THE HOSPITAL
Victor reclined on the hospital bed, the stiff white sheets tucked tightly around him, and the faint beeping of machines providing a steady rhythm in the room.
Across from him, Ava, his daughter, sat on a stool, her arms crossed and her expression stormy.
“You risked your life staging an attack on Ethan just to take the stab and play the hero? Are you out of your mind?” Ava’s voice was sharp, barely concealing the panic and anger simmering beneath the surface.
Victor smirked, the kind of smirk that always made her feel both infuriated and intrigued. “Relax, Ava. Everything went exactly as planned.”
Ava leaned forward, her brows furrowed, her tone lowering in disbelief. “Exactly as planned? You’re in a hospital bed, Dad. With stitches. You almost bled out! How is that ex
