Chapter 341

A blood-curdling scream tore through the tense air. Crimson bloomed across Lila Sinclair's forearm where the blade had sliced deep, leaving a gruesome trail in its wake. The wound pulsed with each heartbeat, staining her sleeve a dark red.

The sight was horrifying enough to make anyone's stomach lurch. Lila's face turned ashen as the pain registered. She clamped her hand over the injury, but scarlet droplets continued to escape between her trembling fingers.

"Lila!" Olivia Sinclair rushed forward, her voice laced with alarm.

The attacker froze, shock registering on his face as he realized what he'd done. His grip on the knife slackened for a crucial second before he turned to flee.

Just as he pivoted, a dark figure materialized from the shadows and delivered a crushing kick to his ribs. The impact sent him sprawling onto the pavement, gasping for breath.

A sharply dressed man in black approached Olivia, bowing slightly. "Mrs. Caldwell, my deepest apologies for the delay." One of Olivia's personal security detail.

"Better late than never," Olivia snapped. "Have this scum arrested immediately!"

"At once, ma'am," the bodyguard acknowledged.

Another security officer appeared, efficiently subduing the would-be assailant with professional ease before dragging him away.

Lila observed the scene with widening eyes. A flicker of panic crossed her features before she schooled her expression.

"Let me get you to the hospital," Olivia insisted, pulling Lila from her thoughts.

Lila shook her head weakly, her complexion ghostly pale. "It's... not serious..."

"Nonsense." Olivia supported Lila's uninjured side as they headed toward a waiting car, the bodyguard following closely.

The gash required fourteen stitches. When Olivia saw the bandages wrapping Lila's forearm, an unexpected wave of gratitude washed over her.

Olivia's voice softened as she regarded Lila with new appreciation. "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't intervened. Thank you." The warmth in her tone was unmistakable.

A thought occurred to Olivia. "What brought you to that part of town today?"

Lila hesitated briefly before answering. "Visiting a friend who works nearby. When I saw you heading down that alley, I thought I'd say hello - you've been so kind to my sister. I never imagined..."

Olivia nodded in understanding. "Of course."

At that moment-

"Olivia!" Evelyn Hartley burst into the room, breathless from running.

Her chest heaved as she reached Olivia's side. "Are you hurt? What happened?" Her eyes darted between the two women anxiously.

"Everything's fine, darling," Olivia assured her quickly. "Thanks to Lila here."