เข้าสู่ระบบCHAPTER 166: The Obsessive ProtectorAt St. Catherine’s Hospital, night slowly began to fall.Alina lay on the hospital bed, her eyes fixed on the white, empty ceiling above her.Her thoughts wouldn’t stop spinning.The news Adrian had told her.The photos of her spreading everywhere.The cruel comments from people who didn’t even know her.But there was something else bothering her more.Something that kept gnawing at the back of her mind.Clarissa.Alina knew—somehow she knew—that this was Clarissa’s doing.Not Daniel’s.Daniel might be cruel and possessive.But he would never destroy the reputation of the woman who was still legally his wife in front of the public.That wasn’t how Daniel operated.But Clarissa?That woman had wanted Alina gone from Daniel and Junior’s lives for a very long time.And a method like this—using the media, making Alina look unstable and dangerous—fit her perfectly.Alina closed her eyes tiredly.Tears slowly slipped down her cheeks.She felt so exhauste
Marcus continued his report, voice steady despite the tension in the room."Mrs. Clarissa hired a journalist from one of the tabloid media outlets," he explained. "According to our investigation, this journalist has a reputation for doing... whatever work pays well, regardless of ethics. He specializes in sensational stories and anonymous sources."Daniel's jaw clenched tighter.The muscles in his face twitched.But he remained silent—a dangerous kind of silence that Marcus had learned to fear more than any outburst."I've already begun damage control, sir," Marcus continued quickly. "We've contacted several platforms to remove the posts. Threatened legal action against the main gossip sites. The results are already showing—the articles are being taken down, though some people are still commenting."He paused, watching Daniel's face carefully."What would you like us to do next, sir?"Daniel's eyes remained fixed on the tablet screen for a long moment.Looking at the photos of Alina.
Adrian moved closer and sat in the chair beside the bed—close enough to have a serious conversation but maintaining professional distance.He looked at Alina with eyes that held both compassion and determination."There's something you need to know," he began carefully. "And I'm not going to hide it from you because I think you deserve to know the truth about what's happening."Alina's body tensed.Her hands gripped the blanket tighter."What is it?" she whispered.Adrian took a deep breath."Someone has spread rumors about you," he said directly. "Photos of you have been circulated online—on social media, gossip sites, anonymous forums. They're claiming that you're mentally unstable. That your pregnancy is unwanted. That you're obsessed with keeping Daniel."Alina's face went even paler—if that was possible.Her eyes widened with shock.But there was also something else in her expression.Something that looked almost like... she'd been expecting this."The comments are brutal," Adria
The door to Alina's hospital room opened.Richard entered first with Emma and Adrian. They were visiting Alina again.Alina, who had been sitting quietly on the bed, slowly lifted her head. Her face was still pale. Her eyes swollen after Daniel left.And seeing those three people arrive... somehow made her chest feel even tighter."Sweetheart..." Richard's voice immediately softened full of worry. "Dad heard from the nurse that Daniel came earlier?"Alina tensed.Her hand slowly gripped the blanket.Emma immediately noticed the change in expression and felt her chest hurt too.Adrian stood a few steps from the bed. His gaze sharp watching Alina."We just want to make sure he didn't do anything to you," Richard asked worriedly. "Did he threaten you again?"Alina looked down.Didn't answer.Only her eyelashes began to tremble.Richard held Alina's hand with full concern."Alina..." his voice broke. "Dad begs you. Tell us what he said. Don't bear everything alone like this."Tears began
In her luxurious penthouse, Margaret sat on the sofa with a phone to her ear and a cold expression."Dr. Whitmore," she said in a businesslike voice. "What's the progress with Mrs. Alina's medical records?"At the other end of the line, Dr. Whitmore sounded uncomfortable."I'm... still compiling," he answered in a reluctant voice. "But there's a problem, Mrs. Blackwood. Other doctors on the team see clear signs of abuse. Extreme malnutrition that can't be explained by morning sickness alone. Evidence of self-harm. Profound psychological trauma."Margaret felt her jaw tighten."Then make sure your final report frames it as pregnancy complications and pre-existing mental illness," she said in a very cold voice. "NOT abuse. NOT because of the environment in the Blackwood home.""Mrs. Blackwood," Dr. Whitmore said in a desperate voice, "this is falsification of medical records. I could lose my license and face criminal charges.""I don't care!" Margaret cut in with a voice that was very c
In the morning, the medical board received a complaint sent by Lisa Brennan.At eight in the morning, Judge Hartford's office received official notification from the Medical Board.The judge immediately summoned Ms. Fontaine to come. She sat in the luxurious waiting room, legs crossed anxiously, eyes constantly glancing at the judge's office door.Ms. Fontaine had been waiting twenty minutes—long enough for anxiety to begin creeping up.The door finally opened."Ms. Fontaine, please come in."Judge Hartford sat behind a large desk with an expression that was hard to read—professional, but with worried wrinkles on his forehead."Is there a problem?" Ms. Fontaine asked directly, having no patience for pleasantries.Judge Hartford took a document from his desk—an envelope with the Medical Board letterhead—and pushed it across the desk."A serious complaint has been filed against Dr. Halvorsen," he said in a careful tone. "A formal complaint from a former patient named Lisa Brennan. Alleg
Day five since Alina was allowed to see Junior.Five days with the same routine. Measured. Controlled.In the morning—Alina went to Junior’s room when he woke up. Helped him get ready. Straightened his uniform. Walked him to the dining table where Clarissa already waited with a smile that was far t
Alina and Junior sat in each other's embrace for a few moments—silent, just feeling each other's presence.Then Junior pulled back slightly. Looking at Alina with an expression too serious for a six-year-old."Mama," he said softly. "Junior promises to be a good child."Alina frowned, stroking Juni
At five in the morning, a soft knock on the door woke Alina from sleep that had never really come.She'd been awake since three. Lying in bed with eyes open, staring at the ceiling, waiting for morning to arrive.Waiting for the chance to see Junior."Mrs. Blackwood?" Mrs. Helen's voice from outsid
At six in the evening, Daniel came home earlier than usual.His Bentley Continental stopped in front of the mansion with smooth precision that somehow felt menacing.He got out with briefcase in hand, posture rigid as always. White shirt still crisp despite it being evening. Tie perfectly knotted.







