Chapter 18 The Showdown
A broad, warm hand wrapped around her arm.[]
A deep male voice followed. “You okay?“[]
Nova’s hypoglycemia left her dizzy and weak–she couldn’t stand, leaning against him like a cat seeking support.[]
Corin’s eyes darkened. His hand lingered on her shoulder for two seconds, then slowly moved down to hook under her knees. He lifted her firmly into his arms and walked toward the hallway chairs.[]
“Do you have any candy in your bag?” He looked down at her pale face, voice low.[]
Nova blinked her blurry eyes. When she recognized who it was, embarrassment flushed her cheeks.[]
She stammered, “M–Mr. Thorne, I… you… thank you. Please put me down first…“[]
Being held by him felt too intimate.[]
Corin looked away from her face, bending slightly to set her down. His large hand hovered gently behind her waist–a quiet reminder.[]
“Hold onto the wall. Your hypoglycemia will make you faint again if you don’t.“[]
Thinking about what just happened, Nova’s pale cheeks turned pink with discomfort. She bit her lower lip softly.[]
Suddenly, a commotion came from behind them. “Nova!“]]
Kael hurried over. The first thing he saw was Nova and a man “embracing“-the man even held her. It looked so intimate.[]
Kael’s composure snapped. His brows furrowed with cold anger as he strode over, yanking Nova into his own arms. His arm wrapped tightly around her waist, and he glared at Corin sharply.[]
“Thank you for helping my wife.“[]
It was a “thank you” in name only–his tone was ambiguous, sharp with rivalry and warning.[]
Nova’s face turned cold.[]
Corin met Kael’s gaze, his deep eyes icy. He didn’t back down an inch in his presence. He glanced Kael up and down, voice frosty.[]
“Instead of thanking me, you should take better care of your wife–instead of leaving her alone in the hospital at this hour.“[]
Kael froze for a second.[]
T
Corin turned and left, his tall figure exuding an unspoken, intimidating aura.[]
Nova frowned, pushing Kael away hard. She chased after Corin to apologize.]]
Corin nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then walked off.
“Mr. Thorne…” Jax hurried over when he saw Corin come out, but noticed his sour expression. He hesitated.[]
Did Corin run into trouble when he went to return the rabbit keychain?[]
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Corin’s jaw was tight as he walked straight toward the exit. The rabbit keychain he’d meant to return was still in his pocket–there’d been no chance to give it back.
And there would probably never be a chance now. He’d never thought Nova was married…]
Once in the car, Corin pulled the soft rabbit keychain out of his pocket. He stared at it in a daze for a moment…]]
Upstairs in the hospital, Nova fell guilty!]
Corin had helped her twice, gotten nothing in return–and this time, he’d even been confronted by Kael]
Kael walked up behind her, taking her hand gently, but his tone was stern and uncompromising.[]
“Nova, who was that man? What’s your relationship with him?]
It must be a man’s inherent flaw–he could fool around outside, but would never allow Nova to step out of line.]]
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Chapter 18 The Showdown
“Heh…” Nova laughed, a faint red tinge rising at the corners of her eyes.[]
She couldn’t believe Kael still had the nerve to stand there, acting high and mighty, questioning her–like she was the one who’d done something wrong.
While he, who’d spent his time celebrating his mistress‘ birthday and left her family to be mocked at the banquet, acted innocent.]]
She pulled her hand free, gaze cold as ice.[]
“Grandma had a heart attack. I couldn’t find you, couldn’t get a taxi. He drove me here. Where were you, Kael?”
Kael felt flustered under her stare. The confidence he’d had when questioning her faded.[]
He regretted now–regretting listening to Sloane’s lies, regretting letting her hold him back to celebrate her birthday. He’d thought Mabel’s matter could wait, that he’d make it in time after being with Sloane.[]
But who could’ve predicted this? His wife had been running around the hospital, while he’d been fooling around.[]
Guilt twisted in Kael’s chest. He put his arm around her shoulders, trying to soothe her.[]
“I already told the doctors to take care of Mabel. It’s my fault–I got held up at work. I heard about the birthday banquet too. I’ll make it right for you later. Those gossips-
He was still lying. He said nothing about the VIP ward, still protected Sloane like a treasure, still lied to her like she was a stranger.[]
Nova gave a bitter smile.]]
Kael helped her sit down on a chair, then knelt in front of her, taking her hands. He sounded almost pitiful.[]
“Nova, next time something happens, call me, okay? Don’t be with that man. I get jealous.” He lowered his head, kissing the back of her hand.[]
Call him?
Nova frowned in disgust, pulling her hand away. She tilted her head back slightly to hold back tears.[]
[Nova, why do you keep making a fool of yourself?][]
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[Nova, can’t you see he doesn’t want to see you right now? Otherwise, why would he turn off his phone?]]]
Those mocking words were like loud slaps to her face, stripping her of all dignity.[]
Nova suddenly felt exhausted–too tired to question him. All she cared about now was Mahel’s safety. She stood up, pushing him away.[]
“I’m going to see Grandma.“[]
Kael heard the distance and coldness in her voice. An indescribable sense of loss washed over him again. He hurried after her, guilt weighing on him.[]
Just then, his phone rang. He frowned, pulling it out–Sloane’s name was clearly displayed on the screen.]]
Nova saw it. Her heart ached again. His mistress called, and he was always available. But her calls–dozens, even a hundred–he never answered. In the end, he’d even turned his phone off.
She said coldly, “Answer it first.” Then she stepped into the elevator.[]
“Nova! Nova!” Kael hung up the phone, but it was too late–he couldn’t catch up.[]
Sam arrived just in time to see this. He hesitated for a moment, then sighed.[]
Mr Voss, Mrs. Mabel Hale’s condition is critical. Even after surgery, there’s no guarantee she’ll wake up. Mrs. Voss wanted to move Ms. Mabel to the Voss family’s VIP ward… but the nurses and bodyguards kicked her out.“[]
A sharp, angry light flashed in Kael’s eyes.[]
“Who’s in there? Who gave them the guts to do that“]
The woman I dote on was thrown out?
Sam was intimidated by Kael’s fury. He lowered his head to explain.[]
“It’s Sloane’s mother Last month, you personally told me over the phone to arrange for her to stay in the VIP ward to recover properly.“[
Suddenly, the anger in Kael’s chest froze. He clenched his fist in remorse, slamming it against the cold wall []
Chapter 18 The Showdown
Right–Sloane had tried to curry favor with him that time, and he’d been drunk. He’d just gone along with it.]
After a long moment, he closed his eyes.[]
“Arrange a new hospital for Sloane’s mother later. Also, remove the nurses and bodyguards. No one is allowed to know about this.“]
Sam nodded to agree. But before he left, he couldn’t help adding, “Mr. Voss, Ms. Reed called again just now. She said she’s pregnant–“[]
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