Chapter 184:

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Pierce’s POV

Dad left after our brief conversation. I thought deeply about everything he said, and I’m starting to understand now. Dad won’t intervene with things I can resolve on my own. He’s always been like that. If he sees that I’m still capable of fighting, he won’t step in.

“Pierce…”

I immediately looked at Kelly when I heard her voice. I rushed to her side and held her hand.

“Are you okay? How do you feel? Are you hungry? Thirsty?” I felt like I didn’t know what to do, panic taking over me.

I shook my head, reminding myself that I needed to stay calm. The first thing I should do was call the doctor—

She held my hand, stopping me even before I could leave.

“There’s a nurse call button, Pierce.”

I sucked in a breath and glanced at the button near the bed. I was about to press it when Kelly pulled me closer and kissed me on the lips.

It was like magic. My fear, panic, and all the negative thoughts that had been swirling in my mind disappeared the moment our lips touched.

She pulled away and caressed my cheek. “Calm down, my love. I know I’m safe. I know the baby’s still here. I feel fine. So don’t worry too much.”

I stared at her face, slowly nodding. I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

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“I still need to call the nurse to check on you.”

She nodded. “But you have to calm down first.”

I took a deep breath before pressing the button. I sat beside her on the bed, and after a few seconds, a nurse came in to check on Kelly.

I couldn’t stop staring at her face while the nurse examined her. I still couldn’t believe she sacrificed herself for me. She saved me when I should have been the one saving her.

After the nurse assured me that Kelly was fine, I immediately began preparing the food Dad had ordered for us. I fed Kelly silently, the weight of everything still pressing down on me.

“What happened to the rider?” Kelly asked after chewing the food I’d given her.

“The police caught him. He’s under investigation, and I hope he won’t end up like the first shooter.”

She nodded. “It’s good he’s caught.”

Now that she mentioned it, all my worries came rushing back.

“Why did you do that?” I asked in a hoarse voice.

She shook her head. “I don’t know. I just thought I had to save you when I saw him pull out a gun. And I know that if you were in my shoes, you’d do the same…”

“Still…” I paused, sucking in a breath. “You put your life on the line, Kelly. I was so scared.”

She nodded and caressed my cheek again. “I know, and I’m sorry for scaring you.”

I fed her another spoonful of food. She accepted it and asked for water when she was full.

“Pierce, can you buy me something sweet?” she asked while I was cleaning the bedside table.

I smiled and nodded. “I saw a pastry shop across the hospital. I’ll be right back.”

“Thank you.”

I kissed the side of her lips before I left. As I walked out, I nodded at the guards standing at the door. They had been sent by my dad.

“Don’t let anyone in,” I instructed.

“Copy, sir.”

I nodded again and entered the elevator. I slid my hands into the pockets of my pants. Just as the doors were about to close, someone entered. My eyes were focused on my shoes, so I didn’t immediately realize who it was.

“How is she?” the person asked.

I looked up and my jaw clenched when I saw his face. Anger immediately coursed through my veins. My fists, still in my pockets, balled up in frustration.

“What are you doing here?!” I growled at him.

He turned slowly to face me, his eyes cold and unblinking.

“I want to make sure she’s okay, but you’re guarding her so tightly,” he said.

I clenched my jaw even harder. “I’m protecting her from someone like you, Carver!”

He sighed. “I won’t do anything to hurt her.”

“You already did.”

“Protect her at all costs, Anderson. Because if I were in your shoes, I’d do the same. I would even give my life to save hers.”

I gritted my teeth. “You don’t have to tell me that, because that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

He nodded, making my forehead crease. I knew him too well. He never accepted defeat.

“Kelly is important to me, Anderson. Before I fell for her, she was my sister. I treasure her as much as you do, and I’m always around to protect her. I just… failed today.”

“You always fail, Carver! You failed her a long time ago. When you allowed her father to die a miserable death. You failed her when you used her. You failed her when you tried to cage her.”

“Those were… out of impulse and anger,” he muttered.

I stared at him. We were the same height, and I could clearly see the emptiness in his eyes, even when he wasn’t looking at me.

I remembered what Dad had said—he was implying that someone close to us was a traitor. Now, I’m starting to doubt everyone around me, including him and even Emily.

I don’t know why he’s still roaming around like this, knowing he’s on the wanted list.

“Give this to Kelly.”

My forehead creased when he handed me a flash drive. I didn’t accept it right away, just staring at the small rectangular object.

“Take it,” he urged. “It’s important.”

I clenched my jaw and reluctantly accepted the flash drive. “What is this?”

“A video…” he answered with a sigh. “…of her father during his last moments. I found it among his belongings. She needs it… especially now.”

I pressed my lips together, watching him with sharp eyes, my mind racing. The elevator doors slid open. He took a step toward it before stopping and slightly turning his head in my direction.

“You should know that Kelly has always been in love with you. Even when she tried to love me, I know, deep down, you’ve always had a special place in her heart. You own all of her, Anderson. I tried to conquer her, but she was already conquered a long time ago.”

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