Chapter 162 A Failed Endeavor
"Josephine!" Robin's voice shook with disbelief.
He pressed his wrist, but blood kept pouring out.
"That's an artery," Josephine said, trying to stay calm. "You need medical help, or you'll bleed out."
"How did you..." Robin trailed off, seeing her bloody hand.
He had drugged Josephine's water, thinking she wouldn't notice.
His plan was to take advantage of both Stuart and Josephine being unconscious. That way, even if Stuart woke up, he'd have an excuse.
But just as he was about to act, Josephine, who he thought was out cold, slashed his wrist.
Robin had desired her for many years, but now his life was in grave danger, forcing him to stop.
He gritted his teeth, eyes full of rage. All his planning, ruined.
And now, getting close to Josephine again? Nearly impossible.
"Dr. Kalmien?" A voice called from outside, followed by a knock.
"I'm here!" Josephine replied.
Robin's eyes were filled with frustration. His perfect plan, shattered by one slash.
The door was being forced open.
Josephine's friends from the research institute rushed in.
She had sensed something was off with Stuart earlier and had messaged them.
Robin gave her one last look, then fled, clutching his wrist.
Seeing her friends, Josephine finally relaxed and fainted.
When she woke up, she was in a hospital with an IV drip. She felt weak but okay.
Just as she was about to move, the door opened. It was her friend from the research institute, holding a lunchbox.
"You're awake?" Jesse asked.
Josephine nodded.
Jesse Johnson, Liam's cousin, had known Josephine for a long time. They became close after she moved here.
"How are you feeling?" Jesse asked.
"I'm fine," Josephine said, then asked, "Did you see Stuart when you came yesterday?"
Jesse shook his head. "No, I didn't see him."
"My phone..." Josephine asked.
"Here it is," Jesse handed her bag. "Everything's inside."
"Thanks." Josephine took out her phone and messaged Stuart.
She waited, but no reply.
After treatment, she returned to the research institute with Jesse.
With no news from Stuart, Josephine felt uneasy. Lost in thought, her phone rang.
The caller ID was unknown, but she had a gut feeling it was about Stuart.
She answered quickly.
"Josephine?"
Hearing Stuart's voice, she almost cried. She took a deep breath and asked, "Where are you? Do you know what happened last night?"
Stuart, also angry, said, "I'm sorry. Stay at the institute. I'm sending someone to get you. You need to return to the States immediately."
"No." Josephine didn't expect him to still be fixated on this. "As long as you're okay, I'm hanging up."
Stuart suddenly said, "Someone's trying to kill me."
Josephine's heart tightened. "What did you say?"
When Stuart woke up last night, he sensed something was off.
He was in good shape, and Robin wouldn't dare really harm him.
So the drug's effect didn't last long. Stuart's first thought was to find Josephine.
But he found himself in an unfamiliar room, alone.
Worried about Josephine, he went out to look for her but realized he was being watched.
He didn't dare go to her room, fearing those people might harm her, so he led them away.
Later, he reunited with his bodyguards, and they had a harrowing escape throughout the night.
The assailants had weapons, so they couldn't act rashly.
But in the end, they escaped unscathed.
After reuniting with his team, Stuart's first priority was ensuring Josephine's safety. Once he knew she was safe, he began investigating who was behind the attack.
At this point, he still didn't know what Robin had done to Josephine.
Even without knowing, given the chaos in this country, Stuart couldn't let Josephine stay any longer.
Especially since those people were targeting him, who knew if they would go after Josephine next?
Stuart briefly explained the situation.
Josephine asked, "Do you have any leads?"
Stuart replied, "It should be a business rival. Don't worry. I'm fine. You go back home first. I'll handle things here and return later."
Josephine didn't respond, instead asking, "What about Robin?"
Stuart frowned. "I don't know; maybe he's busy with his company. Why bring him up?"
Josephine sneered. "We'll talk after you're done."
Stuart said, "Josephine, listen to me. Go back home. It's too dangerous here."
Josephine hung up.
Stuart paced back and forth in frustration.
One of his men spoke up, "Boss..."
Stuart started walking. "I'm going to find her."
The man said, "Boss, it's still not safe outside. This isn't our territory."
But Stuart didn't stop, and his man had no choice but to follow.
It was clear that Josephine held a significant place in Stuart's heart.
Not knowing who was targeting him, going out was risky, but he still chose to find Josephine.
Josephine didn't expect Stuart to come directly to the research institute.
"I'm not going back home." Before she could finish, Stuart hoisted her over his shoulder.
Josephine was shocked, her head hanging down as he carried her. She reacted by pounding on Stuart's back. "Put me down! You jerk!"
Stuart carried her onto a helicopter.
The helicopter was heading to the airport, where they would transfer to a private jet.
With his people around, there was no need to worry about Josephine's safety.
Josephine was furious, but she had no way to leave. So Josephine was forcibly sent back home.
After landing, she was taken directly to the Haustia Manor.
Andrew was delighted to see her. "Josephine? You're back?"
Seeing Andrew, Josephine couldn't bring up other matters and just smiled. "Yes, I came to see you."
As they were chatting, the butler handed Andrew the phone. Andrew answered, and after hearing something, he suddenly stood up. "What did you say?"
