Chapter 282 She Jumped Too

Chapter 282 She Jumped Too
Katherine's POV

The hospital corridor seemed endless as Alexander and I walked side by side toward Anthony's room.

My heart pounded against my ribs, the sapphire bracelet now clasped around my wrist feeling heavier with each step.

"Are you ready?" Alexander asked, his voice low and steady as we paused outside Anthony's door.

I took a deep breath, clutching the faded photograph of my mother in my hand. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Alexander squeezed my hand reassuringly. "I'm right here with you."

With trembling fingers, I pushed the door open. The hospital room was dimly lit, the steady beep of monitors creating a rhythmic backdrop. And there, propped up against pillows, was Anthony Garcia—looking pale and thin, but very much awake. His eyes widened when he saw me.

"Katherine," he breathed, his voice raspy from disuse. "Where have you been? I was so worried about you, my daughter."

I stepped forward hesitantly, Alexander's hand at the small of my back providing silent support.

"I'm sorry," I managed to say, emotion constricting my throat.

Anthony's gaze dropped to my wrist, and his expression changed to one of surprise. "Why are you wearing that bracelet? I told you it's precious—it's how I knew you were my daughter. It's your mother's last gift. Keep it safe at home."

I froze, staring at him in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Anthony shifted in his bed, wincing slightly. "That sapphire bracelet—it's been in our family for generations. Your mother wore it always. When she left with you..."

My hands shook as I pulled out the worn photograph, holding it up for him to see. "This is my mother," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "She's wearing this same bracelet."

Anthony's eyes filled with tears as he gazed at the image. "Scarlett," he murmured. "Your mother was always so beautiful."

My knees buckled, and I would have fallen if Alexander hadn't caught me, guiding me to a chair beside Anthony's bed. Tears streamed down my face as years of questions and confusion crashed over me like a wave.

Alexander knelt beside me, his eyes meeting mine with understanding. "I think my guess was right, Honey. Anthony is your father."

I turned back to Anthony, seeing him—really seeing him—for the first time. The same shape of eyes as mine, the same slight curve to our noses. How had I never noticed before?

"Dad," I sobbed, reaching for his hand. "I found you."

Anthony gripped my fingers tightly, his own tears falling freely now. "My little girl."

Alexander, ever practical even in emotional moments, pulled a small nail clipper from his pocket. "If you don't mind," he said gently, "I'd like to collect samples for a DNA test. Just to make everything official."

Anthony nodded immediately. "Of course. Anything to prove Katherine is my daughter."

As Alexander carefully collected nail clippings from both Anthony and me, the door opened again. Jack entered, guiding Selena into the room. She looked disheveled, her usual confidence absent as she took in the scene before her.

"Why is she here?" I asked, tensing at the sight of her.

Alexander moved to stand protectively beside me. "I think it's time we got some answers." He fixed Selena with a cold stare. "Why did you impersonate Katherine?"

Selena's chin lifted defiantly, though her hands trembled. "Why not? She had everything—saving you, being the Garcia Group heiress. Why am I always the scum? I refuse to accept it!"

Alexander and I exchanged shocked glances. "What are you saying?" he demanded.

"Katherine saved you during the avalanche," Selena spat. "I just took her place as your savior. I wanted a better life. Do you know what I've been through?"

"What you've been through?" I stood up, anger replacing my tears. "I lost my mother, suffered under my stepparents, and was framed after marriage. And you still—!"

Alexander stepped forward, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Katherine, I'm so sorry. I didn't recognize you. I was blind."

I shook my head, reaching for his hand. "It's not your fault. You went through so much too. The blame lies with these villains."

Selena let out a harsh laugh. "Spare me the act, Katherine. You're just after Alexander's money, bitch!"

Before Alexander could respond, Anthony lunged forward in his bed, his face contorted with rage. Despite his weakened state, he managed to reach out and slap Selena hard across the face.

"Don't you dare insult my daughter!" he shouted.

Selena reeled back, her hand flying to her reddened cheek. "I'm your daughter, Dad!" she screamed.

Anthony's expression hardened. "No, you're not. I regained consciousness yesterday. Why did you hypnotize me?"

The room fell silent. I stared at Selena in horror, the pieces finally falling into place. "You hypnotized Dad? You didn't want him to recover? Why are you so cruel?"

Selena's face transformed, a maniacal laugh bubbling from her throat. "Because Anthony deserves to die! With him gone, the Garcia Group is mine, and so is Alexander!"

"You're despicable," I whispered, sickened by her confession.

Alexander stepped forward, his expression cold with fury. "I misjudged you, Selena. I thought I owed you, but who have you ever been worthy of?"

"I love you, Alexander," Selena pleaded, her eyes wild. "No matter what, I love you."

Before anyone could react, she wrenched herself free from the security guards and bolted from the room.

"Stop her!" Alexander commanded, but it was too late—Selena had disappeared down the corridor.

Jack looked sheepish. "I'm sorry, sir. I was distracted by the confrontation."

"She's heading for the roof," Anthony said urgently. "She always said if things went wrong..." He didn't need to finish the sentence.

Alexander was already moving. "Jack, call security to block all exits. Katherine, stay here with Anthony."

"No," I insisted, following him. "I'm coming with you."

We raced through the hospital corridors, Jack calling for backup on his phone as we ran. The stairwell to the roof was at the end of a long hallway, its door hanging open—a clear sign Selena had gone that way.

The Seattle rain greeted us as we burst onto the rooftop. Selena stood near the edge, her hair and clothes already soaked, her makeup running down her face in dark streaks. She looked almost ghostly in the dim evening light.

"Selena, don't do this," I called out, taking a cautious step toward her.

She turned, her smile eerily calm through her tears. "My life was never worth living. I hope in my next life I'll have good parents and someone who loves me."

"Don't do this!" I said, moving closer. "You made mistakes, but go to the police. Don't throw your life away!"

From the corner of my eye, I saw Alexander signal to Jack, who nodded and stepped back, speaking urgently into his phone.

"What's the point of living?" Selena asked, her voice barely audible over the rain.

Anthony appeared behind us, leaning heavily on a nurse who looked terrified.

"Selena, don't jump," he called, his voice choked with emotion. "Come back. You can still work at my company, in a good position."

For a moment, Selena's expression softened. "I'm sorry, Dad—please let me call you Dad. I didn't want to hurt you." She looked at Alexander, her eyes full of longing. "Sorry, Alexander. I love you."

Before any of us could reach her, Selena stepped backward off the edge of the roof.

My scream tore through the rainy night as I lunged forward, but Alexander caught me around the waist, pulling me back from the edge.

"No!" I sobbed, fighting against his grip.

Alexander held me tightly against his chest, his own breathing ragged. "She was gone before she stepped off that roof, honey. She made her choice."

Security personnel rushed past us to look over the edge, their radios crackling with urgent messages. Jack was already on the phone, his face grim as he coordinated with emergency services below.

Anthony collapsed to his knees, the nurse struggling to support him. "Why?" he whispered.