Chapter 443

"What's wrong, Mrs. Whitmore? Any news about Nathaniel?" Vivian's voice trembled with urgency.

Margaret nodded stiffly, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Vivian's hands clenched the bedsheets. "Thank God! Where is he? What happened? Did he say who did this?"

The air grew heavy with tension.

She knew something terrible had occurred between her and Nathaniel. Dominic's defensive posture told her everything.

Now that Nathaniel had been found, she wouldn't let them get away with whatever they'd done.

After a long pause, Margaret spoke carefully. "Nathaniel is...fine. We were wrong about Mrs. Lockhart and Mr. Osborne."

"What?" Vivian and Dominic exclaimed in unison.

A quiet sigh escaped Vivian's lips. "At least he's safe."

Dominic would lie to protect her, but someone as shrewd as Margaret wouldn't hesitate to attack if Nathaniel were truly in danger. Since Margaret hadn't pounced, Vivian could breathe easier.

"Nathaniel wants you to focus on recovering," Margaret said icily. Her gaze was so sharp it could flay skin.

"This makes no sense!" Cassandra interjected. "The nurse said his condition was critical. Now he's suddenly fine? And it has nothing to do with them?" She seized the opportunity to stir chaos. "Who called you? Are you sure it wasn't a trick? We should call the police!"

Margaret's glare could freeze lava. "Do you want my son to be hurt?"

"N-no! I'm just worried—"

"Enough." Margaret cut her off sharply. "I decide when to involve the police." Her voice turned steely. "I will find who harmed my son. But I, Margaret Whitmore, don't accuse the innocent—nor do I let the guilty walk free."

With that, she strode out, Cassandra scrambling after her.

Vivian stared at the empty doorway long after they'd left.

Something wasn't right.

"Dominic," she said slowly. "You mentioned Nathaniel's condition was worse than amputation. What did you mean?"

"Margaret said he's fine. Stop overthinking." Dominic avoided her eyes. "We need to focus on Lockhart Enterprises. This mess has derailed everything."

He was just as confused about Nathaniel's sudden recovery, but the company's crisis took priority. If they failed now, all of Vivian's sacrifices would be for nothing.