Chapter 382

Late night, hospital.

A shadowy figure slipped out of the elevator and got stopped by two beefy bodyguards. "Who the hell are you? You can't just waltz in here."

Before they could finish, Richard whipped off his hat and mask, showing a face that could scare the devil himself.

As long as he didn't crack a smile, Richard's mug screamed "don't mess with me." Dude had a face made for trouble.

The bodyguards froze, eyes wide with a flicker of fear. They knew who he was.

"I'm here to see Elodie," Richard said, cool as ice, not even trying to push past them. He just stood there, peeling off his gloves and brushing off some dust.

The bodyguards exchanged a look, and one of them bolted to report in.

The other one looked like he wanted to vanish into thin air.

A minute later, the first bodyguard rushed back, all respectful. "Richard, I'll take you there."

"No need." Richard slipped his gloves back on and marched forward.

The bodyguards just stared at each other, too scared to follow.

Richard got to the ward, stopped, and knocked.

The door swung open; Quentin stood there. He didn't even flinch at seeing Richard and stepped aside. "Come in."

Richard walked in and saw Elodie lying on the bed.

"She just fell asleep," Quentin whispered. "She was pretty worked up."

Richard glanced at Elodie's legs, then took a couple steps closer to get a better look.

Quentin said, "It's high-level paraplegia. We've got the best medical team flying in. Surgery's tomorrow."

Richard didn't turn around, just asked, "What's the success rate?"

Quentin sighed, "Twenty percent."

Twenty percent? Richard's brow furrowed. That was practically no chance!

Richard turned to Quentin, "Where's Bruno? I need to see him."

Quentin shook his head. "Bruno said he won't see you before Elodie's surgery."

Richard's jaw tightened.

Quentin went on, "Bruno also wanted me to tell you, no matter how the surgery goes, he won't let Nina off the hook."

Richard's eyes flashed cold. "What do you mean?"

Quentin sighed. "Richard, you've been with the Black Family longer than I have. You know Bruno's temper. After Lova's accident, Elodie's his only kid. Now that she's like this, you think he can just let it go?"

Richard said, "I know Nina. She wouldn't push someone down the stairs. There's gotta be some mistake."

Quentin said, "Even if there is, Richard, you think Bruno's gonna listen to reason right now?"

Quentin stepped closer. "Don't worry. I'll look after Nina. For now, it's all riding on Elodie's surgery tomorrow."

Richard knew sticking around was pointless. "I'll be back tomorrow."

"Okay." Quentin didn't stop him and saw him out.

Back at Casino One, Richard called Michael over. "Go to the Jose family."

Michael asked, "Now?"

"Yeah." Richard sat in the chair, window wide open, but the room still reeked of smoke.

Michael sniffed but kept quiet.

Since Richard and Nina got together, Richard had quit smoking. Tonight, he was puffing away again, probably 'cause of the mess with Elodie.

Michael asked, "Richard, what do you need me to do?"

Richard said, "Go to the Jose family and let them know I'm back and Nina's safe. In a few days, I'll bring her back, no harm done."

He paused, looked up, and added, "And tell them to stay away from Casino One and not to call me. If anything comes up, you'll handle it."

The Black Family had a long reach, and Richard didn't want the Jose family getting caught in the crossfire.

Michael nodded. "Got it. I'll head over now."

At this hour, the Jose family was probably knocked out.

Michael was about to knock when the door swung open.

Kelsey opened the door and saw someone standing there. Before she could make out who it was, she started freaking out.

Before she could scream, Michael clamped a hand over her mouth.

Her teeth grazed his hand, leaving a bit of spit.

Michael wiped the sticky spot and said, "It's me."

The moment he covered her mouth, Kelsey realized it was him. Her heart was still racing, and she hadn't fully calmed down.

The moonlight hit Kelsey's face, her eyes wide, lips slightly parted, looking all panicked and delicate.

Michael gritted his teeth and grinned. "Where you headed in the middle of the night?"

Kelsey finally got a grip, ignored his question, and stared at him like she'd seen a ghost. "Michael?"

"Yeah." Michael nodded, looking at her. "It's me."

"What are you doing here?" Kelsey asked, wary. "It's so late. You here to rob us?"

Michael laughed. "Don't you think you look more like a thief?"

Kelsey glanced down at her somewhat disheveled appearance.

She wasn't in the mood to argue and asked, "Who are you looking for?"

Michael said, "The Jose family."

Kelsey said, "There are five of us. Who exactly?"

Michael shrugged. "Doesn't matter. As long as their last name is Jose."

Kelsey was speechless. "What's up? Just spit it out."

Michael said, "Richard sent me."

Kelsey immediately fired off, "Has Richard found Nina? How is she? Where is she? Is she with Richard? Is she hurt? Where's she been? Was Bruno holding her?"

Michael chuckled. "You got too many questions. Richard said he'd bring Nina back, but not today. It's a bit complicated, and he's working on it. You need to stay calm. Best not to go to Casino One or call him right now."

Kelsey frowned. Things were a mess, and they had to rely on Richard. Only he could get Nina out.

"I've delivered the message. I'll leave you be." Michael turned to go.

Seeing him already walking down the last step, Kelsey rushed out and followed.

Michael heard the rustling footsteps behind him, paused, and looked back, his questioning gaze landing on Kelsey's face.

Kelsey bit her lip and said, "I want to find Jack. Can you take me?"

Michael raised an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over Kelsey again.

Michael asked, "In the middle of the night, dressed like that?"

Kelsey said, "What's wrong with this? It's loungewear, not pajamas."

As she spoke, Michael's gaze dropped to her feet.

Kelsey was still wearing her house slippers, with fluffy surfaces and ten delicate, alabaster toes peeking out.

Being stared at by Michael, Kelsey immediately felt nervous; she instinctively pulled her feet back and curled her toes tightly.

She was very adorable! Michael suddenly took a step closer; Kelsey quickly stepped back, one foot slipping, and her clean foot landed on the lawn.