Chapter 210

“Hey…” Tarquin said, hoping to offer Elysian few comforting words, but before he could finish, she collap into his arms like a house of cards caught in a gust of wind The ordeal with Winona had already scared her half to death, and this latest fright had shattered her last bit of defiance. Her heart couldn’t withstand the immense terror and she lost consciousness entirely Caught off guard, Tarquin instinctively reached out to catch her Elysia felt as light as a feather and as fragile as a leaf in the wind in his arms. If he let on, she would surely fall.

Tarquin, unaware of the situation with Winona, thought she was merely scared by the recent accident.

Without overthinking, he scooped her up in his arms and dashed toward the hospital The streets were choked with traffic, paralyzed in the rush hour. Not even bikes or scooters could squeeze through the congestion The hospital wasn’t terribly far, but on foot, it felt like miles.

Tarquin, desperate ran with Elysia in his arms. Her as dangled lifelessly, swaying with his movements like a limp doll Sweat beaded on Tarquin’s forehead as he called out to her “Elysia, wake up! Elysia! Elysia”

Elysia teetering on the edge of consciousness, saw nothing but a vast fog before her eyes. It felt like floating in the clouds, weightless and adeft “Elysia stay with me” a firm voice called from behind, sounding like a parent summoning a child who hadn’t come home for dinner Confused Elysia looked back but saw no one, only a hand reaching out through the mist.

The hand was strong and well–shaped, the kind of hand you’d expect from a handsome man.

The voice came again, more urgent this time. “Elysia”

It sounded almost angry, as if ready to scold her for not responding sooner. Yet, Elysia wasn’t afraid, the voice reminded her of a strict but caring guardian.

She drifted toward the hand and placed hers in it. The grip tightened immediately, pulling her out of the fog.

Elysia coughed violently, her face tuming red, but her eyes remained closed.

Tarquin kept running, glancing at her occasionally, relieved to see signs of her regaining consciousness but too worried to slow down He burst into the hospital shouting for help, “Quick, help!”

Benjamin, startled by the commotion, rushed over and asked, “What happened?”

“She got scared”

After a thorough examination, Elysia was taken to a room for recovery and placed on an IV to replenish her nutrients.

Lowell, amiving in a hurry, checked on Elysia first, “Ms. Thome alright?”

Tarquin, standing by the bed, grimaced, “She’s fine! What did you find out?

“It was Allegra’s doing, probably still upset about Lionel. They needed someone to lash out at, and they chose Ms. Thome”

The Bradfords now knew that Tarquin wasn’t responsible for Lionel’s death, it was likely Gideon acting out of a grudge related to Elijah.

Allegra, not daring to confront Gideon or Tarquin directly, targeted Elysia because she had inadvertently saved Elijah. The logic was simple yet twisted: Elysia had to pay Tarquin’s expression darkened with anger, but before he could respond, Elysia suddenly asked, “Who’s taking out on me?