At the hospital , Brian waited for what felt like an eternity before the light above the operating room finally turned green .
The lead surgeon and several nurses emerged , wheeling Ariana on a gurney .
Seeing her lying there , Brian immediately moved toward her .
But a quick handed nurse stepped in front of him and said , Im sorry , sir .
The patient needs rest , and she specifically said she doesnt want to see you .
Those words hit Brian like a hammer .
His heart sank .
Just then , Emily received a call from the police station and approached Brian .
Mr.
Lodge , our people just arrived at the police station , but the female prisoners are already dead .
How did they die ? It was Victor .
Brian let out a cold laugh .
Of course .

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

Victor Smith .
Ariana must have been closer to him than he thought .
Victor rarely acted personally unless it was for someone truly important to him .
Forget it .
Ill deal with her later .
Right now , her recovery is the priority .
But , Mr.
Lodge , Its already late .
If you dont return soon , Mrs.
Lodge .
Senior is going to ask questions .
They had already been waiting at the hospital for Ariana to finish surgery well past midnight , and there was an important meeting scheduled for the morning .
Belinda had specifically reminded Brian to return early tonight , especially after that argument earlier in the day .
You head back first .
Send me the meeting materials for tomorrow .
Ill stay here .
Youre staying here alone ? Emily could hardly believe her ears .
Mr.
Lodge had never stayed overnight for anyone .
Stop wasting time and do as I say .
Yes , Mr.
Lodge .
As Emily turned to leave , Brian added , Wait .
Yes ? See if theres any place nearby that sells supper food .
Youre hungry ? Brian didnt respond , but Emily quickly understood- it wasnt for him but for Ariana .
She quickly replied , Ill find something right away ! After Emily left , Brian entered Arianas hospital room .
The doctors and nurses had already left , leaving the room quiet and still .
The room was dim , illuminated only by the faint moonlight filtering through the window .
Brian softened his steps as he approached the bed .
Ariana lay there with her eyes closed , likely still under the effects of the anesthesia .
Chapter 223 +25 BONUS This was the first time Brian had taken such a close look at Ariana while she was asleep .
Ariana had always been beautiful .
She possessed the kind of beauty that was stunning at first glance and even more captivating the longer you looked .
But now , her face was bruised and partially wrapped in bandages .
The deep red marks on her neck were shocking enough to make anyone wince .
Her arms and hands were covered in cuts and scrapes .
At this moment , Arian looked fragile , like a hedgehog stripped of its quills or a cat without its claws .
She lay there quietly , defenseless .
Somehow , she didnt seem so … annoying after all , Brian thought to himself .
Just then , the door creaked open .
A nurse entered , frowning slightly .
Sir , only family members are allowed to stay in the room .
Are you a family member ? The interruption snapped Brian out of his thoughts .
He turned to the nurse and frowned in annoyance .
Are you new here ? Before the nurse could figure out the meaning of his words .
Richie , the hospital director rushed in .
Mr.
Lodge ! I deeply apologize .
This nurse is an intern and wasnt aware of your status !