Dominic's suspicion solidified into certainty. "In this city," he began, his voice low, "for every sycophant drawn to the power of Aethelgard Industries, there is an equal number of enemies waiting to strike. Theodore Vance is the most persistent. He hasn't just tried to steal resources. He's been digging, relentlessly probing your identity. How many attempts on your life has he orchestrated that we don't even know about? This incident tonight... it has his signature. He must have discovered something and decided this was his moment for retaliation."

Alexander's face darkened, the lines around his mouth deepening.

For years, he had played the part of the useless Blackwood heir. It was a carefully constructed mask, designed to shield his true role as the head of Aethelgard Industries. The deception was meant to mislead his own family, but its primary purpose was always to evade the machinations of Theodore Vance.

The constant threats from Theodore were one thing. But involving Evelyn? That was a line Alexander would not allow to be crossed.

He drew a sharp, quiet breath. "I will find out who is responsible," he stated, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Just then, Dominic's assistant knocked and entered. "Dr. Carter," she said, "the young lady is beginning to stir. She should be awake soon."

All other thoughts vanished from Alexander's mind. His immediate instinct was to go to her.

Dominic moved quickly, blocking his path. "You can't," he urged, his voice a hushed warning. He glanced pointedly at Alexander's legs. "There are too many people watching this hospital. For Evelyn's own protection, the world cannot see that the wheelchair is a ruse."

Alexander stilled, the logic of the warning cutting through his urgency. He gave a tight, reluctant nod. "Understood."

Inside the private room, Evelyn's eyelids fluttered open. Her vision was blurred, swimming in and out of focus. 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 appeared between her brows.

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

A hand reached toward her forehead.

The movement triggered a flash—a violent image of Julian lunging at her.

"Ah!" A jolt of pure terror shot through her. She scrambled backward, pushing herself up on the bed. She didn't feel the IV needle rip from her hand. "Don't touch me! Stay back!"

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

But the sight of the unfamiliar face only amplified Evelyn's panic. She shook her head wildly, her eyes wide with fright. "Don't come any closer!" she cried, her voice raw and hoarse.

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

Evelyn was beyond reason. As the nurse took another step, her fear exploded.

"Stay away!" she screamed, tears now streaming down her face. In a desperate, frantic motion, she turned and her gaze landed on a small fruit knife on the bedside table.

She snatched it, holding it out in front of her with a trembling hand. "Stay back! If you come any closer, I'll... I'll..."

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

Fearing the patient would harm herself, the nurse hurried from the room to get assistance.

As she rushed into the hallway, she almost collided with Dominic, who was pushing Alexander's wheelchair. "Dr. Carter! Thank goodness! You have to come quickly! The patient is hysterical, and I don't know how to calm her down!"

Alexander's heart clenched. He propelled the wheelchair forward with a fierce urgency.

When he reached the doorway, the scene made his blood run cold. There was Evelyn, clutching the knife, her face a mask of absolute terror.