Chapter 502

Debra glanced at Juan, his form still and silent on the hospital bed. “I’ll come back when he’s better,” she said, turning on her heel and walking out of the ward. As the door clicked shut, Juan’s eyes fluttered open.

Joe was surprised. “Sir, you’re awake.”

“Help me sit up,” Juan rasped. Joe quickly assisted him, propping pillows behind his back. “Sir, is this an act?”

Juan remained silent, his mind replaying the events. The security alarm had blared early—a warning only Debra could have triggered. When the intruders burst in, Juan could have easily evaded the knife, but he hadn’t. He’d taken the blow deliberately, gambling on Debra’s reaction. A wry smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “She must still care for me.”

Joe hesitated. “Mrs. Nichols used to love you very deeply. If you’re hurt, she’d definitely be concerned.”

“Concerned?” Juan muttered. “If she cared, she wouldn’t have left.” His face was pale, lines of pain etched deeply around his eyes. Though conscious, his injuries were far from superficial. He thought, Debra is smart. She must have sensed something amiss and made her exit.

“I’m tired, Joe. Go handle the discharge paperwork.”

“But…”

“Do as I say.”

“Yes, sir.”

Debra was steps from the elevator when a figure lunged from the shadows, grabbing her arm and pinning her against the wall. “Marion, is that you?”

The figure stiffened, confirming her suspicion. Marion removed his mask, revealing his face in the faint glow of the exit signs. Debra’s anger boiled over. “What do you think you’re doing?”

She shoved his hand away. Marion anxiously pulled her into an embrace, his voice low and desperate. “Don’t be mad.”

“I’m not mad. Why should I? Do whatever you like.”

Marion held her at arm’s length, his eyes filled with almost palpable sadness. “I don’t know how to make this right. Tell me what to do, or hit me if you want. If you’re mad because I hurt Juan, let him stab me back.”

“Nonsense!” She punched his chest in frustration. Marion was usually so level-headed, but this stunt had been anything but. His irrational behavior was a direct response to the media’s announcement of her reconciliation with Juan.

Debra turned her head away, her voice shaking with anger. “I’m mad because you don’t trust me. I’m mad at your childish actions.”

Marion whispered, “I’m childish only for you.” Looking back, he realized the absurdity of his actions. He knew Debra wouldn’t return to Juan simply because of a few words spoken for the cameras. The thought of her with Juan, however, had sent him spiraling, driving him to act on impulse.