Chapter 365

"Understood. I'll issue the orders right away," Walter responded.

He paused briefly before adding, "What about those kidnappers? How should we handle them?"

Nathan contemplated for a moment before replying, "Let Serena decide. Leave it to her."

"Yes, Mr. Black." With that, Walter turned and exited the office.

Nathan let out a heavy sigh, massaging his temples before rising from his chair.

He had planned to return to the countryside estate, seeking some peace and quiet.

But just as he reached the office door, his phone rang.

He answered immediately.

Dylan's frantic voice came through the line. "Nathan, you need to get to the hospital now! Serena... Something's wrong. She's locked herself in the bathroom with the shower running. She won't come out, and no matter how much I beg, she just keeps saying she's fine. But I'm terrified she might do something stupid."

Nathan's brows furrowed deeply.

Irritation flared within him, but he pushed it down. This couldn't be ignored.

"I'm on my way," he said curtly before ending the call.

Abandoning his original plans, Nathan drove straight to Grand Oaks General Hospital.

When he arrived at the hospital room, he found Dylan standing outside the bathroom door, pleading softly. "Serena, please open the door. You've been in there too long. I'm scared."

From inside, Serena's weak voice responded, "I told you, I'm fine. Stop worrying about me."

Dylan knocked again, desperation coloring his tone. "If you're really fine, then prove it. Open the door."

Nathan strode forward, his voice commanding. "Serena, open this door now."

The bathroom fell silent for a beat before Serena's faint reply came. "Nathan..."

"You have three minutes," Nathan stated coldly. "If you're not out by then, I'm leaving."

"No! I'm coming out!" Serena's response was immediate, laced with panic.

Nathan turned away, seating himself on the nearby sofa without another word.

Two minutes later, the bathroom door creaked open.

Serena emerged, her wet hair plastered to her flushed face, an unnatural red hue staining her cheeks.

"Serena!" Dylan rushed to her side, his face etched with concern. "Are you okay?"

Serena offered him a weak smile. "I told you, I'm fine. Stop fussing."

But as Serena moved toward Nathan, Dylan suddenly grabbed her wrist and pushed up the sleeve of her hospital gown.

A vivid red mark stood out starkly against her pale skin.