Aria’s POV
I stared at the frail figure sitting in front of , a weak, disbelieving laugh escaped my lips despite internal pain I was going through.
"You? Represent Lucian as his lawyer?" I shook my head, still laughing. "How do you intend to do that from the hospital bed Andre? You can barely sit up straight."
Andre gave a familiar stubborn smile. "I feel better. A lot better actually and I want to help. I know the law better than most of the fancy lawyers Lucian has on retainer. I can at least start working on the bail hearing and the initial defense from here. We can get the paperwork done remotely."
"You literally just woke up from a coma hours ago and you look like a zombie to start with. Just chill. It’s not yet ti for your rodeo" I teased trying to hold back my laughter as Andre’s smile turned into a frown.
"I said I’m fine Aria and I have your best interest at heart. You do rember you can’t trust anyone right? They might be working for Ethan so it’s best I handle it"he insisted.
Seeing that he was serious,I knew better not to brush him off.
"Well... let’s see how that goes first but I do have to confirm with your doctors and Lucian first" I said, squeezing his hand gently
He chuckled softly, wincing a little from the effort. "Do what you must but I just want to let you know that I won’t sit here with my hands folded while I watch the man that almost led to my death walk freely."
Before I could reply, the door opened and Mike walked in looking grim, Marcus following suit.
"Mrs. Voss," Mike said, nodding at , then at Andre. "Andre right?"
"In spirit and flesh" Andre replied sharply
Ignoring Andre’s rather exciting response,he turned to "We need to get you out of here. The press is getting worse outside and with Lucian’s arrest, the hospital is turning into a circus. I’ve arranged a private exit. We’re taking you to the penthouse — I think it’s the most secure place right now for you Ma’am."
Andre pushed himself up higher on the pillows. "I’m not staying here. Get the doctors to discharge . I want to be treated at ho so I can be with Aria and also work on Lucian’s case."
"Go and get the doctor Mike" I ordered.
Mike arrived in minutes with the doctor and upon hearing Andre’s request ,he protested imdiately. "Mr. Andre, you were in a coma for weeks and strongly advise against unprecedented early discharge. You need monitoring—"
"I’m leaving this place whether you like it or not" Andre cut. "Sign the papers or I’ll walk out without them."
The doctor sighed but didn’t argue."Fine. It’s unethical but since you’re here with Mrs.Voss, I’ll be sending you ho with a nurse who will administer treatnt and make sure you’re well taken care of until you recover. Is that okay with you sir?
"Sure" Andre affird and the doctor left.
"That’s finalized then. I’m taking you to the penthouse though. I do have to keep an eye on you too"I added, as I gently nudged his hands.
The doctor ca back in no ti with a wheelchair and the nurse she introduced as Sharon.
Mike and Marcus helped Andre into a wheelchair while the doctor reluctantly prepared the discharge forms.
Within minutes we were moving through a back service exit, avoiding the main lobby where reporters were still swarming.
The drive to the penthouse was quiet at first which was aided by Andre who dozed off in the back seat. I sat beside him, my hand resting on his arm, while Mike drove and Marcus followed in another car.
Finally ho, Sharon the nurse helped Andre settle in the guest room, propping pillows behind him.
"Don’t hesitate to ask for anything you need" I said to Andre, who replied with a nod before stepping out to the living room.
"Mike," I called, pulling out my phone. "Listen to this."
I played the full recording of Clara’s conversation with Ethan.
His expression remained unreadable for the duration of the recording.
When it ended, Mike let out a low curse.
"My team is already on her.She’ll get into trouble soon and that’s when we’ll nab her.."
"That depends on if I don’t stab the monster first. anwhile I need you to go to the police station now and check on Lucian. What about your guy with regards to the details of the police evidence against Lucian?."
"He’s on it Ma’am.We’ll get a response soon."
"Okay just make sure he’s on our side. I’m tired of people stabbing in the back"
"He’s my blood Ma’am.There’s no need to worry" Mike bowed slightly before leaving.
I went back to the guest room,Andre was alone.
"Where is the nurse?" I asked.
"She’s settling in the other guest room you showed her"
As I relaxed my back on the door to wait for the nurse to co back so I could brief her on how to get around, my phone rang, the caller ID showing "Los Angeles County Jail."
I answered imdiately saying yes to all the charge protocols.
"Aria?" Lucian’s voice finally ca through.
"Lucian..." I broke down imdiately,tears spilling down my cheeks. "How are you? Did they hit you?"
"Shh, love. I’m fine, okay?. They allowed 2 minutes for one call so listen to carefully."
He paused for a second before continuing. "Don’t co to the station no matter what. It’s not safe here.Send Mike or Marcus because from what I’m seeing here most of these guys might be working for Ethan."
I pressed the phone tighter to my ear, sobbing while trying to speak clearly."I figured that might be the case so I sent Mike. He’s on his way."
"That’s perfect. Also I’ll need you to contact my Lawyer. His contact is in the right drawer of our bedroom. Francis is the na"
"About that...Andre is insisting on being your defense lawyer. He even got himself discharged today because of it."
"Really?Well,you decide. Whover you go with is cool with "
"Let’s go with Andre then since he’s soone we can actually trust."
"Bedridden attorney Andre it is then" Lucian teased.
"I love you, Lucian," I muttered. I could hear an officer already warning him that his ti was up.
"You too love," he replied before ending the call.
I joined Andre on the bed, tears still making its way from my eyes.Andre crossed his hand over my shoulder "It’s all going to be fine. Just hang in there."
I picked up my phone which had buzzed, notifying of a new text.It was from Clara.
"Oh my God Aria. I heard Lucian was arrested. I’m on my way to the penthouse to help. Lucian would want there."
"This bitch is going to die in my hands!!"
"You’re not going to do anything stupid Aria. Keep your cool" Andre imdiately protested,alard by the anger in my voice.
"That depends. Let her get her first"
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