Chapter 42

Chapter 42:
Worry flickered across Brandon’s face as his gaze wavered between duty and compassion.
Without waiting for a response, Vivian gently nudged him forward, playing up her supposed sacrifice. The source of thɪs content is.net
He didn’t argue. He only nodded, the lines of his mouth drawn tight. “I’ll see how she’s doing. You take care of yourself.”
“Alright,” Vivian answered softly, her eyes tracking him as he disappeared inside. No sooner was he out of sight than her mask dropped—she whipped out her phone, scrolling for updates.
Brandon’s steps echoed through the hospital lobby, growing quicker with each stride until he was nearly running.
It dawned on him just how much fear still gripped him.
A nurse pointed him down the hall, and he rushed toward Millie’s room, only to find his path blocked by Alexia’s determined stance. Tension flared in his brow, his eyes narrowing.
“How is she? Tell me the truth,” he asked, his voice low.
Alexia took her time answering, studying him with caution.
“What’s going on here?” Brandon snapped, struggling to keep his temper in check.
Details from the policewoman’s account replayed in Alexia’s mind—doubts swirling, suspicions growing. Could it be that Brandon had orchestrated everything just to get rid of Millie, so he could finally be with Vivian?
That would explain his failure to answer any of the frantic calls from Millie’s phone.
Words caught in Alexia’s throat, unsure of how to start.
She watched as Brandon grew more restless by the second. Hesitating for a moment, she finally spoke, her voice edged with concern. “Brandon, is marrying Vivian so urgent that even waiting a single day feels unbearable?”
Brandon turned to her, confusion flickering in his eyes. “What are you trying to say?” he asked.
Alexia paused, torn between distrust and concern.
As she wavered, Brandon’s patience snapped. “Get out of the way!”
Alexia felt powerless, her hands clenched at her sides as she struggled to intervene. After wrestling with how to break the silence, she finally blurted out, “Did you have anything to do with what happened to Millie?”
Brandon shot her a look, suspicion flickering in his eyes. “What are you suggesting? You asked me to come here, didn’t you?” His tone was cold, as though something had just clicked for him. “Stop avoiding it. Tell me, how exactly is Millie doing?”
Frustration burned through Alexia as she grabbed his arm, dragging him away from the others. “Listen, someone went after her on purpose—”
Suddenly, a voice interrupted her. Vivian appeared in the hallway, breathless as she hurried over.
The streaks of blood on her skin were gone, erased to avoid suspicion—especially from Alexia, a professional who knew her way around injuries.
Urgency colored Vivian’s expression. “Is Millie okay?”
Alexia caught sight of Vivian, and her irritation spiked. “You brought her here, Brandon?” Alexia’s finger jabbed toward Vivian, her tone sharp. “Did you think bringing her along would help Millie feel better?”
Not wanting a scene outside Millie’s room, Alexia ushered both of them toward the emergency exit.
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