“Miss Clarke, we'll discuss it later. Your injuries are severe." It was Horace's voice.

Helen's pain seemed too intense for her to speak clearly. She sobbed intermittently, managing to say between tears, "Theodore, I'm sorry... | couldn't stop her from entering Marley's room..."

At Mercy Hospital.

Ariana sat alone on a chair in the waiting area, her head bowed, like a criminal waiting for trial.

A short distance away, the relentless glow of the emergency light persisted, with Helen lying comatose in the room.

A gentleman's jacket was draped over Ariana's shoulders, yet she felt a chilling loneliness like a directionless ship lost in the vast ocean.

Her fingers gently caressed the cufflink on the suit, soaking in its familiar texture and scent. She knew Theodore was furious. Their journey from the Anderson family's residence to the hospital had been marked by silence, yet he had offered his jacket to her as they got off the vehicle.

At that moment, the emotional release she had been holding in was about to erupt, but it was quickly cut off by his abrupt departure without saying a word.

Tears threatened to spill from Ariana's eyes, but she knew it was useless. They held no power to solve the situation.

She vigorously wiped her red eyes and glanced up at Theodore, who was engaged in conversation with the doctor nearby.

After a brief exchange, Theodore signed the document, which the doctor promptly carried into the emergency room.

Ariana was filled with anxiety. Did the notice mean that Helen's condition was critical? Had Helen truly taken such a significant risk? It shouldn't be. After all, wasn't it Helen's plan to stage a fall down the stairs? Surely, she would've exercised some restraint in executing the act, considering it was her life at stake. Without it, she would be incapable of challenging Ariana for Theodore's affection.

Ariana found herself lost in contemplation, her lips pressed together tightly.

Suddenly, her view of the surrounding light dimmed as a shadow loomed over her.

Raising her head, she found herself locked in Theodore's deep gaze. Their silent exchange stretched out for what felt like an eternity.

“Why did you feel the need to visit the Anderson family's residence so suddenly?"

Theodore maintained a composed tone, but his furrowed brow revealed his underlying displeasure.

Ariana felt sad, yet her voice was rigid as she stated, "Helen invited me over and told me all the secrets there. She even led me to that particular room. Also, about her falling down the stairs, if I said I had no part in it, would you believe me?"

“I believe you." Theodore didn't hesitate to answer her question, but his expression remained cold.

"I've always known that Helen isn't as innocent as she appears.”