Chapter 499: Chapter 499
477 words<html><head></head><body><p>"Doctor, thank you so much." Mia Lawrence's anxious heart finally settled.</p> <p>Julian Garnache quickly followed to the hospital room door.</p> <p>Before leaving, the doctor carefully explained the key points of care.</p> <p>Mia worried she might forget, immediately pulling out her phone to note each point down.</p> <p>The room was silent.</p> <p>Anna Ross lay on the hospital bed with her eyes closed, her pale face heartbreaking.</p> <p>Mia gently sat by the bedside.</p> <p>She held her friend's cold hand, her voice choked. "Anna, it's all my fault. I got you hurt again."</p> <p>There was no response from the bed.</p> <p>A phone suddenly rang, the screen flashing "Noah Watson."</p> <p>Mia assumed it was a work call and muted it directly.</p> <p>Not long after, the phone vibrated again.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_in_article_3 --> <p>Julian softly reminded her, "Answer it. It might be important."</p> <p>Mia reluctantly answered. "Hello, I'm a friend of Anna Ross. She's unavailable right now."</p> <p>There was a brief silence on the other end, seeming surprised.</p> <p>Noah's hesitant voice came through. "I'll contact her tomorrow then."</p> <p>"If it's urgent, you can tell me. I'll relay the message." Mia glanced at the bed and added, "She's currently hospitalized. Please ask the company for understanding."</p> <p>"Hospitalized!?" Noah's voice suddenly rose. "Why is she suddenly in the hospital?"</p> <p>Mia responded calmly. "Yes. What did you need from her?"</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_in_article_2 --> <p>Noah hesitated. "Nothing urgent. Please let her rest well."</p> <p>After hanging up, Mia felt slightly relieved.</p> <p>It seemed her colleague was quite considerate.</p> <p>Julian sat on a chair by the wall, making a call.</p> <p>His brows were furrowed, his expression serious.</p> <p>Mia secretly admired his handsome profile.</p> <p>After last night's events, her heart raced whenever she saw him now.</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_2 --> <p>Julian suddenly turned.</p> <p>Their eyes met briefly before quickly looking away.</p> <p>Mia pressed a hand to her chest.</p> <p>Her heart felt like it was about to leap out.</p> <p>They kept vigil at the hospital the entire night.</p> <p>When Anna woke, she found Mia asleep with her head resting on the bedside.</p> <p>Julian on the other side immediately stirred awake. "Anna, you're awake?"</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_in_article_4 --> <p>Anna softly hummed in response, not wanting to wake her friend.</p> <p>She tried to move her numb right hand, and Mia immediately woke up.</p> <p>"Anna, you're finally awake!" Mia exclaimed joyfully, grasping her hand.</p> <p>Anna nodded, a dull pain throbbing at her temple.</p> <p>Seeing their concerned expressions, she leaned back against the pillows.</p> <p>Mia suddenly lowered her head. "I'm sorry. I got you hurt again."</p> <p>Anna suppressed the pain and managed a weak smile. "It's just a minor injury. It's nothing."</p> <p>She patted her friend's hand and turned to Julian. "Julian, what exactly happened last night? Why were you in a fight?"</p> <p>Julian ran a hand through his hair in frustration.</p> <p>Mia spoke up first. "It's not his fault. I went to a bar to meet a friend and some creeps started getting handsy..."</p> <p>"Mia, are you okay?"</p> <!-- /22796784223/Netlink/arkmoremoney.com/banner_5 --> </body></html>