(Virgina’s POV)


    In the surgery waiting room, I find a corner chair and copse into it. <fn45ce> Chapters first released on FιndNovel</fn45ce>


    James approaches me hesitantly. “Virginia, are you alright? You look pale.”


    “I’m fine,” I lie, not looking up at him. “Just worried about Jasper.”


    $25 Points


    He nods and moves away, probably sensing I don’t wantpany. Good. I don’t want their pity or their concern. I don’t want anything from people who will never truly ept me.


    Across the room, ir and Scarlett are still talking quietly. I can’t hear their words, but I can see the way ir strokes Scarlett’s arm, the way she wipes away her tears with gentle fingers.


    The way she looks at her like she’s precious. Irreceable.


    “I’m worried about Jasper,” Scarlett says, loud enough for me to hear. “What if something happens to him? What if-”


    “Shh,” ir soothes. “He’s going to be fine. He’s strong, and he’s a fighter. He’ll pull through


    this.”


    The reassurance she offers so easily to Scarlett. Thefort she provides without hesitation.


    Where was thatfort when I called her crying about my panic attacks? Where was that fierce protectiveness when I needed someone to fight for me?


    I’ve been trying to earn their love for years, but it was never really avable to me. It was always reserved for her, even when they thought she was lost to them.


    Finally, after what feels like forever, Dr. Martin emerges from the room, removing his gloves. We crowd around him, desperate for news.


    “He’s stable,” he says, and the collective sigh of relief is audible. “We managed to stop the seizure and get his vitals back to normal.”


    “What caused it?” James asks. “He was fine a while ago.”


    “That’s what we need to talk about.” Dr. Martin looks at each of us seriously. “Even though Mr. ke appears unconscious, his brain is still processing sensory input. He can hear what’s being said around him, and his body can react to emotional stimuli.”


    < Chapter 137


    My blood turns to ice.


    +25 Points


    “Something someone said triggered a stress response that caused the seizure,” the doctor continues. “From now on, you need to be very careful about what you discuss in his presence. Positive, calming conversation only. No arguments, no upsetting topics.<b>” </b>


    “He can hear us?” Scarlett asks, her voice small.


    “Yes. The subconscious mind doesn’t shut down during unconsciousness. He’s aware, on some level, of what’s happening around him.”


    The doctor gives us a few more instructions about visiting hours and care protocols, then leaves us alone in the hallway.


    I can’t look at anyone. Can’t meet their eyes. Because I know what triggered Jasper’s crisis.


    My promise to make Scarlett pay.


    That knowledge, that connection between them that not even a head injury can break, fills me with a rage so pure it’s almost blinding.


    Even unconscious, he reacted so strongly to my intention to harm her. Is it impossible for me to defeat Scarlett Stone in this life?


    No, I refuse to believe it.


    Love, no matter how strong, has an expiration date.


    Scarlett is already engaged to Dorian, and soon, they’ll be married. No matter how much he loves her, Jasper can’t possibly pin for another man’s wife forever.


    I manage to keep my expression neutral, my voice steady, as the family begins to discuss visiting schedules and who will stay overnight. I stand at the side, ying the part of the obedient daughter, the concerned friend whenever I get pulled into the conversation.


    My phone buzzes with a text message. Unknown number, but the words make my blood run


    cold.


    “Heard your boyfriend is in surgery. Shame about theplications. Next time, keep him away from targets.”


    John. He’s watching somehow, keeping track of what’s happening, probably to report to Morgan.


    I delete the message quickly, looking around to make sure no one saw. Thest thing I need is questions about who might be texting me at a time like this.


    +25 Points


    But the message confirms what I already suspected–this is far from over. Morgan may have. failed tonight, but she’s not done with Scarlett. And neither am I.


    The difference is, I won’t make the same mistakes Morgan made. I won’t rely on outside help


    or borate schemes.


    I’ll be smarter. More careful.


    As I watch irfort Scarlett like the daughter she’s always been, my resolve hardens into something cold and sharp.


    Jasper isying on a cold bed because of her. My family is torn apart because of her. My entire existence has been defined by living in her shadow.


    But shadows can be eliminated. They disappear when you remove the source of light.


    And I’m going to snuff out Scarlett Stone once and for all.


    And I’ll make sure that next time, there’s no hero rushing in to save the day. Not Jasper.


    Not even Dorian.


    Violet Moon


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