Chapter 204

Just as Tyler finished speaking, he grabbed a broken stick from the ground and charged at the man. Rachel watched, her heart pounding. She looked around frantically, hoping to find something that could be used as a weapon. She spotted a trash can lid, though it couldn’t exactly be used effectively.

Meanwhile, Tyler and the man had gotten into a full-on brawl. Tyler had swiftly taken the advantage. Rachel stood frozen, stunned by what she saw. She had never imagined Tyler could fight like that. Every punch he threw landed right on target. One strike and the man crumpled to the ground and curled up in pain. Sweat poured down his forehead, his face pale.

Rachel rushed forward and grabbed Tyler’s arm. “Let’s go!”

They turned to leave but didn’t notice the man scramble to his feet. He pulled a knife from his coat and charged at them. Tyler barely caught the motion in the corner of his eye. By the time he turned, the blade was already heading straight for Rachel. Without a second to think, he threw himself behind her, wrapping his arms around her.

There was a chilling thud. The blade had plunged into Tyler’s back. His whole body lurched forward, and he let out a stifled grunt. Rachel instantly knew something was wrong. She turned just in time to see the man yank the knife back out of Tyler’s back. Tyler’s tall frame crumpled as he collapsed to his knees. He was barely holding himself up with one hand braced against the ground.

Rachel’s eyes widened, her lips trembling. “Tyler!” She couldn’t believe it; that man was actually carrying a knife.

Police sirens pierced the air. The man panicked, dropped the knife, and tried to run, but he was quickly tackled and arrested by the officers. Tyler was rushed to the hospital.

After the doctor finished treating him and came out, Rachel ran over anxiously. “Doctor, how is he? Is he in any danger?” She didn’t even want to think about what would happen if Tyler didn’t make it. He had taken a knife for her. If something happened, she’d never be able to repay the debt. There would be no way she could leave Yurelia City.

The doctor took off his mask. “He’s lucky. The knife missed all vital organs, but it was a close call.”

Rachel felt like her heart had nearly leapt out of her chest. It finally stopped racing. “That’s a relief. How long does he need to be hospitalized?” She didn’t have much time. If Tyler needed care, it would complicate her plans.

“The wound isn’t deep, and nothing critical was hit. We’ll observe him for a bit, and if there are no issues, he can be discharged soon.”

Rachel’s tense, wrinkled expression finally relaxed. “Thank goodness.”

Just then, a police officer approached and asked Rachel to give a statement. She recounted everything in full. Once the report was filed, the officer left.

As she finished, her phone buzzed. It was a message from William.

[Rachel, why aren’t you home?]

Rachel scoffed when she saw it. Did he finally remember he had a wife after his date with Samantha? Back when she was in danger, desperate and helpless, where was he? She put her phone away without replying to him.

Soon after, a nurse wheeled Tyler back into the ward. His lips and face were pale. Rachel didn’t look much better. She’d lost her shoes while running, and her hands were stained with blood. Her hair was a mess. She looked completely disheveled.

When Tyler opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Rachel in this downtrodden state. His voice came out hoarse. “What happened to you, Rachel? Did you cry?”