Chapter 426

Nathaniel's condition weighed heavily on Vivian's mind. She couldn't shake the image of him lying motionless after the fall.

Liam noticed her distress. "Don't torture yourself," he said, adjusting her blanket. "I'll check with the doctors. That man's built like a tank—he'll pull through."

A weak laugh escaped Vivian's lips. "You're right. He's survived worse. Remember when he walked out of that burning warehouse last year?"

"Exactly! Now stay put." Liam pointed to the untouched food tray. "Eat something. The twins need their mother healthy."

The moment Liam left, Vivian's anxiety returned. What if Nathaniel never walked again? The guilt would destroy her.

When Liam returned twenty minutes later, his grim expression sent her pulse racing.

"Well?" She gripped the sheets. "How bad is it?"

Liam's gaze dropped to the cold congee. "You didn't eat." His voice held an edge she rarely heard.

"Damn the food!" Vivian's voice cracked. "Tell me!"

A muscle twitched in Liam's jaw. "The specialists say amputation isn't necessary. Conservative treatment should suffice."

Vivian studied him. "You're lying."

"I'd never." Liam crossed his heart. "On my life, every word's true."

"Then why do you look like you've lost a fortune?"

Liam scoffed. "Should I be celebrating? My rival gets to play the wounded hero while I—" He cut himself off with a dramatic sigh.

Relief washed over Vivian. She reached for the bowl with renewed energy. "Thank God. Now I can actually keep food down."

"Told you he's indestructible." Liam forced a smile as she devoured the congee.

But when Vivian wasn't looking, his expression darkened. The truth was far worse than he'd admitted—Nathaniel's spinal injuries might be permanent. And that was something Liam would take to his grave.