Chapter 419

The royal decree was issued, shattering Nathaniel's hopes of survival in Country T.

This wasn't just about him. The royal family saw this as an opportunity to weaken the military's influence and strike a devastating blow to the underworld. Beneath the surface, a fierce power struggle raged between the crown and the armed forces.

Otherwise, a mere pawn like Nathaniel wouldn't have warranted such attention.

These were the details Arabella later shared with Evelyn. But Evelyn, sharp as ever, had already pieced it together.

What troubled her more was a name—Eden. The military officer Lucas had betrayed.

Something about this felt off. Suspicious.

But she couldn't dwell on it now. Her thoughts were consumed by one thing: when would Alexander wake up?

Nathaniel was locked up, awaiting deportation. Back in Elmsworth, Adrian had already briefed his superiors. He boarded a red-eye flight with his team to retrieve their target.

Dawn approached.

The hospital corridor was eerily silent, the air thick with tension.

Daniel and Dominic were glued to their phones—one coordinating with Adrian mid-flight, the other soothing his wife, Lillian, at home. He stole glances at the video call, watching her peaceful sleeping face.

Daniel's heart ached as he stared at Isabella on the screen. The longing was unbearable, his eyes burning with unshed tears.

Red-eyed, he traced her image with his fingertips, then leaned in, pressing a kiss to the screen.

"Seriously? Kissing your phone?" Dominic teased, startling Daniel, who quickly ended the call, not wanting to wake her.

"Mind your own business," Daniel snapped.

"Why would I? You're a walking joke!"

Dominic rolled his eyes. "If this is what love does, I'll stay single forever."

"Good. With that attitude, no woman would tolerate you anyway," Daniel shot back.

"You wanna keep this up?" Dominic raised a brow. "Should I tell your precious Isabella about how you chased after my sister? Let’s see how long you last on durian knees."

Damn him.

Daniel clenched his fists but held back. The only thing he feared was his wife's wrath.

"I don’t get it," Dominic mused. "Alexander’s usually so composed. How did he end up so close to you?"

The word idiot nearly slipped out.

"Hey! Without me, his journey would’ve been ten times harder!"

Ignoring the jab, Daniel’s expression darkened with concern. "Do you think Alexander chooses not to have friends? He just... can’t."

Dominic took a drag of his cigarette. "Why? Some psychological issue?"

"Got any manners?" Daniel scowled.

"If it’s not that, why did he reject my sister and end up with that cheating ex?"

Though Dominic had let go of his grudge, old habits died hard. The thought still made him want to punch Alexander—forgetting the man was fighting for his life.

"It’s his past. Bullied as a kid, he hid his wounds to spare his mother. Always brought her good news, never the bad."

"Damn those little monsters," Dominic muttered, crushing his cigarette pack. "Why didn’t he fight back? He’s an Abernathy!"

"You think one kid can take on a mob?" Daniel’s voice cracked.

Dominic fell silent, fists tightening.

"You—the legitimate heir, doted on since birth. Even me, raised in a loving home. We’ve never known Alexander’s pain. The weight of being the illegitimate son, the constant walking on eggshells."

Dominic exhaled sharply. Alexander’s life had been hell.

"So, all these years, he’s only had me. He’s built walls. Doesn’t trust easily. And he’s used to being alone."

But no one wants to be alone.

Sometimes, it’s the only choice.

"I take it back," Dominic said suddenly.

"What?"

"Your family upbringing wasn’t bad. At least you didn’t join in when others bullied him."

Daniel’s mind flashed to Edith Fairhaven—the chaos she’d caused, the cruelty she’d shown Isabella. He’d failed as a brother, letting his sister become a monster.

"You’re clueless, but you’re decent," Dominic admitted, clapping his shoulder. "From now on, Alexander won’t just have you."

Daniel’s heart skipped.

But Dominic was already walking away, vanishing like a cool breeze.

In the corridor outside the ER, Cassius and Arabella kept Evelyn company, waiting for Chase’s surgery to end.

"Sweetheart, it’s a long procedure. Rest for a bit," Arabella urged, feeling Evelyn’s trembling hands.

"I’m fine. I’ll wait here."

Evelyn blinked hard. "How could I sleep now?"

"Evelyn," Cassius cut in, serious. "What do you think about General Eden?"

Arabella frowned. "Cassius, give her a break. We can discuss this later. My husband’s already investigating. No one will get away with this."

"It’s okay," Evelyn said softly. "I want to talk about it."

She turned to Cassius. "Your mission on Star Island was classified. Alexander’s meticulous. There’s no way intel leaked. Even if Nathaniel’s men tipped someone off, why involve the military? It’s too calculated."

"Exactly. I think Eden’s men weren’t there for Nathaniel. They were targeting us."

Cassius recalled Alexander’s words, his breath hitching. "Alexander said he’s 90% sure who sent them, but we didn’t have time to discuss it."

Evelyn’s eyes widened. "Alexander met Eden? How?"

"No. He thinks someone here is colluding with Eden, using military power to eliminate threats."

Domestic?

Evelyn’s pulse spiked. Who had that kind of influence—and malice?

"I’ve got people digging into Eden’s local ties. Anyone in Elmsworth’s elite with connections to the Tide is a suspect." Cassius’s grim tone sent chills down their spines.

"When Alexander wakes up, he’ll give us answers," Arabella said.

Just then, Evelyn swayed.

"Evelyn, are you okay?" Cassius asked, concerned.

The ER doors burst open.

A nurse in bloodied scrubs rushed out. "We’re out of blood! The patient needs an immediate transfusion!"

"I’ll do it!" Evelyn stepped forward.

She remembered the last time Alexander needed blood—she’d been incompatible. Not this time.

"Me too!" Arabella raised her hand.

"Us too!" Daniel and Dominic volunteered. They’d give a kidney if needed.

"The patient is Rh-negative. Are you all matches?" The nurse was frantic.

Evelyn’s heart sank.

Rh-negative was rare. There wasn’t time to source more.

"Alexander’s a panda blood type? Of course he is," Dominic muttered, anxiety making him blunt.

"Dominic!" Cassius snapped.

Just then, a calm voice cut through the panic.

"I’m Rh-negative. I’ll donate."

Arabella gasped, tears welling. "Darcy!"

Evelyn was stunned.

Her brother-in-law, the President of Helgen, stood before them.

"Debby, I’m sorry I’m late," Darcy murmured, pulling Arabella into his arms. His voice cracked. "Do you know how terrified I was when I heard you came alone? What would I do without you?"

"Find another First Lady," she teased, melting into his embrace.

"Never." He kissed her hair. "Without you, none of this matters."

Watching them, Evelyn felt a pang of envy.

If only she could have that—openly loving someone, building a life together.

Alexander, wake up.

Or my future will taste like ashes.

Without delay, Darcy followed the nurse into the ER.

Arabella stared at the closed doors, sweating with worry.

"Darcy’s health isn’t great," Cassius said gently. "Can he handle this?"

"He’ll be fine," Arabella insisted, though fear flickered in her eyes.

Evelyn hugged her tightly, wordless gratitude in the embrace.

Time crawled.

At dawn, the ER lights dimmed. The doors opened.

Exhausted, they surged forward.

Evelyn’s heart pounded as Dr. Bright emerged, his scrubs stained, his face pale.

He removed his mask, revealing bloodshot eyes.

"Dr. Bright, how is Alexander?" Evelyn rasped.

"Mr. Abernathy—"

Chase swayed, vision blurring.

"Dr. Bright!"

Cassius lunged, catching him before he collapsed.

"Easy," Cassius murmured, holding him steady.

Chase blinked up at him, warmth flooding his chest.