Chapter 307

Filip was frozen, unable to move. Cynthia approached, asking, "How's Lilian doing?"

The chief physician removed his mask, his expression serious. "The bleeding has temporarily stopped, but she's severely injured. There's a risk of organ failure at any moment. Lilian has been transferred to the intensive care unit."

Cynthia stood blankly in the doorway. Jonathan came to her, wrapping his arms around her. "Lean on me and rest," he said.

Since Lilian had been shot, Cynthia felt her nerves stretched taut. She felt dazed, yet acutely aware of everything. Now, in Jonathan's arms, her tension eased slightly. She leaned against him, tears falling.

"How is Lilian's baby?" Cynthia asked.

"The initial checkup shows no problems, but being premature, it's weak and will need an incubator for some time," Jonathan replied.

Cynthia's mind flashed with the image of the baby's pale, suffocated face. Even now, the memory made her shiver. She hadn't dared to look at the baby closely; holding it felt immensely heavy.

Cynthia didn't ask further questions. After a pause, Jonathan said, "The police identified the shooter as Luke. His target was you. Do you know him?"

The name Luke tensed Cynthia. She certainly knew him. She'd investigated his background, seeking Simon's help. She'd settled a ten-million-dollar debt for him, even adding an extra million.

She hadn't truly intended to help Luke. The amount was irrelevant to her. Later, Manager Oliver called to say they'd severed one of Luke's fingers as a warning.

"Could he have held a grudge?" Cynthia doubted it. The incident had occurred days ago; she didn't think it warranted such a reaction.

Cynthia asked, "How did Luke get into the Yates family wedding? How did he know she'd be there? If he wanted to kill her, why choose such a public event? Wouldn't that be a trap?"

Cynthia's expression turned cold. "Where is he now?"

Jonathan replied, "He's dead. Shot himself."

Cynthia gasped. "Dead?"

Jonathan continued, "He was exposed at the wedding but managed to take a hostage and escape. Instead of hiding, he returned home, started a fire, and tried to die with the hostage. The hostage escaped, and he shot himself."

Jonathan's voice hardened. "Can you guess who the hostage was?"

"Who?" Cynthia asked.

Jonathan answered, "Shirley."

The name Shirley made Cynthia's temple throb. She instantly understood.

She curled her lips into a cold smile. "So it was her. I underestimated her. She actually had the nerve to kill someone." A hint of irony touched her eyes. "Indeed, it's not her first time."

Jonathan also found it coincidental that Luke took Shirley hostage, especially after viewing surveillance footage. He noticed Shirley deliberately moved closer to Luke when he was exposed, then seemingly tripped in front of him. It seemed too coincidental.

With a grim expression, Jonathan asked, "Are you saying Luke is connected to Shirley? That Shirley hired someone to kill—"

Jonathan hadn't considered that possibility. To him, Shirley was a ridiculous clown. But killing someone…? Did she have the courage? And what did Cynthia mean by "not her first time killing"?" he wondered.

Jonathan remembered something and pulled out his phone. "Shirley has already left, and many are vouching for her. She's clearing her name."

He continued, "I'll contact Director Theodore immediately to investigate her thoroughly. If there's a connection, she'll pay dearly."

A fierce determination flashed in Jonathan's eyes. He'd expected surprises at the wedding, but not murder.

In a law-abiding society, someone dared to shoot in broad daylight. Jonathan found it unbelievable, yet a wake-up call.

Initially, he'd suspected Whitney. He never expected it to be Shirley. He'd underestimated her.

Cynthia knew how Shirley cleared her name; Luke's death was likely her doing. She'd orchestrated a plan involving two people, making Luke kill himself while framing him, creating the illusion of suicide. No one knew about their connection.

Cynthia took Jonathan's hand. "Leave Shirley to me."

Cynthia's gaze flashed ruthlessly. "Arresting her now will only alert her. Don't forget, your sister supports her. Ruben could find someone to take the fall for the poisoning incident three years ago."

She continued, "Even if it was Shirley, they could cover it up. If she dared to act this way, she's well-prepared; most evidence is likely destroyed."

Cynthia's voice calmed. "Let her enjoy her moment. I'll deal with her personally; I'll push her from the clouds into hell."

During these days, Cynthia remained at the hospital, Lilian in a coma. Jonathan stationed numerous bodyguards. He was truly scared.

Henry and Pamela visited twice, deeply moved and saddened. They couldn't understand why Lilian would take a bullet for Cynthia. Weren't they sworn enemies? they wondered.

These days, Filip had been miserable. He sat outside the ICU, without food or drink, lost in thought. Lilian had been resuscitated twice due to heart failure, each time triggering a critical condition notice. Despite being revived, she showed no signs of awakening. The doctors stated the situation was not optimistic and advised the Yates family to prepare themselves mentally.