Chapter 666

"Ms. Carter, please help Mr. Powell! He's still in his prime! If he loses mobility, it would be tragic!"

Vanessa fell silent on the call, her thoughts racing.

Nathaniel's mention of prison struck a nerve, dragging up memories of her own incarceration.

Three years had been unbearable enough.

But Dominic? A full decade!

What depth of betrayal must he have felt toward the Powells to choose prison over freedom?

In that moment, Vanessa felt an unexpected kinship with Dominic—two souls who'd endured the system's cruelty.

After hanging up, Alexander noticed Vanessa's distant expression.

Her mind was clearly elsewhere—probably with Dominic.

Following her gaze, he saw her staring intently at the medical kit in the corner.

Alexander's brow furrowed.

After a beat, he made his decision. "Vanessa, if you want to go, then go."

He understood her gift for healing was a calling.

As her husband, his job was to support her unconditionally.

Alexander had always encouraged her medical practice.

Gently cupping her face, he murmured, "But remember—you're mine. Treat him, but don't let Dominic steal you away." Vanessa nodded vigorously, surprised by Alexander's consent.

"I know," she breathed, heart swelling with gratitude.

She grabbed her acupuncture kit and turned to leave, but Alexander caught her hand, his touch warm. "I'll drive you." Vanessa smiled, impulsively pulling him into a tight embrace. Rising on tiptoes, she brushed a kiss against his cheek.

"Where else would I find such an understanding husband? Alexander, you're incredible!"

Men like him were rare, and her admiration deepened.

As they departed, Isabella watched from her window, gaze fixed until their car vanished.

Alexander was sending Vanessa away, but the thought of staying filled her with dread.

After a moment's hesitation, Isabella made her choice.

She packed hastily, dragged her suitcase to the door, and stepped outside.

Near the estate gates, a sleek Cayenne idled at the curb.

The window lowered, revealing Sebastian's smirking face. "Isabella," he called, beckoning.

Isabella froze, instinctively retreating.

It was Sebastian.

Her expression shifted to shock and unease. "What are you doing here?" she thought, fighting the urge to flee. Sebastian seemed oblivious to her discomfort.

He flung the door open, grabbing her wrist and yanking her inside with surprising strength.

Before she could react, Isabella found herself straddling Sebastian's lap, their faces inches apart.

"Isabella, I've missed you," he murmured, leaning in.

Startled, Isabella dropped her suitcase with a thud.

"What are you doing?" she gasped, shoving his chest.

Her mind raced: "This is practically Alexander's doorstep!"

"Couldn't wait," Sebastian breathed. "You weren't answering. Thought you might be coming to me?" Isabella seethed.

"What a lunatic!" she thought. "If I hadn't left, would he have broken in? What if security saw?"

Unseen, a figure in a black cap observed from the shadows.

A lanky companion nudged him. "Andrew, you've been stalking this woman for days? That obsessed?"

Andrew remained silent as the man continued, "But she's clearly into Sebastian. Look at them going at it—damn, that's intense." Andrew yanked the cap over his companion's eyes. "Stop staring!"

Inside the Cayenne, the rocking grew violent.

Andrew turned away. "Let Sebastian handle the next shipment."

His companion nodded, then frowned. "Wait—if you like her, why help your rival?"

"Who said I like her?" Andrew snapped.

The man persisted: "Then why surveil her? What's special about her?"

Andrew's face remained shadowed beneath his cap.

XXXXX

Despite her preparation, Vanessa still gasped at Dominic's injuries.

Without immediate treatment, amputation was likely.

His legs were mottled with bruises, some areas necrotic from neglect.

Frowning, Vanessa turned to Nathaniel. "Guard the door. No interruptions. And fetch me a basin."

Nathaniel obeyed, stationing himself outside.

Vanessa checked Dominic's pulse, then selected silver needles from her kit.

Precision guided her hands as she inserted them. "Pain?" she asked.

Dominic shook his head weakly, though sweat beaded his forehead. Infection had set in, likely causing fever.

Vanessa applied a cold compress to his brow.

As time passed, dark blood oozed from the knee needles.

"This pus must drain, or you'll lose the legs," she stated.

Dominic remained silent, eyes locked on Vanessa's face.

She noticed his unusual quiet—normally talkative, he hadn't spoken since her arrival.

With Dominic mute, Vanessa focused on her work.

After thirty minutes, most pus had drained. She bandaged his legs firmly. "The remainder will absorb. Bed rest is mandatory—no standing."

Suddenly, commotion erupted outside.

"Mrs. Price! You can't—" Nathaniel's voice cut off.

"Is Dominic here?" Miranda demanded, pushing forward.

Nathaniel blocked her. "You can't enter!"

Miranda's face darkened. "How dare you stop me?"

Her bodyguards overpowered Nathaniel, forcing the door open.