Chapter 273


    Alex had been injured on the building site. If he pursued this, Burning Star Studio would be liable.


    Candice’s expression grew somber. She asked the doctor in aposed manner, “What’s the


    status of his injury? Is there any bone damage?”


    “The bones are intact, but the cut is deep. He may need around five to six stitches,” answered the


    doctor.


    Candice pursed her lips and swiftly contemted strategies about how to repair the situation.


    Alex’s sleeve was rolled up to his elbow, revealing gashes along his forearm. The sight of the deep,


    blood–stained wounds was jarring. A nurse was diligently attending to his injury.


    Alex maintained a stoic demeanor. His thick, dark eyebrows added to hismanding presence.


    The nurse was still an intern, and she found Alex’s aura intimidating, which made her hands


    tremble. She jabbed the cotton swab into one of the cuts identally.


    A suppressed grunt escaped from Alex, breaking Candice’s train of thought. She turned toward him.


    Despite her reluctance to recognize it, Alex had just saved her life.


    Deciding on her course of action, she approached him cautiously. “Burning Star Studio epts full


    responsibility for this ident. We are ready to cover your medical costs.”


    Alex slightly lifted his face as he nced at her and taunted, “Do you think I need your


    compensation to cover the medical bills?”


    Unflinching. Candice responded, “On behalf of Burning Star Studio, I extend our apologies for this


    incident.”


    Alex’sugh was mocking, and his look toward Candice carried a frosty edge. In a chilling tone, he


    retorted. “This time it’s an ident. But what about next? I’m the one suffering this time, but who


    will it be next time?”


    The tension in the emergency room escted.


    Candice remained quiet for a long period. “There will be no next time.


    Alex stayed silent, his expression was clouded, and the pain was bothering him.


    As Alex’s wound was being sutured, Candice was asked to wait outside.


    Sitting in a chair in the waiting area, Candice observed the hustle and bustle around her, feeling a


    whirlwind ofplex emotions.


    ? +15 BONDS She was caught off guard by Alex’s protective action, nor had she expected him to


    be injured as a result.


    Previously, Candice believed she would have felt quilty and would have been prepared to go the


    extra mile for Alex, But now she felt emotionally spent. She felt a burdensome shadow over her.


    making it hard for her to breathe.


    Candice wished she had been the one injured, just to avoid owing anything to Alex.


    Her somber thoughts were interrupted when her phone rang. It was Hanley on the line.


    In a deep, raspy voice, he asked, “How is Alex?” N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Candice looked toward the emergency room’s closed door. “His hand has several deep cuts that


    need stitches.”


    Hanley was silent, aware of the delicacy of the situation, especially since Alex was the head of


    Aether Corporation. Any harming to him at hispany’s construction site would be difficult to


    manage.


    Candice added, “He’s being treated right now. I’ve Informed him that ourpany will handle his


    medical costs.” She paused, then said, “I’ve also offered him an apology.”


    After a brief silence, Hanley’s voice returned, subdued, “Don’t dwell on it too much. Shaun and I are


    together; we’ll be at the hospital soon to discuss this further.”


    “All right.” Candice responded,


    “Are you okay?” Hanley asked seriously,


    Candice answered withposure. “I’m fine.


    “That’s good to hear,”


    Once her conversation with Hanley concluded, the emergency room doors swung open.


    Alex emerged with his hand wrapped in bandages. His face was devoid of emotion, his gaze


    lowered, but there was a sense of agitation about him.


    The earlier nurse carried a plece of paper. “He’ll need to settle the bill and receive a tetanus shot.”


    She addressed her words to Candice andid the sheet in front of her. Clearly, Alex’s demeanor


    had intimidated her just seconds previously.


    Candice epted the paper and softly told Alex, “Stay here, I’ll take care of the bill.”


    Alex’s eyes twitched, appearing ck and chilly. He nced at Candice without saying anything.


    +15 BONOS


    Candice proceeded to settle the bill and fetch the medication, then came back to apany Alex


    for his tetanus shel


    Once inside, Alex stated tly. I’m allergic to tetanus shots.”


    “We can administer a tetanus immunoglobulin shot instead,” the doctor suggested.


    Left with no alternative, Candice found herself returning to the payment desk.


    Following the shot, they were required to remain under observation in the hospital for another half


    hour.


    Candice looked at Alex’s bandaged arm and spoke gently. “If there’s anything you need, just let me


    know. I’ve already spoken with Hanley. As long as your request is reasonable, we’ll do our


    best to amodate it.” She kept her tone respectful.


    As she finished speaking, a figure approached rapidly from down the hallway. It was Sonia.


    Having traveled overnight with Alex from Noxville to Dorrington, Sonia was visibly weary and


    ufortable. She had taken the day off from work, given her limited responsibilities at her


    She had left home upon learning about Alex’s hospitalization from Sawyer.


    From afar, Sonia noticed Candice standing next to Alex. Remembering what Sawyer had told her


    about Alex’s injury at the Burning Star Studio site, her expression hardened.


    She couldn’t suppress her concern, sharply asking. “Lex, are you alright?”


    Sonia ran over in a panic and panted heavily. She nudged Candice aside and looked at Alex with


    tears in her eyes.


    “Why were you at that construction site? I panicked when Sawyer called. A small studio like that


    can’t be trusted. What were you doing there?” Her emotional, tearful voice drew the attention of


    several people in the busy hospital hallway.


    Alex remainedposed and asked, “Did Sawyer send you?”


    With reddened eyes, she responded, “He couldn’t travel from Eastdale. But you’re hurt, and your


    didn’t even think of calling me?”


    Alex kept his eyes half–closed and calmly stated, “It’s nothing serious.”


    “Not serious?” Sonia was upset andshed out. “Then, what is serious? You’re hurt, and there’s


    another woman by your side. Isn’t that serious?”


    +15 BONOS


    Turning to Candice, her voice tinged with unspoken sadness as she reprimanded her. “You’ve left


    thepany, haven’t you? Can’t you leave Alex alone? You always show up under work pretenses.


    What are you after? We both know what’s on your mind. Alex may not confront you, but can’t you


    show some self–control?”


    Candice looked up. Her expression was scornful as she replied, “Do you think I want to be here?”


    She cast a cold, disdainful nce at Alex and said sharply, “Regarding the medical bills, let Mr.


    Elysian deliver them to Burning Star Studioter. I should leave before I lose my sense of


    propriety.”


    With that, she turned and departed.


    Sonia observed her receding figure, her hand curled up in irritation. Then he turned back to Alex


    with a look of hurt.


    by were v


    pressed.


    with her, Lex? Did shee to you on purpose, leading you to that site?” Sonia


    With his eyes still half–closed, Alex slowly looked up. His expression remained icy.


    Sonia awaited his response eagerly.


    Alex just gave her a somber nce and said tly. “If it bothers you so much, why did you take the


    day off instead ofing to work?”


    Sonia was left speechless.