Inside the room, the girl lay unconscious on the gurney, her face pale, her chest rising weakly under the hum of a ventilator, monitor beeped and blinked with erratic reading.Dr. Lily moved fast, barking orders, assessing vitals, and preparing for an emergency thoracotomy. The diagnosis has shifted, and now suspected cardiac arrest due to the toxin. “Toxin level spiking,” one nurse called out. “It’s not natural.” Her gaze met Austin, “You are right.”Austin stepped back watching silently as she worked with grace and precision, fighting to stabilise the girl. Dr. Oliver and Clifford watched from the sidelines; they were curious to know how Lily was going to fail so they could quickly shift the blame to her.Suddenly, the unexpected happened. The blade slipped.It was only a nick, but the pain shot up her hand like lightning. A sharp gasp escaped her lips, and she drew her hand back in reflex. Blood welled at the tip of her index finger. The scalpel clattered to the floor, sending

Austin welcomed Hannah into his abode, and they sat at his mini bar inside his house. He offered her champagne; Hannah couldn’t help but marvelled at the ambience.She never thought he could own something like that, she never underestimated him but wasn’t expecting his house to look like a castle. As she took her sip slowly from the glass, she kept her eyes ogling around taking a view of each design. Something was different about Austin, his appearance.Austin noticed the uneasy feeling in her expression, he could tell something was bothering her. He wanted to ask but kept mute, she might not want to share her troubles with someone.The silence between them lasted for thirty minutes; they just sipped and stared at each other.“You haven’t stated why you visited me and how you knew where I was staying.” He broke the long silence between them.Hannah let out a short smile, trying to mask the sadness that had engulfed her. She took a deep breath and muttered. “I sent someone to help me

“I don’t think so, Dad. You have always allowed this woman to feel like she is in charge; ever since you brought her into the family, you have refused to listen to me. Nothing I do or say matters to you anymore, all you care about is her and the company.” Hannah said as tears welled up in her eyes.Mr. Prescott looked at his daughter; he felt a surge of emotion welling up inside. “I am a lady, and my happiness matters to me. I am not a trophy to be won or some goods to be handed away for free.”“What do you mean?” Claire asked furiously.Hannah’s tears or expression had no effect on her. She was more focused on joining her with Antonio for her own selfish benefit. “I am not interested in Antonio; I love Austin and would want to spend the rest of my life with him. I don’t care what you think about him, but he is the man my heart beat for.” She continued, “None of you know what Austin is capable of,” she paused staring at the eyes fixed on her. “Do you want to know the truth? The inv

“You can’t just walk out on us like that, not with Hannah. She is mine and I have paid her dowry.” Antonio said.Hannah gasped in shock; she glanced at her father, who looked without shame or remorse. “Is that true?” Hannah asked, looking pissed already.Mr. Prescott nodded, despite knowing Antonio was lying just so Austin wouldn’t take her away. He couldn’t help but side with Antonio; never would he want to offend the heir to Brian’s empire. Hannah’s heart sank in disbelief, she believed her parents had already sold her away without her knowledge. She shook her head. “You don’t have a say in this, Hannah,” Claire said. “We were about to tell you but you brought that pauper home as your boyfriend. You must let him go, except he is ready to pay off the bride price. I know it’s impossible for him.” She taunted.“How dare you? Why did you accept such without my knowledge.” Hannah spat, her voice brewing with anger and sadness. Never had she anticipated her dad to be this cruel, she d

Claire stared at Austin, unsure of what to say. The money was sent into her account, which left her in confusion.“You have gotten the money, We are leaving. Let me know if you need anything else.” Hannah’s mouth opened slightly but no words came out. She could only stare at Austin. Her eyes filled with admiration for the young man. She never expected him to go this far, even paying her family.Her eyes drifted to her greedy stepmother, Claire. Their gaze locked. She left nothing but hatred for the woman. “Let’s go,” Austin whispered.Their hands were locked passionately, as he led the way towards the entrance. Antonio was furious that he had lost Hannah to Austin; he didn’t expect him to pull such a stunt inside the house.His face had turned ugly; if he didn’t punish Austin in front of Mr. Prescott, how would he show his authority and power?Furthermore, he knew if he allowed Austin to leave with Hannah, it would be difficult to get her back. He had already lost to Austin; She