Chapter 125

"He got away!" William growled, clenching his teeth. "The people I sent to find him came up empty. He vanished without a trace. I bet he skipped the country!"

Victoria's face went pale as she listened, her voice shaking. "It's all my fault. I should've listened to you. I shouldn't have gone looking for clues on my own. I ended up tipping him off."

By the end, Victoria's eyes were red, tears welling up.

Victoria was filled with self-loathing. Just when they had found a lead to clear Alvin's name, she ruined it due to her foolishness!

William's heart ached. He quickly tried to comfort her. "Don't beat yourself up. I promise I'll find the evidence to clear your father's name."

This was not just for Alvin, but also to uncover the truth about his own parents' deaths!

Victoria sniffled, trying to hold back her tears. "William, thank you for saving me and for helping me."

Her expression was one of sorrow and despair.

William gently patted her shoulder, speaking softly. "Don't cry. Focus on getting better first."

"I feel fine," Victoria insisted. "I was just a bit shaken up. I want to be discharged this afternoon."

William frowned, worried. "That's not a good idea. You've been through a lot. You should stay in the hospital for a few days."

Victoria was stubborn. "I'm really okay."

With the exhibition coming up, she didn't want her condition to delay their work.

Seeing her determination, William had no choice but to relent.

Thanks to Victoria's meticulous planning, the home design exhibition went off without a hitch and received rave reviews.

Victoria's work in Harborview City was done, but William needed to stay a couple more days to handle some Scott family matters. Victoria had planned to wait for him so they could return to Silvermist City together.

Unexpectedly, she received a call from Ryan.

Ryan's voice sounded anxious. "Victoria, where are you right now?"

Victoria was taken aback. "I'm on a business trip in Harborview City. What's wrong?"

Ryan angrily replied, "Samuel's been in an accident and is in the hospital. Come see him right away."

Victoria's heart skipped a beat, her mind going blank. "How is he?"

"He was in a car accident. He's in critical condition at Dawn Healthcare Center," Ryan's voice was hoarse.

Victoria immediately stood up. "Okay, I'll book a flight and come right away!"

She hurriedly bought the earliest flight to Silvermist City.

Victoria arrived in Silvermist City at 8 PM. She quickly hailed a cab to Dawn Healthcare Center.

When she reached the hospital room, Ryan was by Samuel's bedside.

Seeing her, Ryan looked relieved and grabbed her arm. "You're finally here!"

Victoria anxiously looked at Samuel lying in bed. "What happened? How did he get into an accident?"

Ryan sighed. "It's because of you! Ever since he got back from the Arctic and heard you and William were in Harborview City, he's been out of sorts. I'm really at a loss with him. He's thirty years old but acts like a kid when it comes to you."

Victoria bit her lip, feeling guilty. "I'm sorry."

"Alright," Ryan said, patting her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. "Don't blame yourself. He's not dead, just has a broken leg."

Hearing this, Victoria let out a sigh of relief, her heart finally settling.

She turned to look at Samuel. His eyes were closed, his face pale, and his forehead wrapped in thick bandages.

His handsome face was covered in scratches, and his lips were bruised, making him look pitiful.

Seeing Victoria's worried expression, Ryan sighed. "Victoria, you need to think carefully. Who's better for you? William, who keeps hurting you and flirting with others, or Samuel, who's mature and devoted to you?"

Victoria lowered her eyes.

She knew the difference between William and Samuel.

No matter how sweet things were with William in Harborview City, once they returned to Silvermist City, William would go back to Alice.

She was just a thief, stealing a few days of happiness.

Thinking of this, Victoria softly said, "Thank you. I'll think about it. I have a few days off. I'll stay and take care of him."

"Good," Ryan nodded. "He'll be happy to see you. Take care of him for now."

With that, he left the room, giving Victoria and Samuel some space.

Victoria walked to Samuel's side and sat down. She gently touched his forehead, whispering, "Samuel."

Feeling the heat from his forehead, Victoria was startled. He had a fever!

She quickly called for a doctor to check his temperature and start an IV.

After everything was settled, Victoria leaned back in the chair by the bed, closing her eyes in exhaustion.

So much had happened recently. She needed rest.

As she was drifting off, she faintly heard Samuel's weak voice: "Victoria, don't leave me. Don't go."

She opened her eyes and looked at the bed.

In the dim light, Samuel's face looked even paler. He was clutching the blanket, his expression pained, his brows furrowed.

Seeing him like this, Victoria felt her heart ached.

She held his hand, gently stroking it. "Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay with you."

Samuel seemed to hear her; he calmed down and gradually fell asleep.

Victoria sighed softly, leaning against the bed, slowly closing her eyes.

The next morning, Victoria felt someone touching her forehead.

"Are you awake?" Samuel's voice was deep and soothing.

Victoria opened her eyes to see Samuel gazing at her, his eyes filled with deep affection.

"Are you feeling better?"

Seeing Samuel's bandaged ankle, Victoria looked down, feeling guilty, unable to meet his gaze.

Samuel smiled and gently ruffled her hair. "Silly, I'm fine. But why did you come?"

Victoria bit her lip. "Ryan called me yesterday and told me about your accident. I was so scared. How could I not come?"

Her eyes reddened, tears threatening to fall.

"Ryan always talks too much. Don't take it to heart," Samuel comforted her.

"No..." Victoria started to say, but her phone rang, interrupting her.