Chapter 498: Chapter 498
483 words<html><head></head><body><p>Mia Lawrence frowned deeply.</p> <p>Her gaze swept over the men who had just attacked.</p> <p>Julian Garnache's words snapped her back to reality.</p> <p>She nodded quickly. "Yes, to the hospital first."</p> <p>The attackers stood frozen.</p> <p>They had only intended to teach Julian a lesson.</p> <p>They never expected their man would actually use a knife.</p> <p>If this was investigated...</p> <p>They exchanged terrified glances, cold sweat dripping.</p> <p>Julian carried Anna Ross out of the private room.</p> <p>Mia rushed ahead and pulled the car door open.</p> <p>He carefully placed her in the back seat.</p> <p>The engine roared as the car sped into the rainy night.</p> <p>The air inside the car grew heavy.</p> <p>Mia dug her nails into her palms.</p> <p>She kept glancing back at the pale face in the rear.</p> <p>Her eyes filled with deep regret.</p> <p>"Julian, this is all my fault."</p> <p>She bit her lower lip.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_2 --> <p>Her lips turned deathly pale.</p> <p>Julian gripped the steering wheel tightly.</p> <p>His eyes remained fixed on the rain ahead.</p> <p>"Don't blame yourself. Anna will be okay."</p> <p>He was the one to blame.</p> <p>He was the one who insisted on attending this dinner.</p> <p>The tires splashed through puddles.</p> <p>Hospital neon lights glowed through the misty rain.</p> <p>Medical staff rushed forward with a stretcher.</p> <p>They hurried the injured woman into the emergency room.</p> <p>The doctor's frown deepened as he examined the wound.</p> <p>"The wound isn't too deep."</p> <p>"Family, please wait outside."</p> <p>"We need to clean and suture it immediately."</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_3 --> <p>Mia watched the hospital bed with anguish.</p> <p>Julian gently guided her out of the room.</p> <p>The corridor buzzed with activity.</p> <p>Faces flashed by, some joyful, some worried.</p> <p>Mia suddenly raised her hand to slap herself.</p> <p>Julian caught her wrist firmly.</p> <p>"Mia!"</p> <p>His voice held a hint of anger.</p> <p>"Julian, if it weren't for me..."</p> <p>"Anna wouldn't have taken that knife for me."</p> <p>Her voice choked with emotion.</p> <p>Her heart felt like it was being torn apart.</p> <p>Julian softened his tone.</p> <p>He gently stroked her reddened hand.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_4 --> <p>"Defending yourself wasn't wrong."</p> <p>"The blame lies with those scum."</p> <p>The corridor lights reflected in his eyes.</p> <p>His gentleness made her heart tremble.</p> <p>Mia looked up into his gaze.</p> <p>Tears welled in her eyes.</p> <p>"Julian, thank you."</p> <p>Thank you for stepping in.</p> <p>Thank you for this kindness.</p> <p>Her fingers tentatively reached for his waist.</p> <p>She rested her forehead against his shirt.</p> <p>She could hear his rapid heartbeat beneath the fabric.</p> <p>Would these arms become her sanctuary?</p> <p>Their heartbeats intertwined in the silence.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_in_article_3 --> <p>She gathered courage and moved closer.</p> <p>He simply looked down, watching.</p> <p>Allowing the distance between them to shrink.</p> <p>"Family of Anna Ross!"</p> <p>The hospital door swung open.</p> <p>The doctor's voice shattered the moment.</p> <p>They sprang apart instantly.</p> <p>Mia scrambled to her feet.</p> <p>"Doctor, how is she?"</p> <p>The doctor removed his mask.</p> <p>"The wound has been treated."</p> <p>"She needs to stay for observation tonight."</p> <p>"The patient hasn't woken up yet."</p> <p>"She's receiving antibiotics through an IV."</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_in_article_4 --> </body></html>