?Chapter 1605:


    Once the procedure concluded, the doctor studied Ste’s ashen face with stern concern. “The wounds show early signs of infection, and you’ve lost significant blood. You’ll require intravenous fluids immediately. Given your weakened state, I strongly rmendprehensive testing.”


    William retrieved his phone without hesitation and ced a call. Within thirty minutes, Ste found herself transferred to a premium private ward — spacious and luminous, a luxury that vastly exceeded standard hospital amodations.


    William entered behind her, his gaze dropping to where Stey against pristine white sheets. He maintained silence, though his attention drifted involuntarily to her heavily bandaged arm.


    Ste turned her head toward him weakly, her voice soft with forced lightness. “I’m sorry for causing trouble. If you have obligations elsewhere, please don’t feel required to stay.”


    William’s eyes narrowed fractionally. “Today’s Saturday.”


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    The realization struck Ste like ice water — she hadpletely forgotten what day it was. She pivoted quickly, manufacturing an excuse. “I need the restroom.”


    Tasha, who had remained nearby, moved immediately to help Ste toward the bathroom. Once inside, Ste took out her phone and sent a message to Steven: “Get William out of here immediately. Any excuse works — just don’t let him stay beside me!”


    Steven frowned when the message appeared on his screen but ced the call to William regardless.


    When Ste emerged from the bathroom, William’s expression had darkened considerably. She blinked up at him with carefully arranged innocence. “Is something wrong? I heard your phone while I was inside.”


    William locked his gaze onto her face, searching for evidence of deception. Beyond her pallor and the dark circles shadowing her eyes, he found nothing. He wrenched his gaze away. “An issue developed at thepany. I need to handle it personally.”


    Ste met his eyes withplete earnestness. “I won’t disappear. Look at my condition — where could I possibly go?”


    William hesitated for several tense seconds before turning and striding from the ward. Momentster, his voice drifted through the door from the hallway. “Luca, get to the hospital immediately.”


    Twenty minutes passed before Luca materialized at the ward entrance, tasked with monitoring Ste throughout her IV treatment per William’s explicit instructions. Before departing, William fixed Ste with one final prating look, then pivoted and vanished down the corridor without a backward nce.


    Luca approached the bedside, his voice dropping to something gentle and concerned. “Ms. Russell, why inflict this on yourself? Surely other options existed.” Self-harm was the most dangerous gamble she could have chosen.


    “It was the only escape route avable.” Ste’s response came barely above a whisper. She paused before adding, “You won’t tell him what I actually did, will you?”


    Luca shook his head firmly. “Mr. Briggs instructed me to watch you and prevent you from leaving. He said nothing about restricting your other activities.”


    Steughed softly at that, amused by his interpretation of orders. He possessed considerable cunning beneath that loyal exterior.


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