Chapter 210


    “Hey…” Tarquin said, hoping to offer Elysian fewforting words, but before he could finish, she


    cop into his arms like a house of cards caught in a gust of wind


    The ordeal with Winona had already scared her half to death, and thistest fright had shattered her


    last bit of defiance. Her heart couldn’t withstand the immense terror and she lost consciousness entirely


    Caught off guard, Tarquin instinctively reached out to catch her Elysia felt as light as a feather and as


    fragile as a leaf in the wind in his arms. If he let on, she would surely fall.


    Tarquin, unaware of the situation with Winona, thought she was merely scared by the recent ident.


    Without overthinking, he scooped her up in his arms and dashed toward the hospital


    The streets were choked with traffic, paralyzed in the rush hour. Not even bikes or scooters could


    squeeze through the congestion


    The hospital wasn’t terribly far, but on foot, it felt like miles.


    Tarquin, desperate ran with Elysia in his arms. Her as dangled lifelessly, swaying with his movements


    like a limp doll


    Sweat beaded on Tarquin’s forehead as he called out to her “Elysia, wake up! Elysia! Elysia”


    Elysia teetering on the edge of consciousness, saw nothing but a vast fog before her eyes. It felt like


    floating in the clouds, weightless and adeft


    “Elysia stay with me” a firm voice called from behind, sounding like a parent summoning a child who


    hadn’te home for dinner


    Confused Elysia looked back but saw no one, only a hand reaching out through the mist.


    The hand was strong and well–shaped, the kind of hand you’d expect from a handsome man.


    The voice came again, more urgent this time. “Elysia”


    It sounded almost angry, as if ready to scold her for not responding sooner. Yet, Elysia wasn’t afraid,


    the voice reminded her of a strict but caring guardian.


    She drifted toward the hand and ced hers in it. The grip tightened immediately, pulling her out of the


    fog.


    Elysia coughed violently, her face tuming red, but her eyes remained closed.


    Tarquin kept running, ncing at her asionally, relieved to see signs of her regaining consciousness


    but too worried to slow down He burst into the hospital shouting for help, “Quick, help!”


    Benjamin, startled by themotion, rushed over and asked, “What happened?”


    “She got scared”


    After a thorough examination, Elysia was taken to a room for recovery and ced on an IV to replenish


    her nutrients.


    Lowell, amiving in a hurry, checked on Elysia first, “Ms. Thome alright?”


    Tarquin, standing by the bed, grimaced, “She’s fine! What did you find out?


    “It was Allegra’s doing, probably still upset about Lionel. They needed someone tosh out at, and they


    chose Ms. Thome”


    The Bradfords now knew that Tarquin wasn’t responsible for Lionel’s death, it was likely Gideon acting


    out of a grudge rted to Elijah.


    Allegra, not daring to confront Gideon or Tarquin directly, targeted Elysia because she had


    inadvertently saved Elijah. The logic was simple yet twisted: Elysia had to pay


    Tarquin’s expression darkened with anger, but before he could respond, Elysia suddenly asked, “Who’s


    taking out on me?