Lucian’s POV
"Nurse! Doctor! Anyone!" I scread again when she collapsed into the bed but no one ca.
Alarms shrieked from the monitors, the beeps beca insistent that it stabbed through the dim room. Aria’s hand had gone slack in mine again,her chest was rising and falling only because of the ventilator’s chanical hiss.
Footsteps thundered down the corridor and in less than a minute the door burst open.
Two nurses rushed in first, followed by the sa exhausted-looking doctor from earlier. One nurse,a woman with short gray hair and a no-nonsense expression imdiately checked the monitors while the other pushed past to Aria’s side.
"Sir, step back," the gray-haired nurse barked, not looking at .
"She spoke,I swear it. She grabbed my hand and muttered sothing before falling unconscious again."
The doctor leaned over Aria, shining a penlight into her eyes, then pressing a stethoscope to her chest. "Pulse ox dropping 92 and falling. Give 100% O2 and check the ET tube placent."
They worked around like I was furniture. I stayed rooted, gripping the bed rail until my knuckles whitened.
"Mr. Voss," the doctor said without looking up. "We need space, you’ll have to wait out please."
"She’s coming back," I insisted."I can’t possibly leave her alone."
"Transient arousal," he cut in. "It’s a brief flicker of consciousness in coma patients.She’s not out of coma yet Mr Voss"He glanced at then. "You did good noticing it but you can’t stay here, we’ll call you back in when we’re done checking her vitals"
The gray-haired nurse placed a hand on my arm firmly. "Sir,please leave."
I shook my head. "I’m not leaving her,not after—"
Another nurse joined "Mr. Voss, we have to stabilize her. You’re causing a nuisance and it’s spiking her heart rate further."
The doctor sighed and turned to the younger nurse. "Get security if necessary but please get him out of here."
That didn’t change my stance,I needed to see what was going on with my wife.
Two orderlies appeared at the door,one stepped forward and held my wrist. "Sir, please co with us."
Rage bubbled "Get your filthy hands off ."
The gray-haired nurse squeezed my arm. "We’re trying to help her, Mr. Voss. Let us do our job.You can wait aside and we’ll update you when she’s stable."
They didn’t wait for agreent. The orderly took my elbow and forcefully guided out. The doors hissed shut behind , sealing her in with the beeps and strangers who claim to know what’s best for her
I stood in the hallway for a minute then I quietly made my way to the waiting room and sank into the sa plastic chair as before.
Her words echoed continuously in my head"Don’t go,It’s a trap"
Was the note truly a lure? Did Eythan’s people drop it to pull away from the hospital and leave her vulnerable or was the trap sothing else, maybe soone waiting at the scene to finish what the truck started?
I pulled out my phone and endless notifications popped up but I paid no heed to it.
I couldn’t sit here doing nothing,not while Ethan was out there smiling for caras, claiming my wife and my dead baby like trophies.
I dialed my driver. "Marcus,pick up at the side entrance now."
"On my way, sir. I’ll be there in five minutes."
I slipped out the side door, avoiding the press still camped at the front. Marcus’s black SUV idled in the shadows and I got into the back seat.
"Take to the accident site on the coastal road,"
He nodded, pulled out smoothly and drove into the city.
A few miles from the coastal road,my phone buzzed. It was my secretary, Clara. I wanted to ignore it but in a second answered on the second ring.
"Mr. Voss." Her voice was shaky. "I’m sorry to call but it’s urgent. The board called an ergency eting and they’re in session right now."
I sat up straighter. "What? No one inford ."
"Exactly. They’re discussing a potential takeover bid from an outside entity. Rumors are flying that soone’s bought up enough shares to force a vote."
My blood went cold. "Who?"
Clara hesitated. "They won’t na nas yet, but the proxy votes are stacking. Your position as CEO is on the line.."
I ended the call.
"Change of plans Marcus, we’re going to the office".
He swung the wheel without question and drove speedingly to the office.
If anyone wants to take over my company,one which I had built with sweat for years and was worth billions. He or she must have to kill first
I clenched my fists until my nails bit my palms.
The tower lood ahead and the glass and steel decor ca into sight.
Marcus pulled into the underground garage. Security nodded through as I walked into the building.
I took an elevator up to the 42nd floor.
The boardroom doors were closed, but I could hear voices overlapping coupled with laughter.
I didn’t knock and just shoved the doors open.
The room fell silent.
Twelve faces turned toward , shareholders, directors and my own legal counsel.
And there, at the far end of the long mahogany table, directly across from my usual chair, surprising yet expected sat Ethan Caldwell.
"Gentlen," he said smoothly, not rising. "Looks like the CEO has arrived just in ti."
I stepped inside and shut the doors.
"What the hell are you doing here Ethan?"
Ethan leaned back with his fingers steepled. "I’m rely participating in a board as a major shareholder, Lucian. There is nothing for you to worry about."
Murmurs rippled around the table. One of the directors cleared his throat. "Mr. Voss, we were just—"
"Save it," I cut in, my eyes locked on Ethan. "This eting is over."
Ethan’s smile didn’t falter. "I’m afraid not. We have a quorum and a proposal on the table. Care to hear it?"
I crossed the room slowly, each step asured.
I stopped at the edge of the table. "You want a fight, Caldwell? You’ve got one."
His eyes glead. "I was hoping you’d say that."
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