?Chapter 662:


    Makenna’s POV:


    The fluorescent lights of the hospital corridor buzzed faintly as I sat outside the emergency room, biting my nails. Anxiety burned inside me like a fever.


    Atst, the doors swung open, and a doctor emerged, his mask hanging loosely around his neck. His expression was calm—thankfully so.


    “Miss Dunn, the patient’s condition has been stabilized. He’s ready to be transferred to a regr ward.”


    “Thank you, Doctor. Truly.” Relief swept over me, so overwhelming it left me momentarily lightheaded.


    Once Martin was moved to a ward, I lingered by his bedside, watching his pale face against the crisp white hospital sheets. Seeing him so weak only deepened the ache of guilt lodged in my chest.


    “I’m sorry, Martin,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “This is all my fault.”


    His eyes fluttered open, and despite his frailty, he managed a faint, reassuring smile. “Miss Dunn, please don’t say that. I owe you my life. You’re the kindest person I’ve ever met…”


    His words, meant tofort me, only twisted the knife of my guilt deeper.


    He sighed, the sound heavy with resignation. “But you can’t save me forever. Antoni… he won’t stop. He’lle for me again.”


    The mention of Antoni ignited a fire within me, and my hands curled into fists. “Don’t worry about him,” I said firmly, my voice sharp with resolve. “No matter what, I’ll protect you.”


    Martin shook his head weakly, despair flickering in his tired eyes. “You shouldn’t have to, Miss Dunn. This isn’t your fight…”


    “Why would you say that?” I asked, frowning.


    “You risked everything to save someone like me—a mere servant. I’m grateful, more than you know, but I can’t let you put yourself in harm’s way for me again. Antoni is dangerous, powerful. If he targets you, he won’t spare—”


    “Enough,” I cut him off, leaning closer. “Martin, you’re not just a servant. You’re a person who matters. And I won’t stand by and let him hurt you again. I promise.”


    “But…” He looked like he wanted to argue, but he fell silent.


    The tense quiet was shattered by the sharp bang of the ward door flying open.


    Bryan stormed in, his eyes immediately seeking me out. “Makenna, are you hurt?” he demanded, striding toward me. Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed my hand, his gaze scanning me as if searching for injuries.


    His sudden appearance sent a chill through me. I pulled my hand from his grasp, my tone clipped and distant. “I’m fine. What are you doing here?”


    Bryan’s expression shifted, wounded by my coldness. “I heard from Amon that something happened. I was worried and came as soon as I could.”


    Worried…


    For a fleeting moment, his concern tugged at my heart, but then the memory of him with Evelyn resurfaced, slicing through any warmth. My gaze hardened. “Your concern is noted but unnecessary. As you can see, I’m fine.”


    “Makenna…” His tone softened, his hand reaching for mine again. “Come on, don’t throw a tantrum, okay?”


    His pleading only stoked my irritation. With Martin still lying there, frail and vulnerable, this was thest thing I wanted to deal with. I yanked my hand away with more force than intended, turning sharply in an attempt to distance myself, but in my haste, I stumbled and collided painfully with the sharp corner of the bedside table.


    Makenna’s POV:


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