Chapter 63 Heartbeat
Ariana’s POV:
I
+8 Pearls
It wasn’t until Paget was wheeled into surgery that I finally exhaled, noticing the extent of the blood staining my hands and
dress
Just days earlier, Paget had undergone kidney surgery, leaving his body still in a fragile state. The outcome was uncertain.
With the incident, the banquet naturally came to an abrupt halt, and members of the Sartre Family, along with Stefan. rushed to the hospital.
As the surgical light cast its glow, Cabor’s eyes subtly reddened, though it was unclear whether from anger or worry for Paget. Morgana gently patted his chest, whispering. Don’t worry, he’ll be alright.”
In his frustration, Cabot muttered in French, “Find that person, I want him skinned alive!”
Morgana exchanged a look with Lucian Sartre, the second son of the Sartre Family, who then left with Lukas.
Noticing the blood on me, Morgana approached, taking my cold hand in hers, and softly said, “Thank you for everything today. If you hadn’t been there, Paget might not have made it… You should go back with Stef, wash up, and change your clothes. I’ll host a dinner soon to express our gratitude.
It was clear that Morgana’s words weren’t mere formality; there was genuine gratitude, behind them. She took her role as a stepmother seriously.
1 sighed. “It’s alright, Mrs. Sartre. I’ve already briefed the doctors, letting them know that Paget recently had surgery, so they should be cautious. I’ll head out now. If you need any further help, just let me know.”
Morgana nodded, seeing Stefan and me off before returning inside.
As things settled, fatigue crept in–a natural response after such intense tension and sudden relief.
Noticing the blood staining my clothes, I glanced over at Stefan. For once, he seemed unfazed, his focus entirely on the road. ahead.
Suddenly. I remembered how his first instinct when Paget was shot had been to shield me. As I replayed the scene in my mind—his swift reflexes and the strength behind his actions–my heart fluttered uncontrollably.
I quickly quelled the emotions stirring within me, reminding myself that this man was not someone I should allow myself to fantasize about. He was merely upholding the basic chivalry expected of any man,
The ringing of my phone pierced the quiet in the car. I glanced at the caller ID–Figaro.
Feeling a pang of guilt, I stole another glance at Stefan before leaning closer to the window to answer the call. “Hello?”
On the other end, Figaro inquired about the night’s unexpected events. “Is Paget alright?”
1 answered honestly. “We’re not sure yet, but he received immediate treatment, so he’s likely out of danger. You should head home too, tonight’s been chaotic”
After a brief pause, Figaro continued, “Are you okay? I saw Stefan protecting you, so I didn’t approach…”
When I looked at Stefan again, I found his gaze already on me. Hastily, I said goodbye to Figaro and hung up, a strange tension settling over me.
A message arrived soon after 1 ended the call. Assuming it was from Figaro, I didn’t check it until I got home and entered the bathroom. To my surprise, it was from James, not Figaro.
It turned out James had also been at the party, though he hadn’t approached me–perhaps to avoid drawing attention to our
Beyond asking if I had been frightened, James also praised my composure during the crisis. But his compliments felt
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12:07 PM C
Chapter 63 Heartbeat
through: ‘I saw you and Stefan by the pool. Your relationship doesn’t seem purely sibling–like.”
