The atmosphere was heavy and stifling. The operating room doors opened, and a doctor in a white coat emerged. Celine quickly stepped forward. "Doctor," she asked, "how is Nathan?"

"The surgery was very successful," the doctor replied. "The patient will wake up within forty-eight hours."

A small sigh of relief escaped her lips. Although she had seen Nathan's wound and knew the blade hadn't hit any vital organs or caused life-threatening injuries, she felt reassured only now. If anything truly happened to him because of her, she would carry the guilt and regret for the rest of her life.

Nathan was wheeled out, and she followed him to the VIP ward. As the door closed behind them, she ignored Adam and Carly.

Carly tugged at Adam's sleeve. "Adam, Celine is outrageous! She slapped you and then me. You must—"

He pulled his sleeve free. "Didn't you deserve it?" he said, his lips parting thinly.

She froze. His gaze turned icy and sharp. He flung a photograph at her, the impact a loud smack against her chest.

"Carly," he said, "I never realized how stupid and vicious you are. This time, you've truly disappointed me."

The blood drained from her face. Overwhelmed by fear, she grabbed his arm. "Adam, please listen! I admit I don't like Celine, but I never intended to hurt Nathan. I didn't know things would get so serious…"

Adam shoved her away, the veins on his forehead pulsing with restrained anger. His voice was cold and impatient. "Carly, this is the last time I'm cleaning up after you. There will be no next time. You'd better stay put."

"Adam, I—"

"I don't want to see you, and neither does Nathan. Leave now."

Carly opened her mouth to speak, but Leo stepped forward. "Ms. Tate, this way, please."

She clenched her fists in frustration. She had not only failed to bring Celine down but had also alienated Adam.

"Ms. Tate, please," Leo repeated.

She had no choice but to leave, unwillingly, a glaring red slap mark on her face. But she didn't think she had lost. Adam was still, in her mind, on her side. As long as he remained protective, she believed she wouldn't lose to Celine.

Meanwhile, Adam stood by the VIP ward door, his figure tall and imposing. Through the glass, he saw Nathan lying on the bed. Although unconscious, his vital signs were stable. Celine sat at the bedside, holding his hand.

Leo whispered, "Mr. Alvarez, Ms. Tate wanted to use Willie's gang to get rid of Mrs. Alvarez. She didn't intend for Mr. Lynch to get hurt, but she went too far, and you still protected her. I think Mrs. Alvarez is truly upset this time."

Adam's expression darkened. Carly had changed drastically; she was unrecognizable. She was nothing like the girl he'd saved in that cave. However, he couldn't ignore her; he couldn't let her be dragged into gang violence. He knew Celine was angry; the force of her slap still stung.

"Mr. Alvarez, you should really have your hand treated. The wound is serious," Leo said. Blood dripped steadily from Adam's hand; the blade wound, sustained when he caught it barehanded, wouldn't stop bleeding.

He continued to watch the ward without speaking. Celine stayed by Nathan's side throughout the night. Eventually, a nurse entered for rounds; Nathan's condition remained stable.