Chapter 955

“Should any complications arise, contact me without reservation regardless of timing.”

Sadie acknowledged his commitment with the barest inclination of her head, exhaustion etching itself across her delicate features.

Blaine offered a final gentle admonishment regarding her need for recuperation, then pivoted decisively and strode from the room with purposeful steps.

Tina maintained her vigilant presence in the corridor, traversing the limited space with nervous energy. The instant his form emerged from the doorway, her restless movement ceased abruptly, concern emanating visibly from her expressive gaze.

Blaine found himself powerless against the temptation to provoke a reaction from her. He theatrically cleared his throat before displaying his characteristic mischievous smile. “My, my, enchanting one. Fancy seeing you again.”

An inexplicable magnetism radiated from Tina’s disconcerted demeanor, captivating his attention in ways he hadn’t anticipated.

Tina was visibly startled at his unexpected address, reflexively retreating a half-step. “Mr. Castro, have… have you and Sadie reached necessary understandings regarding the situation?”

Blaine extended his palms outward in an elaborate gesture of assumed competence, elevating his jawline with unmistakable self-satisfaction. “Naturally. No challenge exists beyond my considerable capabilities.”noveldrama

Blaine’s words died on his lips, cut short mid-sentence.

Tina had already brushed past him, shoving the door open with unmistakable urgency as she hurried into the hospital room. “Sadie!” she called out.

She left Blaine standing there with his arm still half-raised, completely frozen in place as the atmosphere crackled with sudden awkwardness. Had she really just dismissed him so completely? She really couldn’t care less about him, could she? Still, he had to admit—teasing her sparked a certain thrill he found difficult to ignore.

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Blaine rubbed his nose, a flush of embarrassment warming his face, and slowly lowered his hand. There were more pressing matters demanding his attention.

He turned on his heel and strode out of the hospital, slipped into his car, and fired up the engine. Minutes later, the highway stretched before him like an endless ribbon.

He needed to return to Jazmah and handle the tasks Sadie had entrusted to him.

A three-hour drive wasn’t exactly torture, but it certainly tested one’s patience. Still, Blaine hummed a nameless tune, feeling oddly lighthearted.

The traffic thinned considerably after he exited the highway. Then, without a whisper of warning, the unexpected shattered his calm. Several black vehicles materialized from both sides and converged behind Blaine’s car with predatory precision.

They moved in perfect synchronization—swift, deliberate, and methodical. Within moments, they’d expertly boxed him in and forced him onto the shoulder.

Blaine’s heart slammed against his ribs as he stomped on the brakes. What the hell was happening? A brazen daylight robbery? Or had someone specifically targeted him?

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