Chapter 29

Excitement lit up Violet's face as the news sank in. Finally, she had a real chance at escaping the grip of her illness with the help of Asclepius. Every flare-up had been a nightmare she couldn't wake from, but now hope glimmered on the horizon.

"Thank you, Rodger..." she whispered, clutching him tightly, her reddened eyes brimming with tears.

Her voice trembled as she said through tears, "I honestly don't know what I'd do if you weren't by my side."

The fragile desperation in her tone tugged at Rodger's heart, stirring his instinct to shield her.

He brushed away her tears with gentle fingers and murmured, "You don't need to worry, Violet. I'I stay right here.Nothing's going to happen to you."

"Alright." She looked so delicate in that moment, any man would have felt compelled to protect her.

"I'm going to find Asclepius. Please, just stay here in your room and don't go anywhere," said Rodger softly.

"Okay," Violet answered quickly, nodding like an obedient child.

The moment Rodger left and the door clicked shut, Violet's expression melted into a cool, triumphant smile.

As if Emilia could ever steal Rodger away-not when his devotion was so obvious. Winning against Emilia had never been difficult. She was hardly a threat.

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Elsewhere,Emilia changed out of her surgical gown and grabbed her phone,switching it on.

Her first instinct was to call Rodger, hoping to catch him and finally settle the divorce at the courthouse.

Each attempt ended in a quick disconnect. After three tries, she gave up, annoyance twisting her features.

Was he dodging her calls out of spite? Determined, Emilia strode out of the changing room, intending to hunt him down at the Mitchell Group offices.

But before she could leave the building, she spotted Rodger in the bustling lobby.

He stood tall, easy to spot in any crowd-maybe not as imposing as Elias, but handsome in hís own right.

Moving quickly, Emilia intercepted him, blocking his way."1thought we agreed to finalize this divorce. Let's go. We've still got time to get it done."

Rodger seemed genuinely stunned to see her, his brow knitted tight and a stormy look shadowing his face.

"Back to your usual games?" he snapped, suspicion dripping from his voice.

Caught off guard, Emilia straightened her shoulders. "Games? I'm not playing around. Didn't you say you wanted this divorce desperately? The courthouse is still open. Let's get it over with."

"I don't have time for you. Get out of my sight," Rodger warned coldly.

"Are you serious right now? You're the one who demanded this divorce, and now you want me to leave?Changed your mind, or are you just looking for a fight?" Emilia shot back, her patience thinning.

"Enough! You keep saying you're coming, but I've been waiting forever. Admit it, you're just stalling for time.You think I can't see through your tricks?" Rodger snapped angrily.

Emilia explained, "That's not it. Something urgent came up and I had to handle it, but it's all sorted now."

He scoffed, not buying a word. Rodger seemed convinced she was simply trying to drag things out and torment him.

"You're always making life difficult for everyone. Don't tink you can get away with it-once I'm done here,you'll answer to me." He shoved past her, cold eyes full of contempt.

The sudden force nearly toppled her. She stumbled back several steps, fighting to keep from crashing to the floor.

Emilia watched him disappear down the corridor, a deep ache rising in her chest. That same old disdain in his eyes haunted her memory.

Nothing had changed-after all her sacrifices, he still refused to trust her. Not once did he apprecate the years she'd spent tending to him, morning and night.

It made no difference what she said; Rodger's doubt always found its mark, and somehow she always ended up to blame.

Tears threatened, stinging her eyes, but Emilia forced a shaky smile and turned away, refusing to look back as she walked off.