Chapter 871 He Is Fine, That's Good

Chapter 871 He Is Fine, That's Good

"Your Majesty, terrible news! Your actions have been exposed online. The public is outraged, and Colorful Clouds District has issued a warrant for your arrest. They're likely on their way now."

The elderly advisor delivered the grim news with visible distress.

Kelsey's face contorted with rage. "Damn it all!"

"That wretched Garrett! My plan was nearly complete, and now he and that strange man with him have ruined everything!" She swept her arm across the desk, sending objects crashing to the floor. Her entire face twisted with fury.

"Your Majesty, this isn't the time for anger. We must flee immediately," the advisor urged.

"What of the men I sent after them?" Kelsey demanded.

"Your Majesty, reports indicate someone was shot during the confrontation. Dwayne fell from the vehicle and is barely alive. It seems they didn't fare much better."

A cold smile spread across Kelsey's face. "They got what they deserved."

Her eyes gleamed with cunning. "The one who was shot—is he dead?"

Kelsey remained unaware that the wounded man was Ethan.

"I... I'm not certain, Your Majesty."

Though frustrated, she composed herself. "Regardless, Garrett will surely take him to a hospital. Send our people after them and..." She made a slashing motion across her throat.

In her mind, Garrett and his associates deserved death for destroying her plans.

"I'll arrange it immediately, Your Majesty," the advisor nodded, reaching for his phone.

Just then, police sirens wailed outside.

"Your Majesty, the authorities are here! We must go now!"

Kelsey's expression shifted to panic. "They won't capture me. I will rise again. Move!"

"This way, Your Majesty."

They fled toward the secret passage in the back.

Meanwhile, Ashley pleaded with the driver through tears, "Please, drive faster!"

She cradled Ethan in her arms, one hand pressed against his wound. Her sobbing was heartbreaking, and the stress caused a dull ache in her abdomen.

Garrett sat in the passenger seat, visibly anxious. "Ashley, try to stay calm. We're almost at the hospital."

The car swerved sharply, finally pulling up to the hospital entrance.

As soon as they stopped, Garrett jumped out and rushed to Ethan's side. "Ashley, I'll get him to emergency. You handle the admission paperwork."

Ashley wiped her tears hastily. "Okay."

After completing the necessary forms, she hurried to the emergency room. "Dad, what did the doctors say?"

"Ashley, please sit down first." Garrett helped her to a chair. "The surgery is still ongoing, but I saw his wound—it's not deep and missed any vital areas. He'll be fine."

Ashley nodded, trying to believe his reassurance. They sat outside the operating room, and though her heart raced with anxiety, her expression gradually calmed.

Suddenly, her phone rang. The caller ID showed Andy.

"Hello, Andy? Why are you calling at this hour? It must be early morning where you are."

"Mommy, I saw international news saying you had an affair and Daddy died coughing blood from anger. That can't be true, right?" Anxiety laced his young voice.

Ashley hadn't realized the news had spread overseas already.

"Andy, has everyone at home seen these reports?"

"We just got the news this morning. I saw it when I woke up. Everyone else will probably see it soon."

Ashley understood the time delay between Gold Valley District and their home country.

"Andy, it's all fake news. If anyone mentions it, tell them you've spoken with me directly and confirmed it's false."

"I understand." Andy sounded relieved.

"Mommy, I miss Daddy. Is he with you? I want to talk to him."

Ashley glanced worriedly at the operating room doors. "Andy, your father is busy working. When he's available, I'll have him call you back, okay?"

"Okay!" His tone brightened immediately.

"Mommy, Daddy's wedding is coming up soon! Nate and I already got permission from our teachers. We're coming early to be ring bearers at the wedding!"

The child's innocent excitement lightened Ashley's mood. She looked toward the operating room, imagining her and Ethan's wedding day with a mixture of emotions and hope.

"When are you and Nate arriving, Andy?"

"We have tickets for the day after tomorrow. Grandpa, Grandma, Landon, and Liam are all coming too."

"Good. Your father and I will pick you up together."

"Okay, Mommy. I should go now."

"Goodbye, sweetheart."

After hanging up, melancholy settled over Ashley's features.

Garrett noticed and patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Ashley, don't worry. Ethan will be fine."

Ashley prayed silently, 'Please be alright, my love.'

Suddenly, the operating room light went off. A doctor emerged.

Ashley and Garrett rushed forward. She grabbed the doctor's arm anxiously. "Doctor, how is he? Is his life in danger?"

"You must be family. Don't worry—the bullet didn't hit any vital organs. He'll wake up once the anesthesia wears off. Just make sure he avoids strenuous activity and keeps the wound clean to prevent infection."

Relief washed over Ashley. "Thank goodness. Thank you, doctor."

A nurse wheeled out a gurney with Ethan lying on his side, his face pale and colorless.

Ashley approached him, tenderly caressing his face. "My love, I'm so glad you're okay. Everything's settled now. Andy and Nate will be here soon, and our wedding will proceed as planned. You need to recover quickly."

Though Ethan still wore the mask, in her mind, Ashley saw only his true face.

On the bed, Ethan's eyelashes fluttered slightly, as if he'd heard Ashley's voice.

No one noticed the sinister figures lurking in the corner, their malevolent gazes fixed on the group.