Chapter 427

The truth was far worse than anyone imagined. Nathaniel's leg injury had reached catastrophic levels. The surrounding tissue was so severely damaged that amputation became a real possibility - along with the risk of losing his life entirely.

"I'm stuffed! Absolutely stuffed!" Vivian rubbed her full stomach with a satisfied smile. She turned to Liam with curious eyes. "When did the doctor say this cast could come off? And when can I leave this hospital?"

"That depends entirely on your recovery progress and cooperation. Minimum two weeks. Maximum... could be months."

"Then I'd better rest properly. Once I'm fully healed, I need to personally thank Ethan for saving me."

Liam's expression immediately darkened. "You don't owe him anything! After everything he put you through, consider this his way of making amends. What's there to thank him for?"

He couldn't bear the thought of Vivian discovering Nathaniel's true condition. The shock might devastate her. In Liam's mind, it was better if these two never crossed paths again.

"Still holding grudges, aren't you?" Vivian chuckled, gently patting Liam's shoulder. "Don't worry, my dear Liam. I promise you - even if every other man on earth disappeared, I would never go back to him. Okay? So stop being so jealous!"

She playfully poked his puffed cheeks. "Look at you, all pouty and adorable when you're sulking!"

"Fine..." Liam sighed in resignation.

He thought wryly to himself, 'Only my boss would dare treat the infamous 'Devil Incarnate' like some petulant child.'

Now all he could do was pray Nathaniel possessed the legendary toughness everyone credited him with.

After ensuring Vivian was safely asleep, Liam rushed to the surgical ward.

Nathaniel had always been his greatest rival, not to mention how terribly he'd treated Vivian. Liam had every reason to despise the man. Yet knowing he was the love of Vivian's life - and father to those precious twins - he couldn't bring himself to wish for Nathaniel's demise.

Liam loved Vivian enough to give her anything, even if it meant stepping aside should she ever reconcile with Nathaniel.

The operating room doors remained firmly shut, the glowing red "Surgery in Progress" sign casting an ominous light. At this midnight hour, the corridor stood empty except for Liam.

He stared at that relentless red glow, anxiety coiling tighter with each passing minute. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined worrying about his rival's survival.

Hours crawled by. Just as exhaustion from standing began weighing on him, the doors finally swung open.

The surgeon emerged, shaking his head with a heavy sigh.

"Doctor? How is he? Will he... make it?"

"I'm sorry. We did everything possible. The tissue damage was too extensive, causing systemic infection. We couldn't save him..."

"No! That's impossible! He's indestructible! There's no way—" Liam staggered back, the words hitting like physical blows.

The doctor placed a consoling hand on his shoulder. "My deepest condolences."