5

The road at that time of the night had always been quiet and less busy.

For Alicia, it felt like the perfect moment to take a walk and lose herself in the beauty of Cortland City under the soft glow of streetlights.

The calm of the night should have brought her a strange sense of comfort after the betrayal, making it a rare opportunity she seldom had.

However, nothing had prepared her for what was about to happen.

She had only intended to cross to the other side of the road. She remembered glancing to her right and then to her left before stepping forward.

That was the last clear memory she had.

Everything after that moment disappeared into darkness.

******

Daniel sat at the back seat of his car, staring down at the unconscious woman who had been placed beside him.

A faint and unfamiliar emotion passed through his mind, but his face remained completely expressionless.

His sharp eyes moved across her body, carefully assessing every wound and scratch visible on her skin. From his quick evaluation, it was clear that the impact had been severe.

And Ethan was right, waiting for an ambulance might have cost her her life.

Daniel exhaled slowly before shifting his gaze toward the front seat.

“Did you find anything on her?” he asked, his voice calm but cold.

Ethan stiffened immediately. “Y…yes, sir.”

Daniel glanced at him briefly. “I did not know you stammered.”

“I am sorry, sir,” Ethan replied quickly. “I checked her belongings. She only had a handbag containing a phone, a bank card, an identity card, and a few personal items.”

“What is her name?”

“Alicia… Alicia Sawyer.”

Daniel repeated the name under his breath. “Alicia…”

He looked at her again, his brow furrowing slightly as if the name stirred a faint sense of familiarity. However, whatever thought had crossed his mind quickly faded, and he leaned back into his seat.

Whatever was going on in his mind was unclear.

Then a soft sound interrupted the silence. A faint whimper coming from her.

Daniel turned his head immediately. Alicia had moved slightly in pain.

“Are you planning to move faster,” he said coldly, directing his words at the driver, “or would you prefer that she dies in my car?”

“Yes, sir!” the driver responded nervously as he pressed down on the accelerator.

The car surged forward at once, cutting through the quiet roads as streetlights flashed past them in quick succession.

It did not take long before they arrived at the hospital.

Ethan stepped out quickly and rushed to the back seat. He carefully lifted Alicia into his arms and placed her onto a stretcher as medical staff wheeled her into the emergency unit.

Daniel remained still, watching the entire process unfold without any visible reaction.

“I have made the necessary arrangements, sir,” Ethan said as he returned to the car and sat down.

“We should head to the hotel now, and I will come back later to check on her.”

Ethan would have preferred to stay behind and confirm her condition, but he knew the weight of the situation.

A crucial meeting was waiting, and a billion-dollar contract was at stake. He could not afford any delay.

Moreover, Daniel had already shown unusual consideration by bringing the woman to the hospital. Ethan did not dare push his limits further.

However, just as the car was about to move, the door opened.

Daniel stepped out.

Ethan quickly followed after him, confusion evident in his expression.

Daniel stood tall with quiet authority.

Standing at 5’9” with broad shoulders, taut muscles that showed even through his suits, and well-built frame gave him an imposing presence.

The subtle glint of the ear stud he wore caught the light, adding to his striking appearance…he had always garnered attention wherever he was.

Thankfully it was night.

“Sir…” Ethan began uncertainly.

“Show some sincerity,” Daniel said flatly.

Ethan was stumped and before he could respond, Daniel had already started walking toward the hospital entrance.

Ethan swallowed and hurried after him, struggling to keep up.

Soon, they both stood outside the emergency unit. The doors opened, and a nurse rushed out, clearly anxious.

“Who is the family member?” she asked.

“She is…” Ethan began as he stepped forward.

“I am,” Daniel said firmly, cutting him off. Ethan’s eyes widened in shock.

The nurse turned toward Daniel, momentarily caught off guard.

Her breath hitched slightly, and her hand trembled, but she quickly regained her composure.

She reminded herself that this was not the time to be distracted. A life was at stake.

“She has lost a significant amount of blood,” the nurse explained. “We need to operate immediately. Please sign the consent form.”

Daniel took the form without hesitation and signed it. “You must save her,” he said in a calm but commanding cold tone.

The nurse felt a chill run down her spine, but she nodded quickly and rushed back into the emergency room, closing the doors behind her.

Ethan stood there for a moment, still trying to process what had just happened.

Before he could speak, Daniel’s voice cut through his thoughts.

“Contact him and inform him that I have an emergency,” Daniel said. “Tell him to reschedule the meeting.”

“But sir, we cannot afford to lose this deal over…” Ethan began anxiously.

He stopped himself when he met his cold gaze, but the concern was evident.

The King Group was already in a fragile state due to internal conflicts caused by Daniel’s brother.

The chairman and shareholders had made their expectations clear: secure the deal and take control of the family.

For the past four months, they had worked tirelessly toward this goal.

Why risk everything now? Ethan was anxious.

Daniel glanced at him and let out a quiet scoff. He understood exactly what Ethan was thinking. Lose the deal? Lose his inheritance? He dared to see that happen.

That was not an outcome he was willing to entertain.

His gaze shifted briefly toward the emergency room doors.

He knew he should leave, but something held him back. He did not like uncertainties. He wanted to make sure she was safe.

He wouldn't want to risk leaving a handle for the enemy to use.

And this situation felt too coincidental.

Of all cars, why should she run into his, and in the middle of the night? At that exact moment? At that exact location?

It did not sit well with him.

‘It’s odd unless she had been ordered by someone.’

Ethan paced the corridor, unsure of how to persuade his boss, but Daniel appeared completely unbothered, leisurely engrossed on his phone.

Ethan’s frustration began to rise.

“Instead of worrying yourself endlessly,” Daniel said without looking up, “why not make yourself useful?”

Ethan stopped. “I am sorry, sir, but I think…”

“Do not think,” Daniel interrupted. “At this moment, you should be investigating. Do I need to remind you?”

Ethan stiffened, his thoughts spun, and his eyes widened as he quickly connected the dots.

Of course, he had to run a few background checks on the connections and intent.

He gave his boss a thumbs up in his heart.

“Understood. I will handle it right away.”

He turned to leave.

“Do not forget to check on them as well,” Daniel added calmly.

Ethan hesitated for a brief moment, curious about what Daniel was doing on his phone, but he knew better not to ask.

He left quickly.

Once the corridor grew quiet, Daniel slipped his phone into his pocket and walked toward the far end of the hallway.

Beyond the glass panels, the hospital grounds stretched out in calm greenery. The night lights added a beautiful glow over it.

Daniel exhaled slowly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette.

His movements were deliberate and precise as he placed it between his lips and lit it. He inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly, watching the smoke curl into the air.

His eyes were cold, almost detached.

“Alicia Sawyer.”