Chapter 498
Mia Lawrence frowned deeply.
Her gaze swept over the men who had just attacked.
Julian Garnache's words snapped her back to reality.
She nodded quickly. "Yes, to the hospital first."
The attackers stood frozen.
They had only intended to teach Julian a lesson.
They never expected their man would actually use a knife.
If this was investigated...
They exchanged terrified glances, cold sweat dripping.
Julian carried Anna Ross out of the private room.
Mia rushed ahead and pulled the car door open.
He carefully placed her in the back seat.
The engine roared as the car sped into the rainy night.
The air inside the car grew heavy.
Mia dug her nails into her palms.
She kept glancing back at the pale face in the rear.
Her eyes filled with deep regret.
"Julian, this is all my fault."
She bit her lower lip.
Her lips turned deathly pale.
Julian gripped the steering wheel tightly.
His eyes remained fixed on the rain ahead.
"Don't blame yourself. Anna will be okay."
He was the one to blame.
He was the one who insisted on attending this dinner.
The tires splashed through puddles.
Hospital neon lights glowed through the misty rain.
Medical staff rushed forward with a stretcher.
They hurried the injured woman into the emergency room.
The doctor's frown deepened as he examined the wound.
"The wound isn't too deep."
"Family, please wait outside."
"We need to clean and suture it immediately."
Mia watched the hospital bed with anguish.
Julian gently guided her out of the room.
The corridor buzzed with activity.
Faces flashed by, some joyful, some worried.
Mia suddenly raised her hand to slap herself.
Julian caught her wrist firmly.
"Mia!"
His voice held a hint of anger.
"Julian, if it weren't for me..."
"Anna wouldn't have taken that knife for me."
Her voice choked with emotion.
Her heart felt like it was being torn apart.
Julian softened his tone.
He gently stroked her reddened hand.
"Defending yourself wasn't wrong."
"The blame lies with those scum."
The corridor lights reflected in his eyes.
His gentleness made her heart tremble.
Mia looked up into his gaze.
Tears welled in her eyes.
"Julian, thank you."
Thank you for stepping in.
Thank you for this kindness.
Her fingers tentatively reached for his waist.
She rested her forehead against his shirt.
She could hear his rapid heartbeat beneath the fabric.
Would these arms become her sanctuary?
Their heartbeats intertwined in the silence.
She gathered courage and moved closer.
He simply looked down, watching.
Allowing the distance between them to shrink.
"Family of Anna Ross!"
The hospital door swung open.
The doctor's voice shattered the moment.
They sprang apart instantly.
Mia scrambled to her feet.
"Doctor, how is she?"
The doctor removed his mask.
"The wound has been treated."
"She needs to stay for observation tonight."
"The patient hasn't woken up yet."
"She's receiving antibiotics through an IV."