Chapter 356

Chapter 356

Arthur had asked for nothing in return afterward, brushing it off as no big deal before moving on.

What he called "no big deal" had essentially saved the Powell family from a major crisis. To this day, both Becky and the Powell family remained deeply grateful to him.

Now it was the same with Blake. Caroline had only asked him that afternoon, and he'd already uncovered this much. He'd clearly put things in motion the moment he got back.

"I'm glad I could help." Arthur smiled at her. "Don't feel like you owe me anything. Think of it as me making up for my past mistakes."

The more he said that, the more guilty Caroline felt.

It wasn't just these few times, either. Arthur had come through for her many times before.

The past was something she couldn't get past—but if she was being honest, Arthur didn't actually owe her anything.

She made up her mind. This time, no matter what, she would properly thank Arthur.

He'd helped her so much. She couldn't let it go unacknowledged.

"I want Blake to break free from his agency. What would it take to make sure the company can't hold him hostage anymore?"

"That involves quite a few things. I've only just invested in entertainment—I can't give you a solid answer right now." Arthur thought for a moment before responding. "Let me ask around after we get back and I'll follow up. Is that okay?"

Caroline nodded. "Sorry to keep asking."

He'd only been in the entertainment world a short time, and he'd already dug up this much information in a single afternoon. The least she could do was be patient.

"Nothing about your problems is ever a bother." Arthur looked at her steadily.

Those deep eyes seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words. Caroline met his gaze for just a moment, then looked away.

The filming location wasn't far from Sovereign City, but the road to that remote little town was rough and winding. The drive still took over four hours.

Calling it a hospital was generous. It was really just a rural clinic with outdated equipment.

As they walked in with Arthur, Caroline could hear the young nurses chatting excitedly nearby.

"He's a real celebrity! First time I've ever seen one in person. He's so thin. And so handsome!"

"And he's a Best Actor too. What was that production thinking, treating him like that?"

"Looking at those injuries—I feel so bad for him."

"Feeling bad for a rich man? He earns more in a day than we do in a year."

"Fair point. Still, he's incredibly dedicated!"

The nurses gossiped on. Caroline's chest tightened listening to them.

She glanced at Arthur. He reached over and took her hand, giving her a reassuring look. "I already got the room number. Just follow me."

Caroline nodded and let him lead her down the corridor. Before they even reached the room, they spotted two heavyset men standing guard outside the door, watching the hallway with obvious suspicion—clearly there to keep visitors out.

Caroline's heart sank. She looked at Arthur, her eyes asking what they should do.

He seemed to have anticipated this. He pulled out his phone and sent a message.

Within moments, commotion erupted at the far end of the hallway. Two people came toward them, hurling insults at each other. The argument escalated fast. By the time it reached the guards, fists started flying. The two men were quickly drawn into the brawl, their attention completely pulled away from the door.

Arthur seized the moment and slipped inside with her.

Blake lay in the hospital bed, pale-faced, an IV drip in his arm and a bandage wrapped around his right shoulder.

Caroline's tears fell instantly. "Blakey!"

She rushed to his side and grabbed his hand.

This was her little brother—lying here like this. This wasn't filming a variety show. This was putting his life at risk.

Her voice broke. The barely-conscious Blake's eyelashes fluttered. His eyes opened slowly.

When he saw Caroline, he murmured, "Am I dreaming? I'm seeing Caroline..."

"You're not dreaming. I'm really here." Caroline held his hand, tears blurring her vision.

"Don't cry. I'm okay." Blake tried to reach up and wipe her tears, but the movement pulled at something. He hissed sharply in pain, brow creasing tight.

"Don't move!" Caroline pressed him back down gently. "Where are you hurt? Did the doctor treat you properly? We need to find a doctor—or transfer you somewhere better."

Blake shook his head. "Just minor injuries. Sorry for worrying you."

"Minor? I watched the videos online. That show is deliberately torturing people. We're done. You're not going back."

The exhaustion on Blake's already pale face deepened. He shook his head slowly. "I'm halfway through. I just need to finish the second half. If I quit now, I'll owe a penalty."

"How much? I'll pay it. Whatever it costs, I am not letting my brother suffer in a place like this." Caroline gripped his hand, her voice firm.

Both medications were already on the market. She had substantial funds. If money could buy Blake's freedom, she'd spend every cent.

"Caroline, I don't want your money." Blake shook his head again.

He didn't want to become her burden. He didn't want to cause her trouble.

That's exactly why he'd never said anything.

"If the penalty is outrageous, there are ways to challenge it. And the company has no right to put your physical safety at risk."

Arthur spoke up from where he'd been quietly watching. Blake noticed him for the first time, his fingers shifting slightly. "What are you doing here?"

"He's the one who found out and told me. That's how I knew you were hurt. I couldn't reach you—you have no idea how worried I was." Caroline explained on Arthur's behalf.

Blake reached for his pocket and found it empty. His phone, along with his other belongings, was gone. He stared for a moment, then let out a bitter smile. "The production probably took everything. I'm sorry, Caroline. I didn't mean to go dark on you."

"You have nothing to apologize for." Caroline kept her hand pressed gently over his. "I know the whole story now. Every bit of this is that corrupt company's fault. None of it is on you."

She held his cold hand, her heart aching. "My brother is so talented—a Best Actor at his age. What gives that company the right to treat you like this?"

Blake managed a weak smile. "My agent tried to speak up for me. The company wouldn't budge."

"My penalty is fifty million dollars. That's too much. I only have one year left on the contract. I just need to hold on a little longer."

"You don't need to spend that kind of money on me. Keep it for yourself."