Pursuing Her

Barney's expression was solemn, as the condition of Sophie's leg was extremely grave.

If it wasn't dealt with properly, it would affect her for the rest of her life.

Given what was at stake, Barney and Arius began to provide her with emergency treatment.

Even with their combined efforts, the surgery took them more than three hours.

Tristan was at the scene throughout. During the surgery, the latter's heartbeat stopped on a few occasions. Fortunately, Barney and Arius managed to pull her back from the brink of death every time that happened.

Helpless in the situation, all Tristan could do was stay by her side, and let her know that there was still someone waiting for her.

He wanted to give her a reason to not give up fighting.

Once the surgery was over, Barney and Arius emerged gloomily.

As for Sophie, she was sent to the intensive care unit after receiving early-stage treatment. Her main surgery was still contingent upon her regaining consciousness.

Everyone else went along with her and gathered outside the ICU.

Tristan didn't get any rest since the accident, as he had stayed by her side for many hours.

The stubbles on his chin further accentuated his already haggard look.

Unable to bear the sight, Sarah approached him.

“You should tidy yourself up and get some rest. Your current condition will only worry Sophie when she wakes up.” Sarah had no choice but to comfort Tristan that way.

“Sarah, don't worry. I'm fine. A little exhaustion isn't going to kill me.”

Barney had told him that the next twenty-four hours were key to whether Sophie would wake up.

Thus, there was no way he could leave until that happen.

“I'll stay here on your behalf, all right? I'll call you the moment she wakes up.”

“Sarah, I'm really fine. I understand your concern, but you should go back and rest.” Mired in fear and anxiousness over the last two days, none of them got any proper rest.

Cecelia and Butterfly, too, refused to take a break and insisted on being with Sophie.

Nicholas shared the same sentiment as they did but since his presence was not wanted, he could only wait opposite the hospital.

Hatred glistened in his eyes amidst the darkened expression on his face.

Alex was standing beside him in fearful silence, for his boss was furious that they didn't manage to get to Sophie first.

“Mr. Nicholas, we should now—”

“Get Sophie out of there. I want to take her back to Anglandur.” Nicholas knew very well the condition Sophie was in, which presented them with the perfect opportunity.

Once Sophie was awake, her combat skills would make it difficult to kidnap her.

Therefore, doing so while she was in a coma was their best bet.

“But she's in the ICU now, Mr. Nicholas. What if something untoward happens while we move her?” Despite his dislike of Sophie, Alex was cognizant of how the risks of his task would affect Sophie's condition.

“There won't be any problems, as I've hired the best doctors. All you have to do is bring her to me.”

Why are you still wasting time here?

Alex fell silent in the face of Nicholas' anger.

Stealing Sophie out of the hospital is an impossible task with Tristan standing guard. If that isn't bad enough, there are many other factions protecting her currently. Unfortunately, Mr. Nicholas refuses to listen. All that matters to him is results. He doesn't care how difficult the process is.

After Alex went off, Nicholas remained where he was.

I wonder how is she doing now? I'm sure she'll be fine given her strong willpower. That said, what should I do now?

Nicholas was filled with the urge to see Sophie.

D*mn it, I have to see her no matter what. I need to know that she's fine. Otherwise, I'll never be at peace.

With that, Nicholas found a way to infiltrate the hospital. When he arrived at the ICU, he stopped in his tracks at the sight of Tristan.

Despite the overwhelming urge to approach his dream girl, he decided to leave quietly when he recalled the plan he had in place.

“Don't worry, Sophie. I'll definitely take you with me and protect you. You'll not come to any more harm.”

After allowing Sophie to suffer such grievous injuries, Tristan is no longer worthy to be by her side. All this wouldn't have happened if she had gone back to Anglandur with me.

“Who are you? Why are you sneaking around?” Arius noticed a man behaving suspiciously on his rounds to check on Sophie. Moreover, the man's silhouette looked familiar to him.

Nicholas was wearing a black face mask when he turned around upon hearing the familiar voice.

“I'm sorry. I lost my way.”