Ariana found herself at a loss for how to face Theodore, as she struggled to comprehend his actions. why had he resorted to monitoring her? Why had he failed to grant her even the basic foundation of trust? And why did he keep her in the dark after they were together?

She had only witnessed what Theodore had wanted her to see, a carefully constructed facade that concealed his true intentions.

At that moment, Horace, who had been waiting outside, burst into the room. The sight before him left him speechless, his shock palpable. He had assumed their dispute was a minor disagreement, but now it appeared to be a full-fledged quarrel.

"Help her up." Theodore sat in a wheelchair, his expression stoic, clearly not in the best of health.

Horace hesitated, refraining from probing. He regretted leaving the ward just moments ago. Perhaps if he had stayed, he could have mediated the situation.