Alexander didn't hesitate for a second. "Evelyn would never harm anyone."

Evelyn looked up, her eyes meeting his. Tears welled up, threatening to spill over.

How could he trust her so completely?

He didn't even know the full story, yet he was so sure of her innocence.

Touched by his unwavering faith, Evelyn gently squeezed his hand in return.

Daniel's voice cut through the moment, sharp with irritation. "Evelyn was the one who changed Mr. Vance's dressing. The doctor confirmed the poison was on the wound. Only she and Mr. Vance were in the room. Who else could be responsible?"

He shot a venomous glare at Evelyn. "Alexander, I think you're in on this with her! You're both trying to hurt Mr. Vance!"

Daniel raised his hand again. "Security! Arrest Evelyn and Alexander! Take them both for questioning!"

Just then, a nurse emerged from the emergency room. She addressed Daniel directly. "Mr. Vance is awake. He's regained some consciousness."

Before Daniel could feel any relief, the nurse continued. "Mr. Vance was very specific. No one is to lay a hand on Evelyn. He also demands to be discharged from the hospital immediately."

Daniel's eyes widened in shock. His face hardened into a mask of resentment as he stared at Evelyn.

He couldn't believe it. Even now, Theodore was protecting her.

His voice was a low, tense growl. "What is Mr. Vance's current condition?"

The doctor's expression was grave. "His condition is critical."

Daniel dismissed Evelyn from his mind. "Make the arrangements. We're leaving now. Immediately."

A moment later, a hospital bed was wheeled out of the emergency room.

Daniel rushed over. Theodore lay there, pale and barely conscious.

"Mr. Vance, we're leaving now," Daniel said, his tone cautious, hoping Theodore could still hear him.

Theodore gave a faint, almost imperceptible nod. His eyes remained closed.

As the bed passed Evelyn and Alexander, Theodore seemed to sense their presence. His eyelids fluttered open slightly.

Through his blurred vision, he saw them. Evelyn and Alexander, locked in an intimate embrace, a united front.

A bitter, self-mocking smile touched his lips.

As Theodore was wheeled away by his men, a heavy discomfort settled in Evelyn's chest.

She took a deep breath. "I never thought something like this could happen."

Alexander placed a gentle hand on her head. His voice was soft but firm. "Theodore has many enemies. You are not to blame for what happened today."

He gave her a reassuring look. "I will investigate this thoroughly. Don't worry. Everything will be fine."

Evelyn nodded. Her eyes were still red and slightly swollen, but she managed a small, grateful smile.

Seeing her like this made Alexander's heart clench with concern.

Without a second thought, he pulled her into his arms. His voice was a soothing murmur. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

Not far away, hidden in the shadows, Olivia watched the scene unfold. Fury burned within her.

Damn Evelyn.

She had been sure that after today, Evelyn would be in handcuffs.

But instead, Evelyn was completely unscathed. Defended not only by Alexander but by Theodore himself, despite everything.

Olivia's anger boiled over. She clenched her fists, unable to watch for another second.

She turned to leave, but was suddenly blocked by Alexander's assistant, who appeared from nowhere.

"You again?" he demanded, his tone sharp and accusing. "Explain yourself! What are you doing, sneaking around here?"