?Chapter 129:


    She bit down on her lip, trying topose herself, but her gaze flickered nervously. “Noah… what are you talking about? I’m really not well. My chest—it hurts so badly—”


    “Oh, really?” Noah let out a cold, humorlessugh, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. Without another nce at her, he turned to Samuel. “Go get the doctor who was on dutyst night.”


    Samuel didn’t hesitate. He spun on his heel and left the room, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.


    K’s heart pounded in her chest, dread creeping in. She clutched the quilt tightly, her knuckles turning white, fighting to keep her breathing steady.


    Minutester, Samuel returned with a doctor in tow.


    “Tell me, Doctor—does Miss Wade’s condition match the emergency she ims it is?” Noah’s voice was like ice, his tone leaving no room for excuses.


    The doctor nced nervously between Noah and K before finally speaking, his voice cautious. “Well… there are some minor issues with her heart, but nothing severe. We can’t entirely rule out the possibility of suddenplications, though.”


    His words were careful, measured, as if he were walking a tightrope.


    Noah gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “Both of you, leave.” Samuel and the doctor didn’t need to be told twice. They exchanged quick nces of relief before slipping out the door, closing it softly behind them.


    “Noah… why are you questioning me like this? Don’t you trust me?” As soon as they were gone, K turned to Noah, her eyes welling up with fresh tears. Her voice wavered, thick with feigned hurt.


    But Noah’s stare only grew colder, his jaw tightening. The pity in K’s expression did nothing to soften him; in fact, it solidified what he already knew in his heart. “Everything that happenedst night…”


    His voice was low, razor-sharp. “It was all part of your n, wasn’t it?”


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    K’s face paled, the mask slipping as panic flickered in her eyes. “No… no, it’s not like that, Noah. You’ve got it all wrong!”


    “Then tell me, do you know someone named Ryder Clifford?” Noah leaned in slightly, his gaze piercing through her.


    K’s breath hitched. “R-Ryder Clifford?” she repeated, her voice quivering. “I… I don’t know anyone by that name…”


    Noah watched her carefully, the guilt etched across her face dissolving any lingering doubt. In that moment, he knew—she was involved in what happenedst night.


    “I’ll find Ryder soon, and when I do, the truth wille out.” With that, Noah spun on his heel and left the room without a backward nce, his footsteps echoing down the hall.


    Back in the ward, K copsed against the pillows, her body trembling, her face as white as the hospital sheets. She never imagined Noah would suspect her—never thought he’d be so cold, so unforgiving. Meanwhile, outside the room, Noah’s expression hardened as he turned to Samuel.


    “Keep an eye on K. I want to know her every move. If she so much as blinks suspiciously, report it to me immediately.”


    Samuel nodded sharply. “Yes, Mr. Wall.”


    Without another word, Noah stalked out of the hospital and into his car.


    He pounded the steering wheel with such force that the veins in his hands bulged, his knuckles white from the pressure.


    Where the hell was Sadie? His mind kept reying the same image—Sadie’s pale, fragile face and the horrifying pool of blood staining the pavement.


    Minutester, the car screeched to a halt in front of the bar belonging to Jim’s family.


    Without hesitation, Noah jumped out, his stride purposeful and tense as he stormed through the bar’s entrance.


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