Chapter 544 Savior
When the conversation inevitably turned to Michael, Emma noticed George tense up for a moment.
"Emma, can you stop seeing Michael?"
"Michael saved my life," Emma instinctively defended him. "Three years ago, if it weren't for him, I might have..."
George's eyes darkened, but he quickly composed himself. "I know," he said calmly. "I won't force you to cut ties with him right away."
Emma gave him a grateful look but caught a fleeting glimpse of pain in his eyes. She suddenly realized that her hesitation was hurting George too.
"Can you give me some time?" she pleaded. "Michael took care of me for three years, after all."
George was silent for a moment before asking, "Emma, do you know why I mistook someone else for you back then?"
Emma was taken aback. "Wasn't it because Anna claimed to be me?"
"Yeah," George's expression was complicated. "But why did I believe Anna so easily..." He stopped himself. "Never mind, we'll talk about this when you're feeling better."
Emma sensed his reluctance to speak and felt a sudden unease. She remembered Michael's occasional gloomy looks and his overprotectiveness, but then she chastised herself. How could she doubt Michael?
He was her savior, Seraphine's father!
"George," she hesitated, "do you know something?"
George gently pulled her into his arms, avoiding her gaze. "I just want you to be careful," he said, kissing the top of her head. "No matter what you decide, I'll wait for you."
The hospital corridor was eerily quiet at midnight, with only the nurse's station light still on. Emma leaned against the hospital bed, trying to read a magazine by the bedside lamp, but she couldn't focus.
She had sent George home to rest. He reluctantly left, reminding the nurse to keep an eye on her.
A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in," Emma thought it was the night nurse checking in.
The door opened, and a stranger in a black trench coat walked in. He wore gold-rimmed glasses and had a refined appearance, but there was an inexplicable sense of pressure about him.
"Ms. Stuart, sorry to disturb you," the man bowed slightly. "I'm Donny Dickson, Mr. Russell's assistant."
Emma immediately became alert. "Michael's assistant? What brings you here so late?"
Donny glanced around, ensuring no one else was present, then lowered his voice. "Mr. Russell is very worried about you. You've been spending too much time with George lately."
Emma's fingers tightened around the bedsheet. "Michael sent you to spy on me?"
"You misunderstand," Donny adjusted his glasses. "Mr. Russell is just concerned that George might be using you. After all, three years ago..."
Emma suddenly interrupted him, her eyes sharp. "Is Michael hiding something from me?"
Donny's expression stiffened for a moment but quickly returned to normal. "Ms. Stuart, you're overthinking. Mr. Russell has cared for you and Seraphine meticulously these past three years."
"Then why is he so afraid of me being around George?" Emma pressed on. "What is he scared of?"
A sinister look flashed in Donny's eyes. "Ms. Stuart, you know too much."
Emma's heart raced, and she instinctively reached for the call button, but Donny grabbed her wrist.
"Don't be nervous. I'm just here to help you relax," Donny pulled out a syringe from his pocket, the needle glinting coldly in the light. "This is a special nutrient shot from Mr. Russell to help you rest."
Emma struggled violently. "Let go of me! This isn't a nutrient shot, is it?"
"Ms. Stuart, you're too agitated." Donny's voice turned eerily gentle. "Just sleep, and you'll forget all these unpleasant things."
The needle drew closer, and Emma fought desperately, but her injuries left her weak. Just as the needle was about to pierce her skin.
"Stop!"
The door burst open, and Michael's tall figure appeared. His face was terrifyingly grim as he strode forward and snatched the syringe from Donny's hand.
"Who gave you permission to do this?" Michael's voice was as cold as ice.
Donny's face turned pale. "Mr. Russell, I was helping you! Ms. Stuart is already suspicious. If this continues..."
"Shut up!" Michael roared. "Get out!"
Donny shot Emma a resentful look but ultimately left the room.
The room fell into silence. Emma, still shaken, stared at Michael, her chest heaving.
"Emma, I'm sorry," Michael's voice was filled with guilt. "I didn't expect him to..."
"What was that?" Emma pointed to the syringe in the trash, her voice trembling. "Was it really a mind-control drug?"
Michael's fists clenched and unclenched. "It was a sedative, with some added components," he admitted painfully. "But I didn't authorize it."
Emma looked at him in disbelief. "Michael, how much are you hiding from me? Was my 'death' three years ago related to you?"
Michael's eyes filled with anguish. "Emma, everything I've done was to protect you. George, he..."
"Enough!" Emma cut him off. "Every time you mention George, you stop short. If you truly care about me, tell me the truth!"
In the corridor, Donny punched the wall furiously. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
"The plan failed. Mr. Russell stopped me," he said through gritted teeth. "Emma isn't worth all that Mr. Russell has sacrificed! For three years, he's given up everything for her, but she still cares about George!"
The voice on the other end was cold and female. "If Michael can't do it, we'll handle this problem for him."
A cruel look flashed in Donny's eyes. "Understood. I'll arrange an 'accident.'"
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the hospital room was suffocating.
Michael sat by the bed, trying to hold Emma's hand, but she pulled away.
"Emma, I know it's hard to trust me right now," his voice was hoarse. "But please believe, my love for you is real."
"Then tell me the truth!" Emma demanded, her eyes red. "Why are you so afraid of me being around George?"
Michael gazed deeply at Emma, his eyes, usually filled with gentle smiles, now brimming with complex emotions.
"Emma," he began, his voice heavy with emotion, "there are things about George you don't know. Things that could hurt you. I was trying to protect you from that."
Emma's eyes narrowed. "What things, Michael? What could be so terrible that you'd go to these lengths?"
Michael took a deep breath. "George... he's not who you think he is. He's been involved in some very dangerous activities. I didn't want you to get caught up in it."
Emma shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "Why didn't you just tell me? Why all the secrets and lies?"
Michael reached out, but Emma pulled back again. "I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought I could keep you safe."
Emma's voice was barely a whisper. "I don't know if I can believe you anymore."
Michael's heart broke at her words. "Emma, please. Give me a chance to make this right."
Emma looked at him, her eyes filled with pain and confusion. "I don't know, Michael. I just don't know."
As the weight of their situation settled over them, the hospital room seemed to close in, leaving them both feeling more alone than ever.
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