Chapter 425

"Because he carried me up that cliff despite his own severe injuries." Vivian's voice trembled as she clutched the hospital sheets. "If anything happens to him... if he loses that leg... I'll never forgive myself. That's why I kept asking about his condition. Do you understand now?"

Liam spun around, his face pale with shock. "He... carried you? That's impossible! The state of his injuries... He couldn't even walk properly when we found him!"

"I didn't believe it either." Vivian's fingers twisted the fabric tighter. "Ethan Blackwood - cold, calculating, selfish to the core - yet he dragged himself up that cliff with me on his back. Without him, I'd still be lying there, bleeding out or starving to death."

The memory burned behind her eyelids - Ethan's ragged breathing, the way his muscles trembled with each step, the blood soaking through his pants. No ordinary man could have endured that agony.

Not even her closest family would have made that sacrifice. Certainly not the man who'd once wrapped his hands around her throat.

Liam shook his head violently. "Look at the scans! The tissue damage, the shattered nerves - it's medically impossible!"

"So tell me," Vivian's voice dropped to a whisper, "how is he really? His leg...?"

Liam exhaled sharply. "They're still in surgery. Consulting multiple specialists. Debating between..." He hesitated.

"Between what?"

"Conservative treatment risks systemic infection. The nerve damage is... extensive. Muscle tissue necrotizing. Blood flow compromised." Liam's jaw worked. "If they don't amputate in time..."

The words hit like physical blows. Shattered nerves. Dying tissue. Amputation.

Vivian's vision swam. That minor accident... because he pushed past human limits carrying her...

"Take me to him. Now." She grabbed Liam's wrist, tears streaking her face. "I need to see him!"

"Don't blame yourself." Liam squeezed her hand. "This is on me - I should've gotten him to ER faster." His voice cracked. "If they take that leg... hell, I'll give him mine."