud I was planning to sleep a little longer.

Relief washed over the room like a wave. But before anyone could laugh, a low groan escaped Jeffery.

Everyone turned to see him trying to sit up, only to wince sharply as he pulled on the wound on his back.

Jeffery, what happened? Alicia tried to turn toward him, but the stiffness in her neck made even that slight motion painful.

Since she was unable to see him, a trace of panic flickered across her face, the smile fading instantly. Jeffery, are you hurt? I can t see you

Linsey sighed and pressed Jeffery gently back against the bed, her tone part scolding, part affectionate. Alright, you two need to settle down. One of you has barely woken up and is already panicking. The other is trying to play hero while injured. Honestly, I don t even know which of you to scold first.

Both Alicia and Jeffery fell silent, chastened like two misbehaving children.

Jeffery didn t want Alicia to worry any more than she already had. I m fine, I promise, he said quickly. But how are you feeling? Are you in pain anywhere?

Before Alicia could answer, Jeffery tugged lightly at Linsey s sleeve. Linsey, could you go get the doctor? I want them to check on Alicia right away.

Alicia, however, was still unconvinced. Jeffery, are you really not hurt? If you re fine, why are you in a hospital bed too?

She had lost consciousness the moment Jeffery shielded her from Joanne s blade. She hadn t seen the blood pouring from his back.

As the two continued to fret over each other, Linsey interjected once again, her tone somewhere between firm and fond. Alright, enough. Since you re both awake, I ll have the doctor come in and examine you. That way, you ll each get the answers you need directly from a professional, not each other. Deal?

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