At the time of the accident, Alexis had taken Evelyn to seek refuge in the safety shaft. Assuming Evelyn was with her, she should be safe.

Waylen and Rena remained silent for a moment.

A sinking feeling gripped Alexis' heart. She seized Waylen's arm, urgency in her voice. "Dad, where's Evelyn?"

Waylen realized he couldn't hide the truth from Alexis.

The weight of the news aged him instantly, his expression growing somber. "Evelyn is in the next room, but there was an explosion. She sustained hearing damage in one ear. It might be irreversible," he uttered slowly, his voice heavy with regret.

Alexis was stunned into silence.

Evelyn had lost hearing in one ear. How was this possible?

Alexis threw off the covers and leaped out of bed, disregarding her injuries. She rushed out barefoot, her weakened muscles causing her to stumble along the way.

Alexis pushed open the door to the adjacent VIP room.

Alexis observed Evelyn sitting on the bed, her expression vacant.

Evelyn wore a hospital gown adorned with blue stripes against a white backdrop, with traces of fire ashes still on her face. Despite the blankness, fear still lingered in her wide eyes.

Alexis overheard Evelyn's trembling voice as she asked Leonel, who stood beside her, "Dad, will I never regain hearing in this ear?"

Alexis saw Leonel holding Evelyn, her small frame trembling in his arms.

Why? Why was it that, despite Leonel's culpability, Evelyn bore the brunt of the consequences? She was only ten years old and had exceptional talent for playing the piano. She dreamed of becoming the world's foremost pianist.

And now Evelyn was left with impaired hearing in one ear.

She released her grip on the doorknob, causing the door to sway gently.

Leonel glanced up at Alexis, but she averted her gaze, focusing solely on Evelyn. Evelyn met her mother's gaze, tears streaming down her cheeks as she whimpered, “Mommy.”

Alexis approached slowly, her lips quivering.

Evelyn threw herself into Alexis' arms, trembling uncontrollably. She was consumed by fear, both of death and of losing her hearing.

Alexis held her close, her voice low and laden with sadness as she reassured her, “It's alright, baby. I'm here for you."