Chapter 280

The bomb's countdown suddenly stopped, plunging the space into eerie silence.

Evelyn Sullivan and Samuel Reynolds exchanged glances, their tense nerves beginning to relax—until a piercing beep shattered the quiet.

The red numbers began flashing wildly.

A pair of strong hands suddenly grabbed the bomb and sprinted outside.

"Ethan!"

Evelyn's scream tore through the air as she stumbled after him, catching only a glimpse of his retreating figure.

Boom—

The deafening explosion sent her flying backward.

In the last moment before darkness claimed her, all she saw was Ethan being swallowed by flames.

"Evelyn!"

Sophia Reynolds' frantic voice jolted Evelyn awake. The sharp scent of disinfectant stung her nose as she realized she was in a hospital.

"Where's Ethan?" She yanked out her IV, blood trickling down her hand.

Sophia quickly restrained her. "He's in the next room. His injuries are serious, but—"

Before she could finish, Evelyn was already barefoot and running.

Her heart nearly stopped when she pushed open the door.

Ethan sat propped up in bed, crimson seeping through the bandage at his temple. Hearing the noise, he lifted his head slowly, his deep eyes reflecting her disheveled state.

Evelyn threw herself into his arms, her trembling fingers clutching his hospital gown.

"You scared me to death..." Hot tears soaked through the fabric.

Ethan stiffened for a moment before gently wrapping his arms around her slender shoulders. "I'm okay."

"I'm sorry... I dragged you into this again."

"I did it willingly."

Evelyn pulled back, her red-rimmed eyes locking onto his. "Ethan, let's start over."

The air froze.

His Adam's apple bobbed. "Don't pity me."

"I want to be with you." Her voice was soft but clear. "When that bomb went off, I finally understood."

After a long silence, Ethan finally cupped her face. "Okay."

Evelyn smiled through her tears, only then noticing her bare feet. Ethan frowned and lifted her onto the bed, his warm hands enveloping her icy toes.

"Ethan!"

A shrill voice shattered the moment. Isabella Jackson stood in the doorway, her meticulously applied makeup unable to mask her twisted expression.

Ethan didn't even glance up. "Get out."

"I came to visit—"

"Do I need to repeat myself?"

Isabella's gaze burned into their joined hands before she finally slammed the door. As the glass rattled, Evelyn secretly hooked her pinky around Ethan's.