Chapter 219

The hospital loomed before them, its sterile white walls a stark contrast to the chaos they'd just escaped.

Dr. Chen examined Isabella's injury with practiced hands before turning to Ethan and Vivian. "It's superficial. Keep it dry and apply this ointment twice daily."

Vivian exhaled in relief. She squeezed Isabella's fingers. "I'm so sorry, Bella. This never should've happened."

Isabella blinked up at her, then ruffled Vivian's hair like she was the child. "Don't be ridiculous. You were incredible back there."

Her gaze shifted to Ethan. "Don't you think she was amazing?"

Ethan's jaw tightened. "I think she's clinically insane."

The memory of that knife flashing toward Vivian still made his blood run cold. One second slower, one wrong move—

"Since we're here," he said abruptly to the doctor, "run a full neurological workup on her."

Vivian's eyes flashed. "Excuse me? I save your life and this is my thanks?"

Ethan ignored her, addressing Dr. Chen with lethal calm. "Scan everything. I suspect systemic dysfunction."

"Over my dead body!" Vivian crossed her arms. "Doctor, ignore this lunatic. We're leaving."

She tugged Isabella toward the exit.

Ethan moved faster, blocking the elevator doors. "Reckless. Suicidal." His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "If I ever see you pull a stunt like that again—"

The doors slid shut between them.

Vivian stared at the polished metal, stunned.

"Isabella," she muttered, "what the hell just happened?"

The younger girl tilted her head. "He's worried about you. My dad gets that same constipated look when Mom skips her meds."

"Worried?" Vivian scoffed. But the word lodged in her chest like shrapnel.

Ethan's recent behavior—the hovering, the outbursts—clicked into place.

Not concern.

Calculations.

Something far more dangerous than knives or bombs.