Chapter 90

Vivian's brow furrowed as she anxiously asked the physician, "Tell me the truth."

"The snake's venom is highly potent and affects the central nervous system. Mr. Blackwood may experience temporary quadriplegia in the coming days." The doctor adjusted his glasses. "Meaning he won't have mobility. Don't be alarmed - it's not permanent. Once the venom clears his system, full function will return."

"Quadriplegia?"

Before Vivian could process the term, a crash echoed from the hospital room.

"Out! All of you! Don't you dare lay a hand on me!"

Nathaniel's roar carried through the entire corridor. Vivian and the doctor rushed toward the commotion.

A cluster of young nurses huddled outside the door, too terrified to enter.

"What's the meaning of this?" The doctor's voice turned stern. "The patient's awake. Why aren't you attending to him? Do you value your jobs?"

The head nurse trembled. "Director, Mr. Blackwood threatened anyone who touches him. We didn't want to provoke him further."

Vivian pushed past them. "I'll handle this."

The moment she entered, Nathaniel bellowed, "Are you deaf? I said get out!"

Only when she reached his bedside did recognition flash in his eyes. "You."

His glare softened marginally, but fury still radiated from him. "You leave too."

Since regaining consciousness, he'd discovered his body refused to obey him - not even a finger would twitch. The proud Nathaniel Blackwood couldn't bear witnesses to this humiliation.

Vivian didn't retreat. Instead, she dragged a chair beside his bed, studying him like a rare specimen. The mighty tycoon who always dominated others now lay helpless. The irony held a strange charm - like a declawed lion roaring impotently.

"Those nurses were just doing their jobs," she chided. "Must you terrorize them?"

His jaw clenched. "They stripped me. Touched me without consent. They're lucky I can't move."

Vivian suppressed a smile, adopting a maternal tone. "You're a patient. Cooperation is expected. They were administering medication."

She added mischievously, "Besides, it's not like your perfect physique suffered damage from their examination. Why the fuss?"

Nathaniel's glare could have melted steel.

Message received. Vivian mimed zipping her lips. Pushing him further might be hazardous to her health.

After a long silence, his voice emerged strained. "I'm paralyzed, aren't I?"