The surgery was a success, and Imogen was transferred to the ICU. She would need 24 hours of observation; if she passed this critical period with stable vitals, she would be moved to a regular ward.
Stephan changed his clothes and went to check on her. Imogen's eyes were closed, her face pale from blood loss, but her breathing was steady. The machines beside her were functioning normally, and all readings were stable. She was officially out of danger.
After arranging for attentive care, Stephan left the ICU.
Outside, Stanley was typing on his phone. Noticing Stephan's approach, he quickly shoved the phone into his pocket and greeted him respectfully. "Mr. Russell."
Stephan gave him a brief glance and asked, "Who were you messaging?"
"No one," Stanley replied, his face unreadable. "Just reports from subordinates regarding the Special Operations Unit's two recent captures. One is wrapped in a black robe and has spent many years by Pete's side. He's a man of unknown origins. The second captive is Johanna."
Earlier, in the SUV, Johanna had snatched the bronze bell from the robed man. Mimicking what she had secretly observed, she tried to control the venomous creature. Before he could retrieve it, she smashed the bell to pieces with all her strength.
The robed man was furious and slapped her so hard her eardrum ruptured, knocking her unconscious.
When the Special Operations Unit arrived, both the robed man and Pete were escaping, ignoring the injured Johanna, left lying on the ground. It wasn't until they captured the robed man that the team found her during their sweep.
Stanley cautiously asked, "Johanna was sent to the hospital by the Special Operations Unit. Mr. Russell, should we assign someone to watch her?"
If not for Imogen's condition, Stephan would have personally ensured Johanna paid for her actions.
Stephan remained expressionless. His dark, fathomless eyes fixed on Stanley for two seconds. His lips parted, and his voice was cold and final. "I don't want to hear anything about that woman again. Have her taken care of thoroughly."
"Understood." Stanley nodded, immediately grasping Stephan's meaning. Johanna's existence should cease.
"What about the other person the Special Operations Unit caught?" Stanley asked. "We don't know who he is, but if he's been working with Pete, he might know where Pete is hiding. Should we send someone to extract information?"
Stephan wiped his hands, tossed the handkerchief into a nearby trash can, and said, "Bring him to me. I'll interrogate him myself."
"Got it," replied Stanley, lowering his head slightly. As he turned to leave, he hesitated, glancing back as if wanting to speak. But seeing Stephan's silhouette, he swallowed his words and left.
The hospital corridor was quiet, the faint smell of disinfectant slightly stilling. At the far end of the hallway was a sliding window. Stephan stood there, his tailored suit perfectly outlining his tall frame. A closer look revealed dark stains on the fabric—blood. It was all Imogen's blood.
Thinking about the day's events, Stanley sighed. How had it come to this? Why had Felicia gone to such lengths to protect Maurice repeatedly?