Chapter 257 He Is Back

Katherine's POV

Selena's face crumpled as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her shoulders shook with each sob, leaving both Alexander and me at a complete loss. Every attempt at conversation was met with more crying.

Alexander shifted uncomfortably beside me, his patience visibly wearing thin. "Selena, you're not giving us anything to work with here. Could you please—"

"Alexander," I interrupted, placing my hand on his arm. "Why don't you sit over there and let me handle this?" I nodded toward a chair in the corner of the ward.

He gave me a surprised look but complied without argument. I turned back to Selena, who was still crying into her hands, and reached for the tissue box on her bedside table.

"Ms. Garcia," I said gently, offering her a tissue. "Take a deep breath. We want to help you. But we need to understand what happened first."

Selena accepted the tissue, her fingers trembling slightly as she pressed it delicately to the corners of her damp eyes. Her breathing, still hitched with the occasional near-sob, gradually began to steady, the ragged edges smoothing out.

A heavy silence descended upon the room then, thick and almost palpable, punctuated only by the steady, rhythmic beeping of the nearby hospital monitors—a stark, sterile counterpoint to the raw emotion lingering in the air.

"I had a boyfriend," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander and I exchanged surprised glances.

"After Alexander refused the arranged marriage between our families," she continued, staring down at her trembling hands, "I met someone. I kept it private because I was worried about my father's reaction. I thought..." her voice cracked, "I thought we'd wait until Dad got better, then introduce them. It was supposed to be a happy moment."

I nodded encouragingly, noticing the dark smudges under her eyes.

"But when he found out my leg might need to be amputated, he disappeared," she continued. "Ever since we returned from Portland, I haven't been able to reach him. His phone is disconnected, and he's cleared out his apartment."

My heart softened toward her. Whatever history existed between us, I couldn't help but empathize with her pain. Being abandoned when you're at your most vulnerable is a special kind of betrayal.

"Ms. Garcia, I understand how devastating this must feel," I said, meaning every word. "If Alexander had abandoned me because of something like this, I'd be heartbroken too." I glanced at Alexander, who was watching us intently. "But someone who leaves when things get difficult isn't worth destroying yourself over."

Selena looked up at me, her eyes red-rimmed. "I'm sorry, Katherine. I just wanted to disappear quietly. I never meant for you two to find me and bring me here." She twisted the tissue in her hands. "It's my own fault for being so weak, for not being able to handle this."

I shook my head. "You're not weak."

"I really didn't want to burden you both," she continued. "When Alexander rejected our families' arrangement, I was disappointed, but I understood. You two have such a strong connection—I couldn't come between that." Her voice grew softer. "Then I thought I'd found real love, but now my leg is ruined, and it seems like I'll never marry. But don't worry about me, Katherine. I can manage on my own!"

"Ms. Garcia, there's no need to be so pessimistic," Alexander said, rising from his chair. "I've already contacted a specialist team from Sweden to treat your leg. They arrived in Seattle yesterday. If you'd like, I can arrange for them to examine you right away."

I noticed Selena's eyes widen before she suddenly slumped back against her pillows, eyes closed.

"Selena?" I shouted. "Nurse! Doctor! Someone, please help!"

A doctor rushed in, quickly checking Selena's vitals before turning to us with a stern expression. "I warned you both that Ms. Garcia can't handle any stress right now. You'll need to leave—I'm restricting visiting hours from now on."

Alexander looked bewildered. "I was only offering to help with her treatment. How is that stressful?"

"Let's just go," I said, tugging at his sleeve. "She's clearly not in any condition for a consultation right now."

As we walked down the corridor, I couldn't shake a nagging feeling about Selena's reaction. Something didn't add up.

Would someone really attempt suicide just because they were abandoned by a boyfriend? Especially someone as strong and independent as Selena always appeared to be?

We were almost at the exit when I heard quick footsteps behind us.

"Mr. Hudson! Ms. Jordan!" It was Ava, Selena's secretary, slightly out of breath from chasing after us.

"With Ms. Garcia in this condition, she can't handle company affairs, and with Mr. Garcia still hospitalized..." Ava hesitated. "The company needs guidance. Ms. Garcia mentioned in her note that she trusted you to handle things, Mr. Hudson, so I was hoping—"

"Say no more," Alexander interrupted. "I'll take care of Garcia Group's immediate needs. Call me anytime something requires attention."

"Thank you, sir," Ava's relief was palpable as she hurried back toward Selena's room.

We walked to my car in the parking lot. The day's events weighed heavily on me.

"Alexander, you need to take the Garcia Group situation seriously," I said as we got in.

"I will," he promised.

"There's something else you should know." I paused, gathering my thoughts as I started the engine. "Anthony's condition has deteriorated rapidly. He barely recognizes me anymore, and he's unconscious more often than awake. This doesn't align with his Alzheimer's diagnosis at all."

Alexander's expression darkened. "What are you suggesting?"

"I think someone within Garcia Group might be deliberately harming Anthony."

Alexander's jaw tightened. "I'll have this investigated immediately. And Katherine," he reached for my hand, "please be careful. After the kidnapping incident, I've increased security at both home and the office."

The rest of our drive passed in thoughtful silence. I couldn't help wondering if Selena's suicide attempt was connected to whatever was happening with her father. The timing seemed too coincidental.

When we opened the front door of our house, I immediately noticed a man standing in our living room.

His broad shoulders and watchful stance put me on alert until he turned around.

Alexander stepped protectively in front of me. "Who are you? How did you get in here?"

My heart stopped, then raced as recognition hit me. "Kevin!"

I pushed past Alexander and threw myself into my brother's arms. Kevin caught me in a tight embrace, lifting me slightly off the ground like he used to when we were younger.

"I can't believe it's really you!" I exclaimed, stepping back to look at him. He'd changed—his frame was more muscular, his once-pale skin now tanned, and his eyes held a depth of experience that hadn't been there before. "Why didn't you call first? I could have picked you up!"

Kevin's smile was warm as he ruffled my hair affectionately. "What's the point? No matter where you are, I'll always find you, little sis."

Alexander stepped forward, extending his hand. "Kevin, I almost didn't recognize you. It's been a while."

Kevin's smile vanished, replaced by a cool, evaluating gaze. He shook Alexander's hand briefly. "Mr. Hudson. I see you're well."

An awkward silence filled the room as Alexander attempted to ease the tension. "You look different—stronger."

Kevin's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze shifting between Alexander and me.