Chapter 45

As they waited anxiously, the hospital staff rushed the little girl into the operating theater. Electra slumped against the wall, worry etched on her face.

Knoxville stood beside Henry, his voice low. "She called her daughter. Are you sure she's her niece, like you claimed?"

Henry's expression turned cautious. "That's the information I found. Did you suspect something was off?"

Knoxville's brow furrowed. "Why did I feel a connection with the girl? And she said 'we will lose her'... It sounded like more than just concern for a niece."

Henry's eyes narrowed. "I'll investigate further."

"Did you think I should ask her?" Knoxville wondered aloud, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "Why did I have the feeling she has a daughter for me?"

Henry's expression turned thoughtful. "The little girl has the same eyes as you, even though she looks like Electra. I clearly saw it before she closed her eyes. It was as if I was looking at you."

Knoxville's gaze intensified, his mind racing. "I should ask her," he declared, determination etching his features.

Henry placed a cautionary hand on Knoxville's arm. "Not now, she has a lot on her mind. Let's take this slowly. The timing is delicate."

Knoxville nodded, understanding. "You're right. But I need answers. This connection I feel... it's unsettling."

Henry's voice softened. "Patience, Knoxville. We'll uncover the truth when the time is right."

As they stood there, the hospital's antiseptic scent and muted beeping of machines provided a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within Knoxville.

Just then, Electra emerged from the operating theater, her face etched with worry.

"What's the update?" Knoxville asked gently.

Electra's eyes, red-rimmed from tears, met Knoxville's. "She's stable... for now. The doctors are cautious, but hopeful."

Knoxville's heart swelled with empathy. "We're here for you, Electra."

"You wouldn't be needed here. You can leave now," Electra said, her voice icy.

Knoxville's eyes narrowed. "Why are you being harsh?"

Electra's expression turned glacial. "Because I don't want you around my daughter."

Knoxville's tone firmed. "Is she my daughter?"

Electra's smirk sent a shiver down Knoxville's spine. "What makes you assume she's your daughter? We divorced many years ago."

Knoxville's mind reeled. "Did I... did I have a child with you?"

"Good grief! You must have your hopes too high," Electra snapped. "I never had a daughter with you. And I must say, you should stop stalking me."

Knoxville's face contorted in shock. "I wasn't stalking you!"

Electra's voice rose. "Then why were you at the zoo? You've been following me, and now you have the nerve to ask me such a question?"

Knoxville's hands spread in defense. "I was there for a meeting with Mr. Jenkins. I had no idea you'd be there."

Electra's eyes blazed. "Don't lie to me, you're really stalking me"

The hospital corridor began to attract attention from passersby.

"Please, bring your voice down. This is a hospital," Knoxville urged, his tone calm and even.

Electra's face twisted in anguish, her voice escalating. "You won't tell me how to react! We never had a child together. Everything between us ended six years ago when you sent the divorce papers."

Knoxville's eyes widened, memories flooding back.

"I know you're just jealous because I'm now with your stepbrother," Electra spat, her words dripping venom.

Knoxville's jaw clenched. "That's not true, Electra. I'm concerned about the little girl."

Electra's gaze turned icy. "You have no right to be concerned. She's not yours."

Knoxville's hands spread in appeal. "I just want the truth."

Electra's finger jabbed toward Knoxville's face. "Stop stalking me, I'm warning you. You're crossing boundaries."

The hospital corridor grew quieter, with passersby casting uneasy glances.

Henry intervened, his voice firm. "Electra, please. This isn't the time or place."

Electra's chest heaved, her anger palpable. "You're right. I have more important things to focus on."

With a final, scorching glance, Electr

a turned and disappeared into the hospital's depths, leaving Knoxville reeling.