?Chapter 125:


    “My dress…” she murmured, just enough to sell the scene. “K, are you alright?”


    Noah’s attention snapped immediately, his concern surfacing in an instant.


    His voice was filled with worry, his eyes scanning her as if she might crumble at any second.


    “I’m sorry, Sadie. I didn’t mean to spill the champagne on you…” K let out a soft, breathy sigh, adding with a wince, “I think I twisted my ankle.”


    “It’s fine,” Sadie said coolly, turning to leave. “I’ll just go get changed.” She seized the opportunity, eager to escape the suffocating tension. But just as she pivoted, Noah’s hand shot out, his fingers wrapping around her wrist with surprising force.


    “I’lle with you.”


    A sh of panic darted through Sadie’s eyes as she yanked her wrist, trying to break free from his grip.


    “That’s not necessary. I can handle it myself,” she replied, forcing a calm tone even as urgency wed at her. She needed to get out of there—fast.


    But before she could make another move, K gasped sharply, her hand flying to her chest as she staggered, her face going pale.


    “Noah… my chest… it’s killing me…” Her voice was barely a whisper, strained and weak, like she might crumble to the floor any second.


    Noah’s focus snapped to her instantly. His fingers loosened around Sadie’s wrist as he rushed to K’s side, slipping an arm around her to steady her wobbling frame.


    “K, what’s going on? Talk to me!”


    The guests, drawn by the suddenmotion, crowded in, their whispers quickly growing louder.


    “What’s happening to Miss Wade?”


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    “Should we call for a doctor?”


    “Maybe she should be escorted to the hospital—now!”


    While all eyes were on K and her dramatic disy, Sadie quietly edged toward the back of the hall. Without hesitation, she slipped through the door and into the cool night air.


    She broke into a run, her breath sharp and ragged, her heart mming against her ribs like it was trying to escape her chest.


    Every few steps, Sadie nced over her shoulder, worried that Noah might chase after her.


    But then she reminded herself—with K putting on such a show, Noah wouldn’t have the presence of mind to think about anyone else. Sadie exhaled shakily, realizing her fears were running ahead of her.


    Once she’d left the hotel’s noise and lights behind, she slowed down enough to catch her breath. Pulling out her phone with trembling fingers, she quickly dialed Alex’s number.


    “Alex, I’m at the back entrance of the hotel. Can you send someone to get me?” Sadie’s voice wavered slightly, but she fought to steady it, trying to keep herposure.


    “Got it. I’ll handle it right away,” Alex replied, his voice calm and reassuring, a steady anchor amidst Sadie’s growing anxiety.


    Just as she was about to end the call, a sudden screech of tires tore through the quiet night.


    A ck car barreled around the corner at an rming speed, its headlights blinding. Sadie barely had a second to react before a crushing force mmed into her, lifting her off her feet.


    Pain exploded through her body as she hit the ground hard, her phone flying from her grasp and skidding across the pavement.


    “Ah!” A raw cry of agony escaped her lips as her vision blurred, darkness creeping in at the edges.


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