Suddenly realizing what she had done, Diana pulled back, her words rushing out. “How are you feeling? Are you still in pain? I was so worried. I don’t even know how to explain…” she said, her tears continuing to flow.
Bianca gently patted Diana’s hand, trying to calm her. “I’m okay. Please don’t cry. Really, I’m fine…”
Sniffling, Diana wiped her tears away. “I was so scared you wouldn’t wake up, like your mom. I don’t know what I would’ve done…”
“No, that’s not going to happen. I’m lucky. Look, I’m here, okay?” Bianca smiled faintly, though her pale face made her look fragile.
“How long have I been out?” Bianca asked.
“One day,” Diana replied.
Bianca felt a sudden jolt. In the business world, even a single day could bring huge changes. “How are things at the company?” she asked, her voice filled with worry.
There was a brief silence, and Diana looked away, avoiding her eyes. But quickly, she smiled and comforted her. “Your priority right now is to rest and recover. I’ll take care of the company for now. Don’t worry; I’ve got everything under control.”
Bianca felt some relief hearing her words. She trusted Diana completely.
Still, a thought gnawed at her. Leaning forward, she asked eagerly, “And Blake? How is he? He was with me in the car. I remember him calling out to me after the crash. Is he badly hurt?”
Diana bit her lip as if ready to speak but then hesitated.
“Diana, what happened? Tell me.” Bianca grew anxious at Diana’s reaction. Despite still being hooked up to the IV, she reached for Diana’s hand, her voice sharp with worry.
Diana sighed, shaking her head gently. “Blake’s condition is worse than yours. He’s still in the ICU, unconscious.”
Bianca was stunned, a heavy feeling settling in her chest. “What happened to him? Where was he hurt? What did the doctors say?”
Diana hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “He was the one who called the authorities when he was barely hanging on. He passed out after giving the police a rough location. When the rescue team found you, your car had been badly damaged. Blake shielded you, but both of you were trapped under sharp rocks. One of his legs got pinned under a huge rock, and he was badly bleeding when they pulled him out.”
Tears filled Diana’s eyes as she remembered the horrifying scene. Sniffling, she continued, “The rescue team said your car went off the cliff during a landslide. Blake tried to protect you…”
Diana struggled to find the right words, her voice faltering. “The doctor said there’s no other major issue, but his leg…”
“What happened to his leg?” Bianca gripped Diana’s hand tightly, her heart racing.
Diana squeezed her hand back, her own fear clear. She knew Bianca might not be able to handle what was coming. Taking a deep breath, she finally spoke. “His leg is badly fractured. The doctors did what they could, but the damage was severe. There’s a lot of uncertainty about his recovery. He may never…”
“To walk again?” Bianca’s voice broke, her eyes filled with shock.
Diana nodded slowly, her face grave. “The doctors aren’t sure. Even if he regains some movement, it might not be how we’re hoping for.”
When Bianca heard Diana’s words, she couldn’t believe it. She was frozen, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. “How could this happen? It’s all my fault…”
The memory of Blake’s brave act to save her and her mother from the fire in her mother’s apartment came rushing back. Without him, she would have been trapped in the flames.
Now, after risking everything to save her again, Blake lay badly hurt, possibly facing a future with a disability.
Bianca felt a crushing weight in her chest as if a heavy stone was pressing down with every breath she took.
She owed Blake more than just her life. The feeling of being indebted to him was overwhelming.
With a worried look, Diana gently stroked Bianca’s hair, trying to comfort her. “Bianc, please don’t blame yourself. The doctor said you need to rest to recover. No one could have predicted this. It’s not your fault. Just lie down and focus on getting better.”
But how could Bianca rest when it was her fault that Blake was in such a terrible condition? How could she face him, let alone find a way to repay his selfless actions?
She was overwhelmed with self-blame. If only she had stayed home today, maybe this horrible accident could have been avoided.
Confused and lost, she didn’t even know how to begin facing Blake or how to make things right.
Diana gently helped Bianca lie down, comforting her as a caring protector. “Bianc, please try to rest. Things will feel better when you wake up. Trust me, everything will be okay.”
****
Meanwhile, in Mubluosia, a row of sleek black cars stopped outside Herbert’s private villa.
A group of bodyguards dressed in black stepped out, all carrying themselves with professional confidence. One of them approached the last car and respectfully opened the door.
Two well-dressed young men stepped out of the car. Michael adjusted his sunglasses and looked at the villa. “We’re here,” he said.
At a quiet signal from Dave, someone quickly rushed to ring the doorbell. But after waiting for a while, there was still no answer.
Dave’s voice, calm but with a hint of doubt, asked, “Are you sure he’s inside?”
Michael nodded. “The place has been under constant surveillance, just like you asked. Your Uncle Herbert hasn’t left since he arrived yesterday.”
Dave raised his hand, giving a signal to the bodyguards behind him. “Break down the door.”
The bodyguards quickly moved forward, dismantling the door in seconds. Dave didn’t hesitate. As he stepped inside, a flash of cold light caught his eye. His instincts kicked in immediately, and he quickly ducked, narrowly avoiding the ambush.
Herbert, furious at Dave’s swift move, swung his dagger wildly, trying to stab him.
But it was clear Herbert didn’t stand a chance against Dave and his well-trained men. In moments, they had subdued him, pinning him to the ground. Dave stepped in, swiftly kicking the dagger out of Herbert’s hand. Despite Herbert’s struggles, he was held down firmly by Dave’s men, his body forced against the floor.
“Are you okay?” Michael asked, glancing at Dave, who shook his head.
With Herbert now under control, Dave calmly moved in front of him and knelt halfway, meeting his uncle’s eyes. His face was emotionless. “Uncle Herbert, you’ve really sunk low. What is this? Are you trying to kill your own nephew?”