Chapter 417

The moment Thaddeus collapsed, Jareth didn't hesitate. He hauled his bleeding, barely conscious friend into the nearest high-end medical facility in Country T's capital.

Jareth wasn't the type to cry. But seeing Thaddeus—pale as death, barely breathing—being wheeled into emergency surgery? His chest tightened. Tears pricked at his eyes before he angrily swiped them away.

"Mr. Fairhaven."

A crisp voice cut through the sterile hospital air. Jareth spun around.

"You are?"

The man looked vaguely familiar. Someone Evadne had brought to that exclusive wine event at the Abernathy Hotel.

"Chanel. But you can call me Dr. Bright."

Before Jareth could respond, Chanel—already in scrubs—brushed past him. His voice was calm, steady. "Your friend is in good hands."

"You—you're a doctor?" Jareth's eyes widened. "Weren't you in Elmsworth? How the hell did you get here?"

"Cassius called me."

At the mention of Cassius, Chanel's expression darkened. His pulse kicked up. That infuriating, intriguing man. "He didn't give details. Just said he was handling something dangerous and might need backup. So I've been waiting here all night."

With a smirk, Chanel added, "Almost left. Good thing I didn't. Without me? Your friend wouldn't stand a chance."

Damn Cassius.

Even after wrapping Chanel around his finger, he still dragged him into this mess. Chanel—renowned in elite circles, pursued by countless—was reduced to a lovesick fool for that composed, unreadable man.

As Chanel pushed through the ER doors, Jareth shouted, "Hey! Can I trust you? His life's in your hands!"

Without turning, Chanel scoffed. "Hmph. Dr. Eve isn't the only skilled surgeon in the world."

Tonight's operation had crushed the arms dealer syndicate. But it also pissed off Country T's power players.

Ward was captured, but news had already reached local authorities. Now, they were trapped—unable to return to Elmsworth. No extradition treaty meant no backup from Aaron.

The situation was spiraling.

With no way home, Evadne decided to stay near Thaddeus at the hospital after securing Star Island.

Elvis kept Ward locked in one car. Evadne and Cassius rode in another.

Her fingers clenched around Cassius's. He covered her icy hand with his warm one, gaze heavy with concern.

"Evadne."

She looked up, eyes swollen, tears brimming.

It was like her soul had left her body—floating somewhere with Thaddeus, leaving behind an empty shell.

Cassius sighed. Unbuttoning his shirt, he removed the silver cross necklace he'd worn for years.

"When Thaddeus wakes up, give this to him."

He pressed the necklace into her palm, closing her fingers around it.

"Cassius, this is—?"

"Not worth much money. But it's kept me safe through every danger." His voice softened. "Right now? All we can do is pray he's strong enough to pull through."

Evadne broke. Sobs wracked her frame.

Cassius pulled her close. "Don't cry. When he wakes up, treat him better. At least stop causing him trouble."

The Ashbourne family arrived at the hospital. Jareth was already waiting in the underground garage.

Evadne sprinted toward him, eyes wild. "How is he?!"

"In surgery. By someone you know."

"Chanel?" Her mind was razor-sharp.

She turned to Cassius. He met her gaze, unreadable.

"Yeah. Three hours already." Jareth's voice cracked. "Evadne, I heard Dr. Bright is from Suri. Can we trust him? He acts like some lazy gamer. If he's not up to it, maybe you should step in. Didn't you operate on Thaddeus before?"

Silence.

"Gamer? Really?"

Elvis leaned against the car window, cigarette dangling. "Your Fairhaven education is lacking."

"Whatever. You get my point." Jareth grumbled, not in the mood to argue with Evadne's brother.

"Dr. Bright's skills rival Dr. Eve's."

Cassius's icy tone cut through the tension. "As a Fairhaven, you should know—there's always someone better."

Evadne and Elvis exchanged glances.

Was Cassius... defending Chanel?

Jareth—used to privilege—usually missed subtleties. But even he felt the chill in Cassius's gaze. He backpedaled fast. "I just—if President Ashbourne brought him, he must be good. I'm just worried."

"Dr. Bright is better than me." Evadne's voice broke. "Once Thaddeus stabilizes, we'll need his expertise. He's a neurology specialist."

Her words faded into a whisper.

Jareth had no response. Comfort wasn't his forte.

Fury rolled off him. "That bastard in the car—before we hand him over, he's paying!"

Tires screeched. A line of cars flooded the garage, heading straight for them.

"Bad news," Cassius muttered, pulling Evadne close.

"Very bad," she agreed, watching the approaching figures.

A high-ranking police official stepped out, flanked by armed officers.

They surrounded the group.

Elvis and Jareth tensed, ready to fight.

Ward—bound and gagged—recognized his savior. He writhed, muffled screams pleading for help.

Without a word, Elvis stabbed a dagger into Ward's thigh.

Ward convulsed in silent agony.

"Behave," Elvis warned, lighting a cigarette. "Or I'll think of a hundred worse things to do to you."

Ward froze. The Ashbourne heir was terrifying.

"We received reports of a hostage," the official barked. "Release him immediately. Surrender your weapons. Resist, and you'll face our full wrath."

Evadne laughed. "Your laws? A joke."

The official sneered. "Bold words for someone facing life in prison."

Ward smirked.

Elvis punched him. Blood gushed from his nose.

"The hostage is a criminal," Evadne spat. "Smuggling weapons, drugs—everything illegal. And you protect him. Where's your justice?"

Jareth grinned. "Damn. Tell him!"

The official's face purpled with rage.

"But Ward's crimes here? Not my concern." Evadne's smile was glacial. "What I care about? He murdered an innocent girl in my country. He's coming back with me—dead or alive."

"This man is ours!" the official roared. "Our laws apply! You have no authority here!"

At his signal, officers surged forward.

Cassius and Jareth shielded Evadne.

Elvis, still in the car, gripped his gun. Ready to fight.

The moment an officer grabbed Cassius, he twisted the man's arm and flung him.

The officer crashed to the ground, arm dislocated, tailbone shattered.

"Damn," Jareth breathed. "That was cool."

"You dare attack an officer?!" the official bellowed. "Take them down!"

Chaos erupted.

Evadne's eyes burned. She was ready to burn this place to the ground.

Then—

A car horn blared.

Everyone froze.

A sleek limo rolled into the garage, its silver roof gleaming under the dim lights.

Tension spiked.

Every nerve was on edge.