With a nod, she was allowed in.


    The room held a faint scent of antiseptic and blood.


    Matthew was there, lying motionless, his face a canvas of pallor.


    Neville, spotting Ste, let his guard down a bit.


    Ste turned to Neville and Miley with a firm nod.


    Neville, take Miley back to the hotel for some rest.


    Ill stick around here with Matthew.


    She then made her way to the bed, eased into the chair beside it, and gently grasped Matthews hand.


    The room was wrapped in silence as Ste looked at Matthew, her brow creased with worry yet tinged with relief that he had pulled through the worst. Then, a sharp pain jabbed at her abdomen.


    She parted her lips, a torrent of unspoken words poised to spill out, yet all her fears and hopes shrank into a single plea.


    Just wake up, Matthew, and I1Ll agree to anything.


    News of the chaos at the castle had inevitably trickled out.


    Lindsays death hadnt made much of a ripple, perhaps muddied by theplexities surrounding it.


    Yet, the fierce showdown between Matthew and Den caught the public eye like a wildfire.


    Far away in Seamarsh, Waldo and Lucia also heard the news.


    Ovee with worry, they quickly made ns to head to Dorburn, reaching out to Ste to let her know they were on their way.


    Ste acknowledged their worry with a quiet eptance. Despite Matthews condition stabilizing, he hadnt regained consciousness.


    Waldo and Lucia needed to see him with their own eyes to truly be at peace.


    After ending the call, Ste returned to the sterile quiet of the hospital room to tend to Matthew.


    She delicately drew back the nket.


    The sight of his bandaged torso, a stark reminder of his ordeal, brought tears to her eyes.


    The wound had been dressed, but the bulky bandages spoke volumes about the depth of his injury.


    Her heart heavy, she touched him with the utmost care, as if even the slightest pressure could deepen his pain.


    Waldo and Lucia arrived at the hospital Later that afternoon.


    The moment they stepped into the room andid eyes on the unconscious Matthew, their faces crumpled in grief. Tears welled up as they took in the sight of their grandson, so still and pale.


    Overwhelmed by the scene, Stes voice broke with emotion.


    Im so sorry.


    Its my fault Matthew got injured-he was saving me.


    Waldo and Lucia waved quickly, their hands cutting through the air as Waldo eximed, Ste, we dont me you at all.


    Memories of Lindsay brought a shadow of grief to their faces, but they held back their thoughts, not wanting to weigh down Stes spirit.


    This time, their task bore great significance: returning Lindsays ashes to her family and shedding light on the unfortunate events to the Wheeler family.


    Under the vignt care of Cordell and Bradly, Matthew showed signs of improvement, although consciousness still eluded him.


    After thoughtful discussions and securing Cordells and Bradlys consent, they decided to transport Matthew from Dorburn to Seamarsh, hoping for breakthrough treatments.