DreameNovelAt the hospital, Brian waited for what felt like an eternity before the light above the operating room finally turned
green.
The lead surgeon and several nurses emerged, wheeling Ariana on a gurney. Seeing her lying there, Brian
immediately moved toward her. But a quick-handed nurse stepped in front of him and said, “I'm sorry, sir. The
patient needs rest, and she specifically said she doesn’t want to see you.”
Those words hit Brian like a hammer. His heart sank.
Just then, Emily received a call from the police station and approached Brian. “Mr. Lodge, our people just arrived
at the police station, but the female prisoners are already dead.”
“How did they die?”
“It was Victor.”
Brian let out a cold laugh.
Of course. Victor Smith. Ariana must have been closer to him than he thought. Victor rarely acted personally
unless it was for someone truly important to him.
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“Forget it. I'll deal with her later. Right now, her recovery is the priority.”
“But, Mr. Lodge, It's already late. If you don’t return soon, Mrs. Lodge. Senior is going to ask questions.”
They had already been waiting at the hospital for Ariana to finish surgery well past midnight, and there was an
important meeting scheduled for the morning. Belinda had specifically reminded Brian to return early tonight,
especially after that argument earlier in the day.
“You head back first. Sendthe meeting materials for tomorrow. I'll stay here.
“You're staying here alone?”
Emily could hardly believe her ears. Mr. Lodge had never stayed overnight for anyone.
“Stop wasting tand do as | say.”
“Yes, Mr. Lodge.”
As Emily turned to leave, Brian added, “Wait.”
Yes?”
“See if there's any place nearby that sells supper food.”
“You're hungry?”
Brian didn’t respond, but Emily quickly understood- it wasn’t for him but for Ariana. She quickly replied, “I'll find
something right away!”
After Emily left, Brian entered Ariana’s hospital room. The doctors and nurses had already left, leaving the room
quiet and still.
The room was dim, illuminated only by the faint moonlight filtering through the window. Brian softened his steps
as he approached the bed.
Ariana lay there with her eyes closed, likely still under the effects of the anesthesia.
Chapter 223
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This was the first tBrian had taken such a close look at Ariana while she was asleep. Ariana had always been
beautiful. She possessed the kind of beauty that was stunning at first glance and even more captivating the
longer you looked.
But now, her face was bruised and partially wrapped in bandages. The deep red marks on her neck were
shocking enough to make anyone wince. Her arms and hands were covered in cuts and scrapes.
At this moment, Arian looked fragile, like a hedgehog stripped of its quills or a cat without its claws. She lay there
quietly, defenseless.
Somehow, she didn’t seem so... annoying after all, Brian thought to himself.
Just then, the door creaked open. A nurse entered, frowning slightly. “Sir, only family members are allowed to
stay in the room. Are you a family member?”
The interruption snapped Brian out of his thoughts.
He turned to the nurse and frowned in annoyance. “Are you new here?”
Before the nurse could figure out the meaning of his words. Richie, the hospital director rushed in.
“Mr. Lodge! | deeply apologize. This nurse is an intern and wasn’t aware of your status!”
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