?Chapter 857:


    “Are you sure about this, Mr. Ward? These items… are not exactly safe,” the man asked quietly, almost as if afraid to hear the answer.


    “Don’t mention this to anyone. Just go.” Vince shot him a fierce look and waved him away.


    After the man disappeared, Vince opened the box himself. Inside, rows of detonatorsy perfectly arranged. Madness flickered in his eyes as he reached for one, letting his fingers glide over its icy surface. A crooked grin twisted his mouth.


    “Maia, you belong to me. I won’t let anyone take you away.” His voice dropped to a hoarse, almost monstrous whisper, and his stare grew even more feverish. “This time, Maia, you’ll have to decide.”


    Vince gave a low, chillingugh, his tone heavy with obsession and finality. “Either you choose to stay with me, or we’ll go down together.”


    A wicked smile lingered on his lips, sealing his resolve.


    At the Sceibar Royal Academy Affiliated Hospital, Chris was bouncing back with surprising speed.


    Every instruction the doctor gave, Maia took seriously. She never missed a chance to remind him not to let his emotions get the better of him, especially after what had happened thest time.


    “You need to start thinking of yourself as someone who’s still recovering!” Maia stood at his bedside, her voice firm butced with care.


    Chris gave her a faint smile and nodded. “Okay, okay. I’ll listen to you, honey.”


    Still, he couldn’t help but add, “Honestly, I feel almost normal. Remember when I got shot before? I bounced back pretty quickly that time too.”


    Maia narrowed her eyes at him. What he failed to mention was how quickly he had improved back then, as she had been feeding him nothing but healing soups and restorative meals.


    “Thatst injury was different. It was only on the surface. But this one — it’s inside, and it’s far more dangerous. You need to start treating this seriously. I can’t bear the thought of watching you copse again.”


    ?????????? ???????? ???????? ???????????? — ????????????: ????????????????﹒??????


    Her gaze softened as she sat by the bed and lowered her voice. “Also, the surgical n to remove the bullet fragment from your head still needs work. Until it’s finalized, we can’t afford another setback.”


    She didn’t say it out loud, but the words echoed in her chest: You have to hold on, Chris. I need more time to perfect the craniotomy.


    Chris, moved by the weight of her concern, whispered, “Okay. I’ll wait. I give you my word.”


    By the following morning, with every medical testing back clean, Chris was cleared to leave the hospital.


    Just as they were preparing to head out, Alice hurried over, her energy impossible to miss. “Ms. Watson, don’t forget to message me once you return to Wront! People here in Otrultho are already talking about you — you’ve be quite the sensation. Grover’s even feeling guilty for missing his chance to treat you to a proper dinner. I didn’t mention what really happened, though. He still thinks you left Sceibar a while ago.”


    With a lightugh, Maia said, “I’ll make sure to visit again when I get the chance!”


    Although clearly reluctant, Alice walked Maia and Chris to the airport and kept waving until they disappeared into the terminal.


    Based on the schedule, their flight was expected tond at Wront International Airport by 5 p.m. that evening.<fn9642> Content originallyes from find{n}ovel</fn9642>


    .


    .


    .