Chapter 444 Paranoia
"I'll sign." I shook off Fiona's hand, determined. As the pen touched the paper, my heart pounded like a drum.
Behind me, the sound of tactical boots scraping the floor signaled the shift change of the police officers. A young cop whispered, "This lady's got guts, not even family, and she's stepping up..."
After I signed, the nurse grabbed the consent form and rushed into the emergency room. The door closed with a heavy thud, creating a barrier that left us hanging between hope and despair. We waited anxiously outside, while Anne and Edward's lives hung in the balance under the tense, busy lights inside.
I slumped into a chair, staring at the emergency room door, as if that would reveal what was happening inside.
Edward's pale face and Anne's weakened state kept flashing in my mind.
Fiona paced back and forth, the registration slip in her hand crumpled into a ball, a physical manifestation of her anxiety. She tossed the paper ball into the trash can.
Suddenly, a faint sound came from the fire door at the end of the hallway.
Two plainclothes officers reacted instantly, pressing themselves against the wall. One quickly unholstered his gun, his hand steady on the grip, eyes sharp and alert on the door. At the same time, the elevator numbers jumped to the third floor, and with a soft ding, the entire floor seemed to freeze, everyone holding their breath, nerves stretched to the limit.
But when the door opened, it was just a nurse pushing a cart of blood bags. Her hurried steps and the rubber soles dragging on the floor broke the suffocating tension.
Fiona, like a lit powder keg, kicked the nearby bench hard. The metal legs screeched against the tile floor. She sat down heavily next to me, her neck trembling slightly, voice full of anger, "When we catch Jeffrey, I'm gonna beat his face to a pulp."
I glanced at Fiona, a wave of confusion washing over me. I couldn't hold back any longer, "Fiona, you're acting strange today. We usually clash, but since Edward got hurt, you've been helping me. Why?"
My exhaustion made my voice weak.
Fiona stiffened, her angry eyes showing a hint of panic. She turned away, avoiding my gaze, fingers unconsciously tugging at her clothes, silent for a long time.
Just when I thought she wouldn't answer, she spoke softly, almost inaudibly, "I used to oppose you out of jealousy. David likes you, Edward always defends you, and even though my family background, looks, and abilities are just as good, I always felt like the extra one."
She paused, a self-deprecating smile on her pale face, "But I'm not as obsessive as Jeffrey. When I saw Edward hurt, I realized his safety is more important than petty rivalries. After everything, I know now that malicious competition is meaningless. Only justice can protect those I love."
I was taken aback, not expecting her to say such things. Our conflicts had blinded me to the purity she still held in her heart.
I was about to respond when the emergency room door moved slightly. Instantly, we both stood up, our conversation forgotten, all attention focused on that life-or-death door.
The door opened slowly, and the doctor emerged, his expression serious. "Anne York's surgery is temporarily complete, her condition is stable, but she's not out of danger yet. Edward's surgery is ongoing, his injuries are more complex than anticipated."
The doctor's words hit us hard.
Fiona's eyes reddened instantly, she grabbed the doctor's arm, her voice choked with tears, "Doctor, please save him, he can't be in danger."
I rushed forward, too, anxious, "Doctor, no matter the cost, you must save them."
The doctor nodded, offering brief reassurances before returning to the emergency room.
Just then, Fiona's phone rang abruptly. She quickly pulled it out, the screen showing an unknown number. She glanced at me and answered.
"Fiona, guess who? Too bad your friends are still alive. But since you betrayed our plan, you're next."
Jeffrey's voice, cold and distorted by an electronic modifier, filled the air.
I saw Fiona's eyes redden with anger, her fury boiling over. I couldn't hold back, snatching the phone from her, yelling into the receiver, "Jeffrey, don't be so arrogant! The police are searching for you everywhere. How long do you think you can hide?"
Jeffrey was silent for a moment, then laughed bitterly, "Diana, you finally care about me. You know, I've been betrayed by my cousins and Fiona. There's no turning back for me. But despite everything, my admiration and affection for you never changed."
His words were absurd, my anger making my hands tremble, "Jeffrey, stop being delusional! You can still turn back!"
Fiona, red-faced with rage, shouted into the phone, "Jeffrey, you lunatic! Stop hurting people!"
Jeffrey ignored her, speaking to me again, "Diana, you don't understand, there's no turning back for me. We can't go back."
Then the call ended abruptly.
Two plainclothes officers quickly approached, their expressions concerned. I suppressed my anger and briefly explained the call. Their faces turned grim, and they immediately reported the emergency to the police team.
The hospital hallway fell eerily silent, everyone could hear their own heavy breathing.
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