Chapter 173

"I don't know her," Sophia muttered, her voice laced with unmistakable disdain as she glared at Zoe. "I've never seen her before… I don’t know her…"

Dominic sighed, his tone patient but firm. "You fainted, Sophia. They brought you to the hospital. That’s why you haven’t met her until now."

"Fainted?" The word echoed in her mind, unfamiliar and unsettling.

Suddenly, Sophia's breath hitched. "No! No!" she cried out, her hands trembling as she clutched the sheets.

The last thing she remembered was Evelyn’s face—soft, warm, and filled with concern.

She had been lying in bed, burning with fever, and Evelyn had been speaking to her in that soothing voice of hers.

The exact words escaped her, slipping through her fingers like sand.

But she could still recall the kindness in Evelyn’s eyes, the gentleness of her touch. It had been the only thing that made her feel safe.

Now, the mere effort of trying to remember sent a sharp pain lancing through her skull. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over as she gasped, her head throbbing as if it were being split open.

"Sophia, does it hurt?" Dominic’s voice softened as he reached for a tissue, carefully wiping the tears from her cheeks. "Close your eyes. Don’t think about anything. Just sleep. When you wake up, it won’t hurt as much."

His hand settled on her shoulder, warm and reassuring, coaxing her into the quiet embrace of sleep.

She had just undergone brain surgery. Rest was crucial.

Once she finally drifted off, Dominic stepped out of the ward, his expression shifting from concern to relief.

Zoe was waiting just outside, her posture tense. "How is she?"

Dominic’s lips curved into a rare smile, genuine and bright. "She’s speaking more than she ever has before. And she seems… clearer. More aware." His voice carried a note of triumph. "Dr. Montgomery, the surgery was a success."

Zoe exhaled sharply, her shoulders relaxing. "That’s wonderful. I was worried—what if it hadn’t worked? What if it didn’t meet your expectations?"

Dominic didn’t hesitate. Overcome with gratitude, he pulled her into a brief, impulsive hug. "Dr. Montgomery, thank you."

Zoe’s pulse stuttered at the sudden contact. A flicker of guilt twisted in her chest—but beneath it, something warmer, something dangerously close to satisfaction.

She tentatively returned the embrace, her voice carefully measured. "Mr. Blackwood, this is just my job."

Her words snapped him back to reality.

Dominic released her immediately, though his smile remained. "It’s a demanding job, and I appreciate it more than you know. You should go home and rest. We’ll see you tomorrow."

Zoe nodded. "If Sophia needs anything urgent, don’t hesitate to call me. Anytime."

With that, Dominic watched as she walked away, his expression unreadable.

Lucas, standing a short distance away, had seen everything.

Zoe Montgomery.

Even at first glance, he knew she wasn’t as simple as she pretended to be.

He had intended to visit Sophia, but the bodyguard stationed outside the ward blocked his path.

Lucas frowned. "What? You don’t recognize me anymore?"

"Mr. Grant, of course I recognize you," the bodyguard replied, his tone firm. "But I can’t let you in without Mr. Blackwood’s permission."

A dry laugh escaped Lucas. "Even if his mother or brother showed up, you’d stop them too?"

The bodyguard didn’t flinch. "Yes."

Lucas’s amusement faded. "Why? Is she not allowed to see anyone?"

"Strangers frighten her."

Lucas stared, incredulous.

Dominic’s protectiveness was bordering on obsessive.

Keeping her isolated wasn’t helping her—it was making things worse.

"Fine," Lucas muttered. "Just open the door. I’ll stand here and look. I won’t go in."

The bodyguard hesitated. "Mr. Grant, don’t make this difficult for me."

Lucas smirked. "Your boss isn’t here. Let me take a peek, and I’ll owe you a few bottles of the good stuff."

The bodyguard wavered, clearly tempted.

Then, Dominic’s voice cut through the air like a blade.

"Lucas."

Lucas turned, forcing a grin. "Dominic! Dr. Montgomery’s gone already? You said the surgery was a success—Sophia’s doing better? That’s incredible! Can I at least see her?"

"No."

Lucas’s smile vanished. "You can’t keep her locked away forever, Dominic. It’s not healthy. She needs to interact with people."

Dominic’s expression darkened. "Not now."

Lucas scoffed. "Fine. But you need to think about the future. How did you even meet her? Does she have family? Or are you just planning to wait until she’s ‘fixed’ before you marry her?"

Dominic’s jaw clenched. "Ask one more question like that, and we’re done."