[4]

That day, Victoria had prepared herself earlier than usual. Today was her schedule to visit Abigail in the hospital. Anna, her daughter's caregiver, had sent her a photo that morning. In the photo, Abigail looked cheerful with her nanny. Anna also shared the good news that Abigail's condition had stabilized over the past few days.

A bright smile was etched on Victoria's face. She made Abigail's favorite food as a small token of attention for her daughter. Not only that, but without realizing it, she also made breakfast for Logan-perhaps in gratitude that he hadn't refused her therapy. Even though their marriage was just a formality, Victoria felt she still had to honor Logan as her husband.

Victoria knocked gently on Logan's bedroom door. In her hand was a tray with a cup of hot coffee and toast. “Sir,” she called in a soft voice. “Are you awake?”

From inside, Logan's voice rang out, stern as ever. “What's wrong?”

The cold tone didn't surprise Victoria. She smiled a little, relieved that Logan was still responding. Carefully, she opened the door and stepped inside. The room was dark, lit only by the sunlight trying to penetrate the thick curtains. The gray and white colors that dominated the room added to the somber feel.

Logan sat in his wheelchair, facing the large window overlooking the back garden. His sturdy back despite the wheelchair still showed the charisma of a leader. Victoria paused for a moment, staring at the figure. If it weren't for his condition, Logan would have been a man capable of captivating many women with his charm.

Near Logan, Ben, his loyal assistant, stood at attention. Ben hardly ever spoke unless necessary, but his presence always felt intimidating.

Victoria broke the silence. “I brought you breakfast,” she said, trying to make her voice sound casual.

However, as she got closer, the atmosphere changed. Something wasn't right. Logan kept his back to her, his body looking limp. When he finally turned his head, his gaze was full of anger.

“Why are you here again?” he snapped, his voice cold and sharp.

Victoria stopped in mid-step. Her chest tightened at the words, but she tried to remain calm. “I just wanted to make sure you had breakfast. And... the condition of your leg after last night's fall,” she replied softly.

“My condition?” Logan laughed sarcastically, his voice full of bitterness. “Who are you to care about my condition?”

Victoria paused, trying to find the right words. Last night, when she'd seen the small movement in Logan's leg, she'd believed there was hope there. But now, it all seemed lost. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay,” she said quietly.

“What for?” Her tone was now mocking. “All this is pointless, isn't it? Your massage yesterday only made my leg worse! Today, my leg isn't even responding at all!”

Victoria gasped. A feeling of guilt hit her, but she knew she had to stay calm. She tried to get closer to Logan. “Maybe this is temporary. Can I check your leg? There might be something wrong-”

“Enough!” Logan cut in with a loud voice. “I don't need your pity or that stupid therapy!”

The room fell silent again, tense. Victoria stared at Logan, hoping to find an opening to approach him again. But the man's gaze was like an impenetrable wall.

Ben, who had been standing silently, stepped forward, speaking in a calm but firm tone. “Mr. Logan, let him check. There's no harm in trying.”

Logan glanced at Ben, as if he couldn't believe his assistant had said that. However, Ben continued to look at him undaunted. After a moment that seemed like an eternity, Logan let out a long breath.

“Do what you want,” he muttered, almost inaudibly.

Victoria approached slowly, holding her breath. Despite her fear of Logan's anger, she knew this was her chance to help him. She knelt in front of Logan's wheelchair, touching his legs carefully. She tried pressing a few spots, gently massaging the bruised area, hoping to find a response like the one she'd seen last night. But there was none.

“Last night, your leg responded,” he murmured softly, almost in disbelief. “There was a small movement in your big toe, but now... nothing.”

Logan looked up, his piercing eyes staring at Victoria with a fury that was hard to hide. “Stop touching me!” he snapped suddenly, making Victoria flinch. His voice echoed in the silent room.

Victoria looked up, staring at the man's face in confusion. “I was only trying to help, Mr. Ashford.”

“Bullshit!” Logan grinned sarcastically. His jaw hardened, and the look in his eyes seemed to burn the air around him. “You think I don't know your intentions? Don't act like you care about me. Remember our contract, Victoria. Keep your lines. I don't need your pity!”

His words felt like a whip tearing Victoria's heart apart. However, she swallowed the pain, trying to remain calm. “I do not pity you, Mr. Ashford. I just want to do my best to aid in your recovery.”

“Get out!” snapped Logan without hesitation. His face was crimson, reflecting a mounting anger. “I don't want to see you!”

Victoria was silent for a moment before slowly standing up. Her hands clutched tightly to the breakfast tray she was carrying. She bowed slightly, giving a final salute before walking away.

As Victoria almost reached the door, Logan's voice rang out again, colder and more commanding. “Make sure she's not in my presence again. I don't want to see her face.”

Victoria's steps halted for a moment, but she didn't turn around. With difficulty, she held back the tears that were about to fall. She stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her silently.

Outside, Victoria leaned against the wall, trying to catch her heavy breathing. Her feelings were a mixture of anger, sadness, and confusion. Last night, she was sure there was progress on Logan's leg. But now, it all seemed to have vanished into thin air.

“Why is this?” she whispered softly. Her eyes closed, trying to remember every detail of last night. He made sure everything was done right. Logan took his medicine, the therapy session went well, and she brought him back to the room without any problems. But... what went wrong?

Her mind went back to the medicine she had given him. Could something have gone wrong? Suspicion began to creep into her mind. She couldn't just let this go. She had to find the answer, no matter what.

Victoria opened her eyes, a look of determination in them. If anyone tried to stop her from helping Logan, she would find out. No matter how hard it was.

***

Victoria looked at Chris, the doctor who had been treating Abigail, with a hopeful look in her eyes. Chris' explanation of her daughter's condition was helpful, but there was something else more pressing on her mind.

“Can you do me a favor?” she asked in a cautious tone.

Chris, who was adjusting his glasses, looked at Victoria with some confusion. “What is it?”

Victoria took out a small bottle from inside her bag and handed it over. “Can you tell me what's in this medicine?”

Chris took the bottle, his brow furrowed. “What is this medicine?”

“That's why I asked for your help,” Victoria replied in an expectant tone. “Can you take a look at it?”

Samuel nodded slowly. “Alright. Give me a few days to make sure.”

Victoria breathed a sigh of relief. Chris Harrington, her senior in college. Known as a specialist who was competent in handling critical cases. Victoria knew she could rely on him.

For a week, Victoria waited for the results of Chris' examination while busying herself finding out more about Logan Ashford. The Dallas Corp heir is not only known for his wealth, but also the tragedy that took most of his life. And all the while, Victoria has had to deal with Logan's cold demeanor and make sure he keeps taking the medication his aunt Grace gave him.

When Chris finally calls to give her the news, Victoria is both anxious and curious.

“It's a neuroprotective drug,” Chris said in a serious tone. “Long-term use can permanently reduce motor skills. It's usually only prescribed under certain conditions and under strict supervision.”

Victoria paused, surprised at the explanation. “Then this could be dangerous for Logan?” she asked, almost in a whisper.

Samuel looked at her sharply. “Where did you get this medicine?”

Victoria looked away, feeling guilty even though she couldn't explain everything.

***

“Dallas Corp is exploring cooperation with Leon Air. The risk of loss is great, Mr. Logan. You must take action.”

“How can I take action if I'm in this condition?” Logan replied sharply, frustrated.

“The big shareholder meeting this month is very important. You must attend.”

Victoria paused behind the door, hearing every word with mixed feelings. Logan Ashford had everything, but his life was controlled by Grace-his mother. Meanwhile, Victoria felt guilty for helping Grace weaken Logan with the medicine she'd given him.

Although Victoria needs a lot of money for Abigail, but really ... her conscience is still there. If Logan was back in power, couldn't that man provide a much better treatment for Abby?

“Aunt Grace won't let me go there, Ben. You know, she's certainly made a lot of arrangements for Dallas to work with other clients, according to her wishes. Not mine.”

With a sudden burst of courage, Victoria knocked on the door and entered.

“I'm sorry, Mr. Ashford,” she said, ignoring the man's piercing gaze. “I need to speak with you in private.”

“What do you want?” asked Ben who stepped up to the woman without hesitation. Victoria was a little frightened and could only hope she wasn't dragged out before talking about her findings.

“I wish to speak privately with Mr. Ashford,” Victoria said as she closed her eyes tightly. Ben was being overly intimidating to her.

“I don't want to talk to you. Get out! Before I ask Ben to drag you away!” Logan scolded in a voice that made anyone tremble with fear.

“But I have an offer for you, Mr. Ashford,” Victoria stammered. “Please, listen to me first.”

“What are you talking about?” asked Ben with a look of disbelief. “What you want to talk to Mr. Logan about, say it to my face too.”

Victoria tried to ignore Ben's words just now even though it was difficult. “Please, Mr. Ashford. Just give me a chance to talk for once.”

Logan snorted loudly. “You only have five minutes.” He wagged a finger at Ben. “Go on. Bring me the latest contract file.”

Reluctantly, Ben complied and left the room.

Once they were alone, Victoria took a medicine bottle from her bag and handed it to Logan. “Did you know that your leg can actually be cured?”

Logan didn't answer, but his gaze was alert. Victoria handed him a sheet of documents from Chris's investigation.

“This is a nerve-weakening drug,” she explained in a low but firm voice. “If you continue to take it, you will not only lose the ability to walk, but also risk being laid up for life.”

Logan crumpled the document, his face remaining expressionless, though it was clear that he was shocked.

“I may only be a therapist, but I know what I'm talking about,” Victoria continued. “I want to offer you a deal.”

Logan grinned coldly. “What deal? You want to start a new game?”

“I can get you to take everything back,” Victoria said, voice wrapped in hesitation yet full of determination.

Stepping closer, her eyes met Logan's dark, piercing ones.

“Everything they ever took away, including your honor as CEO of Dallas Corp,” she adds, looking at him deeply, like an unbreakable promise. “But... pay for my daughter's entire treatment. Even if necessary, find the best doctor in the country so he can work on her recovery.”

The room fell silent. Logan looked at Victoria with a sharp look in his eyes that was hard to interpret.

“So,” Victoria said in a quivering tone, ”isn't this a good deal for both of us?”