CHAPTER 70 - Did you?

I follow Chase to the hospital where Bryant is admitted, panicking the entire way, too scared of losing him. I can’t imagine what will happen if he dies, how I could ever survive the heartbreak. When we reach his room, Michael is standing just outside, looking utterly worn out. I can’t help but wonder what they’ve been up to and how Bryant ended up getting shot.

Without acknowledging Michael, I push past him and slip into the room. The moment I see Bryant lying unconscious on the hospital bed, my heart plummets. I rush to his side, my eyes scanning him in shock. Oh, no. This can’t be happening. The thought of him never waking up pierces me, and fear creeps up my spine. Shaking my head, I quickly push the thought away.

Turning to Chase, I ask, “How long has he been here?”

“Since yesterday,” he replies. “He almost lost his life, but the doctors managed to keep him stable. I don’t know why he hasn’t woken up yet.”

“Did they say when he’ll wake up?”

He shakes his head, worry flickering in his eyes. “They said it should be soon since his vitals are steady.”

I turn back to Bryant, my chest aching at the sight of him. He’s covered in bandages, bruises scattered across his body. Tears begin to fall down my cheeks as I silently hope and wish for him to wake up soon. I want to hold him tight, see his heartwarming smile again, and hear him call me beautiful one more time. I’m not ready to lose him. I know I’ll lose my mind if I do.

I’ve never been religious, but now I find myself praying, pleading with God to save him and spare his soul. Losing someone close to me again would be unbearable. Tears cloud my vision, and my head aches from crying too much. Lord, please, do this for me.

The door opens, and I hear footsteps approaching. I turn to see a group of doctors and nurses entering the room.

“Could everyone please step out? We need to examine him,” one of the nurses announces.

I hesitate, not wanting to leave his side. “You can go ahead. I won’t disturb you.”

“Ivory.” Chase’s voice is gentle as he places a hand on my arm, his gaze fixed on me. “Please.”

Blowing out a sharp breath, I use the back of my hand to wipe away my tears and stand up. Reluctantly, I follow Chase out of the room.

Michael is still standing outside. “Michael,” I say, finally acknowledging him. “Why didn’t you go inside? Why are you waiting out here?”

“Someone has to keep watch, in case anything happens,” he replies.

I nod, understanding. He studies me for a moment, sadness reflected in his eyes, before he closes the distance between us and pulls me into a hug. I don’t resist; I need it anyway.

He pats my back reassuringly. “He’ll be fine.”

I nod, trying to hold onto hope. “Hopefully.”

Chase clears his throat, his eyes softening as he looks at me. “You look exhausted. You should go and rest.”

Michael groans. “You shouldn’t have told her in the first place.”

“She deserved to know,” Chase counters.

“What were you guys doing? How did he get shot?” I interject, needing answers.

They exchange glances, both averting their eyes before looking back at me.

“I’m listening,” I press when they remain silent.

Chase scratches his temple, and Michael rubs the back of his neck. Their hesitation only fuels my curiosity.

“Chase? Michael?” I urge. “What were you guys doing?”

“We, uh…” Chase sighs. “We went—”

“Don’t tell her,” Michael interrupts.

“Come on, you know Ivory,” Chase says to him. “She won’t stop until we tell her.”

“I am glad you know me so well to know that.” I ask my question again, my tone serious as I cross my arms. “What were you guys doing?”

“We received intel that Mr. Lawrence, one of the investors, was planning something against you, so we decided to… confront him before he could act,” Chase says, his voice low.

“And?” I prod, not liking the suspense.

“We got caught in a gunfight with his security team,” he admits reluctantly.

“What the hell!” I exclaim, appalled. “Why didn’t you tell me before doing something like that?”

“We didn’t want to worry you,” Chase replies.

“But you just did,” Michael mutters, clearly disapproving of Chase’s decision to tell me.

“Come on.” Chase groans.

Ignoring Michael, I press on. “So, did you succeed?”

Chase shakes his head. “No, but he sustained some injuries.”

“What about you two?” I ask, my gaze darting between them in concern. “Are you okay?”

Michael sighs, nodding. “Bryant took all the shots.”

Could the attack be the reason the meeting was canceled? I wonder. Then, a crippling hunch washes over me, and I quickly ask them, my eyes narrowing. “Ms. Rachael Kim, and Mr. Ethan Sawyer. Both investors my father owed. Did you… did you kill them?”

They both shake their heads in unison. “We wish we did, but no,” Michael answers.

“We’re wondering who did, though,” Chase adds, frowning.

I narrow my eyes, looking for any sign they might be hiding the truth. “Are you lying to me?”

“No,” Michael replies.

Just then, Chase’s eyes drift over my shoulder. “The police are here,” he says, his voice tense.

My heart drops as I follow his gaze. Three men in plain clothes are making their way toward us, their expressions unreadable.

I gasp in fear. “Oh my God.”

“Don’t worry, Ivory,” Michael assures me as he takes a step forward. “We have a plan.”