*** When Darren and Alicia left the hospital, Alicia called her mother to discover her father had been administered in a hospital after being assaulted by Joseph and his men.They took a taxi to the hospital.The ride to the hospital was tense and quiet. Alicia sat beside Darren in the car, her hands trembling slightly. She kept glancing at him from time to time, as if she still could not believe what had just happened.“Darren…” she said softly.Darren turned to face her, the coldness in his eyes were still yet to completely despair.“Thank you,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “If you did not come… I do not know what would have happened to me.”Darren turned to look away, trying to hide the emotions dancing in his eyes.“You do not have to thank me,” he replied. “I am glad I was able to get there in time before that jerk got the chance to do anything.”The quietness returned. After a moment of tensed silence, Alicia sighed. “I don’t know Darren but I feel like you’ve gott

As they slowly turned and began walking toward their car, the weight of disappointment hung heavily in the air.No one spoke.Mr. Raymond leaned weakly against the driver, each step painful and unsteady. Mrs. Raymond walked beside him, her hand gently supporting his arm. Alicia followed closely, her eyes red from crying, her thoughts in complete chaos.Darren walked behind them quietly.Then suddenly, he stopped.“You all go ahead,” Darren said calmly.Alicia turned immediately. “What?” she asked, confused. “What do you mean?”Darren gave a small, reassuring look. “Just go. I will catch up with you.”Alicia frowned. “Where are you going?”But before she could get an answer, Darren had already turned around.“Aren’t you coming with us?” she called again.Darren did not reply. He simply walked back toward the hospital entrance.Alicia stood there for a second, confused and worried.“What is he doing?” she murmured.Mrs. Raymond sighed softly. “Let him be,” she said. “Right now, your fat

Without even waiting for the Overseer’s approval, the nurse stepped forward. Her heels clicked sharply against the floor, and her eyes locked onto Darren with open hostility.“If you say you are who you claim to be,” she said coldly, “then you must prove it.”Darren frowned slightly. His patience was beginning to wear thin.“Is that how you treat everyone who comes here for a hospital card?” he asked with a bit of annoyance. “Do you demand proof from all of them like this?”The nurse let out a short, mocking laugh.“You are not everyone,” she replied. “You are an exception.”Darren’s eyes narrowed slightly. “An exception?” he repeated.“Yes,” she said, folding her arms. “Because there is no way someone who looks as wretched as you could have that kind of money.”Her tone was filled with disbelief and contempt.“For security reasons, you must prove you are Darren Jeremiah Hilton,” she added firmly.Darren clenched his fists slightly at his sides. He was clearly getting tired of her wor

Two hours later, the atmosphere in the hospital lobby was tense but quiet. Alicia and her mother sat side by side, both of them restless. Mrs. Raymond kept glancing toward the hallway that led to the operating rooms, while Alicia clasped her hands together tightly, her mind filled with worry.Darren, on the other hand, sat calmly on the executive chair. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes occasionally moved toward the same hallway. Even though he looked composed, he was also waiting.Finally, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the silence.The old man returned.The moment Alicia saw him, she stood up quickly. “Sir! How is my father?” she upasked, her voice filled with anxiety.Mrs. Raymond also stood up immediately. “Please tell us… is he okay?” she added.The old man gave a small nod, and a gentle smile appeared on his face.“The surgery was successful,” he said calmly.For a brief moment, both women froze. Then relief washed over them instantly.“Thank God!” Mrs. Raymond exc

Mr. Whitmore looked at his son, puzzled. “But how do you plan to do it?”Joseph hardened his battered face. Even in his injured state, his eyes were filled with cruelty.“Leave that to me,” he said.Mr. Whitmore frowned slightly. “You are not in good condition,” he replied. “You need rest. You should recover first.”Joseph let out a cold laugh.“Recover?” he repeated. “How can I recover… when he is still breathing?”He pointed weakly toward Darren.“I will not feel better until I deal with him myself,” Joseph added, his voice dark.Mr. Whitmore stared at him for a moment.Then slowly, he nodded. “You are right,” he said. “A lesson must be made.”He took a sip of his wine.“The whole city must see what happens when anyone dares to touch the Whitmore family.”He paused, then added in a lower tone, “Just like I taught you… never let a man disrespect you and walk away.”Joseph’s lips curled into a dark grin.“Yes, father,” he said.His eyes shifted toward Darren.“Take him outside,” Josep