?Chapter 40:


    Katelyn hastened towards the ICU room, closely followed by Cristina.


    Inside, the sharp smell of disinfectant filled the air. Vincenty on the bed, hisplexion ghastly pale, his lips devoid of color, with an IV drip attached to his hand. Despite his weakened state, a certain intensity remained evident in his gaze.


    Cristina, anxious and concerned, questioned, “How do you feel now, Vincent? Are you in pain?”


    Vincent managed a slow shake of his head, his expression tinged with difort. “Why are you here?”


    Cristina’s voice broke with emotion. “Are you trying to keep this a secret from me? Do you realize how risky your surgery was? I was afraid I might lose you.”


    For years, they had leaned on each other deeply. Cristina had grown to rely on him for everything.


    Vincent weakly murmured, “I’m fine,” attempting to reassure her.


    Relief washed over Katelyn upon seeing Vincent awake, but it was short-lived when he noticed the mark on her face, and his eyes darkened instantly. “Who pped you?” he demanded.


    Katelyn froze, worried about the potential conflict between mother and son. Before she could fabricate an excuse, Cristina admitted, “I did.”


    Katelyn’s surprise was evident, and Vincent’s frown deepened.


    Cristina, her expression stern, exined, “Since she entered your life, nothing but trouble has followed. I even thought she might have hidden motives for getting to you.”


    Vincent attempted to sit up, prompting Katelyn to quickly stop him. “Lie down and rest. Don’t move,” she urged gently.


    Additional chapters at g ??ln ov els .???? ??


    Vincent coughed, struggling with difort, prompting Katelyn to adjust the window to keep the draft away.


    Vincent then addressed his mother, rifying, “Mom, someone is targeting me, not Katelyn. She’s been unwittingly caught up in this.”


    Cristina appeared skeptical, given the string of unsettling coincidences.


    “And what about the death of that employee from yourpany?”


    Vincent’s voice was low and firm. “This is no ident. Someone is orchestrating these events for their own ends. The police are on it.”


    Despite his frailty, his conviction was palpable.


    Cristina’s demeanor softened as regret crept in. She nced at Katelyn, lowering her gaze. “I’m sorry, Miss Bailey. I misunderstood the situation and acted rashly.”


    Katelyn maintained a neutral tone. “It’s fine. You are his mother. I can understand your worry and anxiety in such a situation.”


    She pondered that had she been in Cristina’s shoes, her reaction might not have been much calmer.


    Cristina, unlike the stereotypical domineering, arrogant rich women, was quick to acknowledge her missteps. As she evaluated Katelyn, a look of respect flickered in her eyes.


    Faced with skepticism, Katelyn sinctly exined the events. She skillfully used the loopholes in her words to her advantage, rather than just inly emphasizing her innocence.


    As for the p, Katelyn remainedposed, her demeanor neither submissive nor aggressive, a testament to her equanimity.


    Noticing Vincent’s difort, Katelyn gently inquired, “Do you want some water?”


    Vincent gave a slight nod. With no drinkable water in sight, Katelyn headed to the water room for a disposable cup.


    Meanwhile, Cristina adjusted Vincent’s covers, her eyes reflecting emotional gratitude. “It’s the first time I’ve seen you treat a woman so differently,” she remarked.


    Vincent, historically disinterested in romantic entanglements, had prompted Cristina to once half-jokingly question his orientation.


    Responding inly, Vincent assured, “Don’t be absurd. We’re just colleagues, and I wouldn’t let her get involved in my troubles.”


    Cristina, moved by his defense,plimented softly, “Katelyn is truly admirable.”


    Vincent remained silent, reflecting on his mother’s words as Katelyn returned with water. The discussion concluded without further debate.


    After helping Vincent drink, Cristina watched as Katelyn, bag in hand, announced her departure to resume her work.


    “Mr. Adams, I must get back to my tasks now.”


    Vincent acknowledged with a simple nod. “Okay.”


    Exchanging a respectful nod with Cristina, Katelyn left, intent on returning home to continue her work. Unexpectedly, she encountered two familiar faces upon exiting the hospital, her expression darkening instantly.


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