Chapter 520
Zaylee, who had also sustained injuries, was placed in the same transport vehicle. Inside, the doctors worked quickly to control Connie’s bleeding, their expressions grim with disbelief.
“How did she end up this badly hurt? Did the bear trample her?” one of the doctors asked. “Even if she survives, these wounds will leave terrible scarring.” Another experienced doctor adjusted his glasses as he studied the injuries closely. “It doesn’t look like trampling. It seems more like someone pushed her forward with great force from behind or the side, causing her to collide with a paw, which explains the depth and angle of the lacerations.”
Zaylee’s body trembled uncontrollably at the doctor’s analysis, her head bowing low as her eyes flicked around in a frenzy of panic.
The truth hit her with brutal clarity. She knew exactly what she had done to Connie. If Connie survived and revealed what had really happened, everything would fall apart. The school would expel her, and the Morgan family would never allow someone like her—someone capable of such cruelty—to become Brad’s wife. She couldn’t let that happen. She couldn’t let Connie speak the truth.
Curled tightly in the corner of the vehicle, Zaylee quaked in silence, her guilt masked as fear. One of the military doctors, misreading her reaction, gave her a reassuring look. “Don’t be afraid,” he said gently. “Your friend’s going to make it. The military hospital has some of the best doctors around. They’ll give you both a proper examination once we arrive.”
Rylie had originally been meant to be escorted down the mountain by Brad for medical attention, but she paused, unwilling to leave just yet. A quiet worry lingered in her mind—that critical evidence might be lost if she left too soon. She took the lead, guiding them toward the entrance of the back mountain. There, she pointed to several faint tracks on the ground where iron cages had clearly been dragged.
“Make sure these are photographed and documented,” she instructed firmly. “If anyone tries to accuse you of harming the students, this will work in your favor.”
Even with her body battered and weak, Rylie’s thoughts were still focused on protecting him. Brad gently pulled her into his arms and lowered his voice. “My people will take care of it. You’ve done enough. Let me get you to the hospital first. Stop worrying.”
The weight of the moment pressed down on them, but Rylie gave a small nod. “Alright. Let’s go.”
The jeep sped down the mountain road, the scenery blurring past the windows, but none of it eased the heavy stillness inside.
Brad helped Rylie into the passenger seat, ensuring she was as comfortable as possible. As he sat beside her, his eyes kept drifting toward her injured left arm, a troubled expression settling over his features. His thoughts were clearly elsewhere, weighed down by something unsaid.
The vehicle rushed directly to the rear entrance of the military hospital’s branch facility, where a team of medical personnel was already waiting. The moment they arrived, the staff sprang into action, carefully lifting Rylie and rushing her into the treatment room.
Brad followed right behind, his tall, commanding presence causing the nurse who was about to stop him to quietly lower her hand and step aside without a word.
Inside the room, the sterile brightness of the overhead lights almost blinded them. The sharp sting of disinfectant filled the air.
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