Chapter 259: Chapter 1151-1160

It was a man in a dark-colored suit. He was over six feet tall and carried himself with an authoritative air. Elijah held his hand out politely and said, “Please come in, Mr. Presgrave.”

Once Elijah brought the visitor in, he went back to his adjacent office. Less than ten minutes later, he saw one of the staff running toward Ren’s office with a stack of documents in his hands. Elijah immediately called out and stopped the man.

“Casey, you can’t go in right now. Mr. Husson has an important discussion going on right now.”

“What I have here is very important too. I need Mr. Husson’s signature as soon as possible.” The man, Casey Amherst, waved the documents in front of him.

“Delay it for as long as possible. I’m certain that Mr. Husson does not wish to be interrupted for any reason right now.” Elijah’s tone was sterner than usual.

Casey became a lot less insistent. Whenever Elijah used that tone, it meant that Ren was in a meeting with someone extremely important.

“When should I come back then?” Casey asked a little frantically.

“Try coming back in two hours,” Elijah replied.

Casey had no choice but to leave with his documents. Elijah glanced at the door of the office. Ren was currently in a discussion that involved the general elections, and even he did not dare to go in to prepare the tea and coffee for them. For the next two hours, Ren attended to his guest himself.

It was Elliot Presgrave.

He was the wealthiest man in the entire country and had built his fortune internationally as well. He commanded a lot of respect, and even though he was a businessman, no one dared to underestimate his influence. Now that he was backing Ren, Elijah believed that Ren would not have any issues in the upcoming elections.

Ruka arrived at the new house. It was a quiet neighborhood without the bustling liveliness of the city center, but it gave her a strong sense of security. Every villa had a butler, and all their needs would be taken care of without having to step foot out of the house.

Robert and Claire had received an extended break, so they could rest until July next year. Ren was the one who informed them of this. Thus, they were in no rush to get back to work abroad. Instead, they could enjoy some peace and quiet back in their home country.

“Mom, Dad, do you know what happened?” Ruka asked in shock when she heard the news.

“Nothing happened, you silly girl. Ren is just protecting us! He’s heading into the elections soon and those who wish to unseat him will try to affect him by attacking those around him. You’re the biggest target, so Ren had the foresight to make sure we’re protected,” Robert explained.

Ruka nodded in understanding, while Claire added, “Don’t be afraid, Ruka. Ren will keep you safe.”

“Mom, Dad, I’m not afraid.” Ruka had a steely look in her eyes. She was determined to accompany him throughout this challenging period.

…

There was a pile of documents stacked up on Elijah’s desk and he had received several calls with urgent reminders, but all he could do was hold the fort down for now. He glanced at his watch and saw that two hours had passed.

Just then, he heard the door to the main office opening. Ren came out first and he stepped aside to let Elliot pass. As leaders in their respective fields, they were equals in every way, and when they stood together, it only proved that birds of a feather did indeed flock together.

They were both men that belonged to the top 1% of society and were innate leaders among men. Their presence and aura could not be mimicked or faked. It was something that could only come naturally.

“Sir, I will see Mr. Presgrave out,” Elijah came over and said.

Ren held his hand out to Elliot who shook it without hesitation. “See you, Elliot. I won’t be sending you off then.”

“Yes, there’s no need for you to send me off. Let’s check our schedules and find a time to invite Richard out for a meal, just the three of us,” Elliot said with a smile. They exchanged a look of understanding and empathy for one another.

“Certainly. Let’s do it when we’re all free.” Ren nodded and smiled.

Elijah did feel a little pressured as he stood beside the two of them. He was a pretty good-looking man himself, but standing in front of these two, he had to admit that they were the finest men who exuded an aura of leadership.

Elijah walked Elliot out to the parking lot outside. One of the bodyguards opened the door for Elliot and he slid in before saying to Elijah courteously, “Thank you for seeing me out, Mr. Jackman.”

“You’re most welcome. Goodbye, Mr. Presgrave,” Elijah replied and watched as the procession of bulletproof cars drove off.

Then, Elijah returned to the office and brought the pile of documents to Ren, who was standing in front of the French window with a cup of coffee. He seemed to be in deep thought.

“Did everything go smoothly, Sir?” Elijah asked in concern.

“Yes. Very smoothly.” Ren nodded.

“Miss Singed has arrived safely at her parents’ new villa. The Singeds won’t be leaving their house for the next few days. They will be under our protection at all times,” Elijah reported.

Ren narrowed his eyes. He could not help but think that Ruka would be bored out of her mind if she stayed cooped up inside the house for too long. If it hadn’t been for him, she wouldn’t have had to go through all of this.

Just then, Ren’s phone rang, and he picked it up. “Yes, Scarlet?”

“Ren, did you send Ruka back to her parents? It’s Christmas Eve today. Do you think it’d be alright if we invited them to join us for a celebration?”

“I’m a little swamped today, Scarlet. I’ll let Elijah handle the arrangements.”

“Alright. Come home for dinner once you’re done with work. Mom and Dad are here too.”

Ren’s heart tightened. “Scarlet, make sure Dad doesn’t find out about my relationship with Ruka.”

“Relax. Everyone’s on high alert right now. No one will inform Dad about it before the elections. We know what his temper’s like,” Scarlet assured him before adding a reminder. “Don’t work too late. You need to take care of your health too.”

“Yes, I got it.” Ren smiled warmly. His family’s love for him was his source of strength.

Meanwhile, at a hillside villa near the city center, a grand feast was laid out on the dining table, and the woman who stood at the French window waiting for her husband to come home was dressed in a beige dress designed for pregnant women. From behind, she still looked like a young lady, but if one walked around her, they would see her beautiful belly. She caressed it while waiting patiently.

Just then, she saw the flashing car lights drawing near. Her lips curved into a smile. He was home at last.

Near the dining table, an old man sat down for a game of chess with his grandson. The young heir of the Presgraves was already showing all the makings of a highly intelligent soul. He carefully considered his every move, so much so that Francis was beginning to feel the pressure! After all, the six-year-old had won several times now.

“Jared, haven’t you figured out your next move yet?” Francis asked with a smile.

“Hang on, Grandpa. I’ve almost figured it out.” Jared looked up. His handsome face looked more and more like his father’s every day.

Jared made his move and Francis couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise at how much of an expert he was at chess already. His move had been the best one possible.

“Your turn, Grandpa!” Jared grinned. “My, my. You’re nearly as good as me now. Let me think.” Francis studied the chessboard as if he had finally met his match.

Jared rested his head on his hands to wait. He looked like a proper little gentleman in his black sweater. When he heard the sounds outside, he smiled and said, “My father’s home.”

Francis nodded. “Yeah! Just in time for Christmas Eve dinner.”

“Mommy needs to go to the hospital once we’re done with dinner. I’ll get to see my sister in a few days,” Jared enthused.

“That’s right! We’ll have a new member of the family soon.” Francis was just as excited about it. In his old age, nothing felt more meaningful than spending time with his family.

Against the backdrop of the evening sky, Elliot stepped out of the car and speed-walked to the house.

When he saw the woman who was waiting at the door, he reached out to hold her and asked, “Why are you standing at the door when it’s so cold?”

“I’m waiting for you, of course!” Anastasia tilted her head up to look at him. The light highlighted her refined features and the warmth of her beauty shone. Even though she was a pregnant woman, she was still as attractive as ever.

Elliot put his hand on her belly gently. “Did the baby kick you today? Is she playing nice?”

“Not bad. I’d be worried if she’s too nice.” Anastasia held his hand. “Let’s go. We’re going to the hospital after we have dinner with Dad and Jared.”

“Sure.” Elliot kissed her forehead and led her into the living room.

Francis heaved a sigh. “Yep, I’m getting old. Even a six-year-old kid is beating me.”

Anastasia heard everything, and she came in, smiling. “Did you lose again, Dad?”

“Yeah. Jared’s really smart. I can’t win no matter what I do,” Francis admitted defeat.

The boy encouraged his grandfather, “Do your best, Grandpa.”

“I’ll get back to you after dinner.” Francis smiled. The child started picking up the chess pieces and tucking them away. The child was young, but he was smart, and Francis felt grateful. Unlike other kids, he would clean up after himself instead of making a mess.

It was nine when they finished dinner. Four black cars escorted Anastasia as she went to the Presgraves’ personal hospital. Everyone was prepared for Anastasia’s labor.

It was a merry day at Scarlet’s house as well. Three families were celebrating Christmas there. It was rowdy to say the least.

Charlotte was looking at Ruka happily. She couldn’t take her eyes off the girl ever since she showed up. Ruka was helping her mother and Scarlet make Christmas dinner.

Harold, Walter, and Robert were enjoying their tea as they talked about current issues.

“Come, Ruka.” Charlotte beckoned to Ruka when she was serving a dish.

Ruka approached her shyly. Charlotte held her hand. She was just delighted to see the girl. Ruka was a likable lady to begin with, and her looks just checked every box Charlotte had on the list.

“Come, talk with me. We have a lot to talk about.” Charlotte took Ruka away stubbornly.

Ruka supported Charlotte, and they went into a quiet side chamber. After taking a seat, Charlotte said, “If Ren tries to do anything stupid to you, you come to me. I’ll wallop him.”

Ruka chuckled. He might be a VP, but he’s still a son at home. His mother will whip him into shape.

“It’s alright, Charlotte. He’s nice to me. Never said anything bad to me either,” she said seriously.

“Good. But well, he’s older, so I guess he knows how to love a lady.” Charlotte defended her son. It would be frustrating if Ruka complained about his age.

“He loves me.” She nodded.

Charlotte remembered something. She left for the living room and came back holding a wooden box.

Then, she opened it, revealing a jade bracelet in it. The bracelet was gleaming gorgeously under the light.

“This is a family heirloom that’s been passed down for two centuries. It’s invaluable, and now it’s yours.” She gently placed the box in Ruka’s hand.

Ruka was petrified. This is much too valuable! I can’t take it.

“Charlotte—”

“Don’t say no. I got it appraised, and it’s worth about this much.” She raised a single finger.

Ten million. It’s worth ten million. Not ten thousand or a hundred thousand. Her heart skipped a beat.

It’s far too valuable for me to accept. “I… I can’t take this.” She handed it back to Charlotte. “You should keep it, Charlotte.”

“You silly girl. What’s ours is yours. If you won’t take it, nobody will.” She patted the girl’s head happily.

“I’ll make sure Ren marries you. I’m not going to accept any other woman as his wife.”

Ruka felt sheepish, but also moved. “Thank you, Charlotte. Really. This means a lot.”

Charlotte handed the box over to her. “This is gonna come in handy when you attend important events with Ren.”

Ruka nodded. “Of course. I’ll treasure it.”

She then noticed the light of a car’s headlamps shining through the window, and delight filled her. Is that him?

She saw a silhouette coming from the garden. Her heart thumped furiously and she said, “I’ll take my leave now, Charlotte.”

She left through the side door to welcome Ren.

Ruka wasn’t exactly being subtle, so Ren saw her as well. He smiled and stopped walking just for her.

She leapt into his embrace and hugged him tight.

It had only been two days since she saw him, but she was already missing him.

Ren wrapped his arm around her shoulder and kissed her hair, then he looked at the living room for a moment before taking her into the bamboo forest. She followed him sheepishly.

They had just gotten into the shadows, and he was already kissing her. He had missed her as well.

The excitement kept Ruka tense. She let him kiss her, though her face was beet red.

“It’s time for dinner.”

“Let’s go.” Ren ran his fingers through her hair. His eyes glinted with desire under the lights, and he felt as if he was a beast trying to escape its cage. Ruka was too alluring. “How many days has it been?” He suddenly huddled closer.

She answered shyly, “Three.”

He patted the back of her head happily and pulled her closer. I just want to ravage her now.

Eventually, dinner went underway, and Ruka was seated beside Ren for obvious reasons. Fortunately, Harold was so engrossed in his wine that he didn’t realize Ren and Ruka’s sweet interactions.

Ruka didn’t mind. Everyone else ignored the fact that Ren kept filling Ruka’s plate with food and looking at her lovingly. They didn’t want to pressure the new couple.

The couple finished their food earlier than everyone and went out for a walk. The garden was chilly, but their intertwined hands felt warm.

Scarlet was a nostalgic person, so she barely renovated anything from the first day the house was built.

Aside from the new plants, everything else looked the same as they were twenty years ago. As Ren looked at the flowers, pond, and field, he was reminded of how cheeky Ruka used to be.

He chuckled.

She looked at him. “Why are you laughing?”

“I was just reminded of the time when you were a kid. You were really cheeky,” he said.

Ruka didn’t remember things from way back then. Still, she smugly asked, “Really? Was I that cheeky?”

“Yeah. Scarlet wouldn’t discipline you. You were spoiled rotten. You’d take anything I have whenever you felt like it.” Ren had to give everything nice to her back then.

She said sheepishly, “Well, now I’m going to marry you, so we’re even now?”

He pulled her into his embrace and smiled at her. “Yep.”

She hugged him as well. He wasn’t the only one who wanted to ravage her; she wanted to do the same to him as well. He was hot, and she was very much willing to sleep with him.

She fluttered her eyelashes and asked timidly, “Can I stay at your place?”

“Tonight?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

He tightened his arms around her. “I’m a bit busy the next couple of days, so I’ll have to stay back in the office. But I promise I’ll pick you up once I’m done with work, okay?”

He didn’t want to refuse her, but work was heavy. It would be rude if he took her with him just to ignore her. After work was done, he would take a break to spend time with her.

Ruka was an understanding person. “Sure, I’ll wait.”

He had just kissed her forehead when his phone rang. Ren picked it up and gave it a glance. “I have to go.”

She pushed him. “Go. Work’s important.”

Ren smiled. She can’t wait for me to leave? He turned around and was about to leave, but then Ruka said, “A second.”

Ren turned back again to see Ruka sprinting toward him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaped up to peck his lips. She then took a step back and looked at him happily. “Done. Go.”

The flames of desire lit up in his eyes. He pulled her into his embrace and whispered, “I won’t hold back the next time we meet.”

Ruka blushed as knew what he was implying. She closed her eyes and nodded. “I won’t run away anymore either.”

He patted her head. “Good.”

He left. She saw him off, but she didn’t feel lonely. She knew he would miss her every minute he wasn’t working.

Night descended upon the city. An air of celebration permeated the air. Fireworks exploded in the sky, and booms rippled throughout the city.

At Presgrave Hospital.

Half an hour after they arrived at the hospital, Anastasia’s water broke, and it was time for the operation. Since she went with a C-section the first time, Anastasia went with the same thing the second time. Ten months of pregnancy. Ten torturous months. It’s finally time to unload.

The girl was born on a nice night. She came to this world on the night of Christmas. Fifteen minutes after Anastasia was taken into the operating room, the baby came out crying.

Her face was red, and she weighed 6.94 pounds. This was Elliot’s daughter.

Anastasia was still in the operating room. A nurse took the baby to Elliot after she was washed clean.

Elliot looked at his daughter, tears of joy welling in his eyes. This was his second child. He missed his son’s birth, making this moment all the more precious.

The medical staff were taking care of Anastasia. Eventually the anesthetic wore off, and she woke up on the bed. Her wound still throbbed, but she was relieved to hear that her daughter was safely delivered. She would do anything for her.

She was taken back to the ward. A nurse was wiping her sweat off with a towel gently while congratulating her. Anastasia decided to close her eyes and get some sleep.

Vaguely, she felt someone kiss her forehead. Anastasia opened her eyes and was met with Elliot’s face. “Good work, honey.”

“Who does she look like more?” Anastasia asked raspily.

“You, of course.” He held her hand. She still looks sleepy. He cooed, “Get some sleep. I’m not leaving.”

When Anastasia woke up again, she saw him crouched by her bed and staring at the bed beside her.

To be precise, he was staring at the little one with the pink shirt under the white blanket. The baby had lustrous hair, and her face was the size of a fist. Her features were tiny, but she could see that the baby was beautiful.

“She looks like you, doesn’t she?” Elliot chuckled.

The wound was still throbbing, but just looking at the baby filled Anastasia with joy. She actually wanted to get pregnant once more.

Still, she was exhausted. My job’s done. “You look after her. I’m getting some sleep.”

“Sure.” Elliot looked at her gently. The baby’s fists were closed. She was so delicate, he wouldn’t even breathe loudly in case she was spooked.

The nurse was in awe. She’s the young miss of the Presgraves, huh? I bet she’ll grow up into a gorgeous lady. Her parents are beautiful, and so is her brother. The kids are gonna grow up to be drop-

dead gorgeous.

Silence had fallen upon the ward. Elliot was holding a sleeping baby in his arms. He just couldn’t take his eyes off her. She’s my second child.

It was four in the morning, so the sky was dark. Six black cars were traveling through the street. A man in the backseat of one car was resting his eyes. His assistant, on the other hand, was going through the files despite how exhausted he was. The few international cases were forcing them to stay awake and making them feel tense.

All of a sudden, a blanket of fog appeared out of nowhere, covering the whole street. The bodyguards slowed down in response. This fog was too thick to be a natural occurrence. Someone or something was waiting in the shadows for them. “We got a situation here. Stay alert,” the head bodyguard said.

The car came to a sudden halt, waking the man in the backseat. He opened his eyes. The bodyguard was telling him what happened. This sudden fog was no ordinary phenomenon. The whole street was clear just now, and there shouldn’t be any fog at night in this weather.

Just then, a blinding flash of light assailed them. Something crashed into the car in front of them, and a great explosion happened.

“It’s a rocket launcher! Protect the VP!” Elijah shouted.

The bodyguard got out of the car. Elijah and Ren followed a moment later. They were escorted away with the bodyguard shielding them. Less than ten seconds after they were gone, a rocket launcher sent the car behind them flying up into the air. It fell back down and rolled a few times on the road.

Right at the moment of explosion, one bodyguard came to Ren’s rescue. He kept Ren underneath him and took the full force of the shockwave himself. The shockwave rippled through the street, and everyone felt blood rushing up their heads.

Elijah knocked his forehead on something, and it drew blood. His ears were buzzing, but still he went and searched for Ren.

“Sir!”

The bodyguard protecting Ren was hurt by the shockwave. He turned around, and Ren held the wobbling man. He told Elijah, “Come here and help me!”

Elijah couldn’t hear a thing, but still he went and held the bodyguard up. The other men formed a semicircle in front of the three of them and retreated backward while protecting them.

The fog was still too thick for them to see anything. The bodyguards had nothing but their hearing to help them discern where danger was coming from, and then silence fell. The fog was like a maze. The only thing visible was the burning car. The air was filled with the stench of ash.

Just then, they heard the cries of a girl coming out of nowhere. She was running toward them, calling out to her father. “Daddy? Daddy, where are you?”

It was a three-year-old girl. She was frantically running on the street. Ren’s heart went out for her.

“There’s a girl! Save her!” Elijah shouted.

“This could be a trap.” The bodyguards pointed their guns at the girl.

Ren ordered, “Do not hurt her.”

The bodyguards let go of the trigger. It was then the girl saw them, and she came right up to them.

“Help me, mister. You gotta help me.”

One of the bodyguards darted ahead and held the girl. He checked up on her and shouted, “She’s fine!”

“Bring her here,” Ren ordered.

The bodyguard brought the girl to Ren. Elijah tried to hold her, but the sight of his bloodstained face made her bawl even louder. Ren spread his arms. “Here, let me hold you.”

The girl finally let Ren hold him. His bodyguards were still looking around them. They knew this girl was nothing but a pawn of the enemy. This was not the time to let their guard down.

Ren took the girl over from his bodyguard. He then saw a red mark flashing on her back. It was the mark that a sniper was aiming straight at her.

“Look out! We got a sniper!” Ren roared. He swiveled around with the kid in his arms the next second.

The red dot that was pointing at the girl was now aimed at his shoulder. Just a moment later, a bullet flew through the fog and pierced Ren’s shoulder. He staggered forward due to the impact, but still he didn’t let the child go.

Elijah quickly came to him. “The VP’s hit!”

It was at that exact moment, the bodyguards knew the girl was just an object for the enemy to pinpoint their location. They held up their shields right away and stood around Elijah and Ren. They could hear bullets flying through the air from all directions.

Elijah wiped the blood off his face and took the child away forcibly. Ren wobbled a little, and he held Elijah’s shoulder. “I’m fine.” He was breathing heavily.

“Reinforcements are on their way, but it’ll take them ten minutes.”

The fog was then blown away. They could hear the roar of a helicopter above them. The assassination ended in failure, but the killers were long gone. The street was filled with shards of car parts. The car was still burning even after almost fifteen minutes, but if someone was still in there, they would have died of heat and suffocation.

This assassination must have been a plan long in the making.

The fog and that girl were just tools for the plan. A high-tech sensor had been stuck to the girl’s back.

Her function was to tell the enemy where Ren and his men were in the fog, then they would start firing.

They knew Ren would never stand by and watch a child die in front of him. He would save her, of course, and that was the weakness they used against him.

The night was still going on, and Ren’s wound was still bleeding, drenching his suit in blood. Elijah and the bodyguards took him to the hospital right away.

Ren was starting to get groggy on the way. The blood loss was robbing his consciousness. Right before he blacked out, he told Elijah, “Do not tell Ruka about this.”

Elijah watched as he was taken into the operating room. He was still worried, and he called Scarlet.

“What? Ren was ambushed?” Scarlet and Walter rushed to the hospital right away.

Six of Ren’s trusted men had gathered outside the operating room. They were all powerful officials and Ren’s most powerful allies.

Richard opened his eyes the moment he heard his phone vibrate. He picked up his mother’s call, and once he heard what happened, he got out of bed quietly and swiftly made his way to the hospital.

About two hours later, the doctors emerged from the operating room looking exhausted, but they smiled at the people waiting outside. “The bullet was extracted. It didn’t hit his vitals, but he needs to rest.”

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief. Scarlet was almost crying a moment ago. Now, she buried her head in her husband’s arms and shed tears of relief. Her heart felt like it would burst from her chest.

The ambush happened out of the blue. It was harrowing, so to speak.

Elijah was told to work on the investigation. Everyone involved would be interrogated as well.

Ren was pushed out of the operating room on a bed a while later. He just had dinner with us last night, and now he looks so pale. I hope he wakes up soon. Scarlet cried again.

Scarlet didn’t even tell their parents about it. This was too much of a shock for people their age.

All she wanted was for Ren to wake up so she could tell everyone he was fine.

Richard went straight to the ward and saw his mother on the couch. She was wiping her tears away. He approached the bed and looked at his uncle, then he turned around. “What did the doctor say?” he asked his father.

“Fortunately, the bullet hit his back, not his vitals. However, he lost too much blood on the way, so he’s out for the count at the moment.”

Richard clenched his fists. Someone attacked Uncle Ren? I’ll make them pay for this. He sat down beside his mother and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. He assured, “Uncle Ren’s gonna be okay.”

“You have to look into this, Richard. I don’t want any of us to get hurt. The election’s getting near, so his enemies are trying to take him out. He ran into the same thing last time, but he was lucky and the incident didn’t threaten his life.”

“I’ll look into this and make sure nothing like this happens after the election.” Richard got up and was about to leave.

Scarlet got up as well and held his hand with concern. “Be careful, Richard. Your uncle’s hurt. I don’t want anything to happen to you either.”

Richard nodded. “I’ll be careful. Stay with uncle. Call me when he wakes up.”

“Okay.” She let his hand go, but still she was worried.

The long night finally came to an end, and the crime scene was already cleaned up. All that was left was the charred ground and some shards. The place was cordoned off, and the cops said this was nothing but a car crash.

Nobody knew an assassination just happened the night before.

Ruka was reading a book on the balcony of the residence early in the morning, but she kept spacing out. Her attention was not on the book. She kept checking her phone. Ruka texted him once, but he didn’t reply. He’s probably busy with work and didn’t see it.

Elijah came back to the hospital after spending the night getting interrogated. His head was bandaged.

He kept watch on Ren, still looking worried.

The doctor had checked up on him twice. Ren was unconscious because he lost too much blood, but the doctors would also consider other factors as well. They wouldn’t risk anything here.

The people tending to Ren this time were the director’s lieutenant and the one he trusted the most.

They had to make sure nothing would happen to Ren.

Ren let out a raspy cough and slowly opened his eyes. There was a sense of confusion in his eyes.

“Ren? Ren, are you awake? Ren!” Scarlet held his hand and called out to him anxiously.

Ren blinked and nodded. “I’m fine, Scarlet.”

“Call the doctor,” Walter told Elijah.

Elijah happily obliged, and Silas was the one who came back with him. Silas had flown straight back the night before, putting his important research aside.

“How do you feel?” Silas asked.

“Feels like something’s burning.”

“Probably because the bullet scalded your muscles. You’re lucky the bullet hit your back.” Silas went through the injury report, and his heart skipped a beat. If the bullet hit him just a bit lower, it would have pierced his heart.

“Those slimy b*stards kidnapped a three-year-old girl and used her as a moving target. The girl would have died if Mr. Husson hadn’t moved quickly enough,” Elijah said. He admired Ren for his sympathetic side. The man actually blocked a bullet for a child without even hesitating.

“Let’s stop talking about that. Stay calm until the announcement comes out,” Ren said. The pain on his body was making him frown.

Anyone else would have screamed in pain already. The agony brought by a bullet was not something everyone could endure.

Silas left the room and called Elijah out. “Get someone to tend to him. Someone close to him, preferably. I don’t trust the hospital staff.”

Scarlet and Walter had gone home. They were getting too old to stay up too late at night.

Oh, I know who can do this. Mr. Husson told me not to tell Ruka about this, but he’ll feel better if she’s here.

“I’ll get someone.” Elijah nodded and left.

He arrived at the Singed Residence an hour later and rang the doorbell. Ruka was in the living room, preparing the ingredients for their next meal with her mother. She said, “I’ll take it.”

She opened the door and saw Elijah outside, though she was shocked to see him in this state. “What happened to your head, Elijah?”

Elijah shushed her and told her to come outside. “I need to tell you something, Miss Singed, but only you. Keep this a secret from your parents.”

“What is it?” Ruka felt her heart sink for some reason.

“Mr. Husson was ambushed last night. A bullet hit him, and he’s in the hospital now,” Elijah said.

Ruka felt herself wobble. She covered her mouth, and tears welled up in her eyes. With a trembling voice, she asked, “Is he in danger?”

He quickly assured her, “Don’t worry. He’s not in any danger, but the loss of blood did weaken him a little. He needs someone to tend to him, and I think you’re perfect for the job.”

“Okay. I’ll pack up right away.” She went back into the house.

Elijah heaved a sigh of relief. I hope Mr. Husson won’t yell at me when he sees her.

Ruka held her tears back and told her mother, “Mom, Ren wants me to stay over for a few days. I’m packing up.”

Claire looked at her daughter and smiled. Ah, kids and their relationship. She felt happy that her daughter found someone who loved her so much.

Nothing was more important than her daughter’s happiness. Whether she stayed with them or not was fine.

Ten minutes later, Ruka came back down with her luggage in tow. “Bye, Mom.”

She almost broke out into a run. Elijah put her luggage in the backseat, and Ruka took the passenger seat. Elijah drove straight to the hospital.

He told her what happened while they were on their way there. She felt her heart thumping furiously as he recounted the tale. Tears were welling up in her eyes again, but she held it back. On closer inspection, her hands were trembling slightly too.

Her panic was indescribable, though her reaction portrayed it well. Even though Elijah assured her that Ren was fine, she couldn’t calm down until she saw him herself. She wished time would go faster so she could see him sooner.

When they arrived at the hospital, Ruka went ahead of Elijah. She was running, while Elijah was chasing her with the luggage in tow. Oh god, I’m wheezing.

“Slow down, Miss Singed. It’s alright.” He was wheezing like an old man as he told her to slow down.

Ruka turned around and realized that he was already wheezing. Oh, he’s hurt too. She took the luggage from him apologetically. “Sorry, Elijah. I was really nervous. I forgot you’re hurt too.”

“It’s fine, but you should calm down as well. Mr. Husson won’t disappear,” he cracked a joke.

They eventually came to the ward. Silas shushed them. “He’s asleep. Tread lightly.”

When Ruka went inside and saw Ren, she finally cried. He was sleeping, and he looked as pale as a ghost from losing too much blood. She had never seen him looking so fragile before. Ruka covered her mouth, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

Elijah quickly handed her a tissue. His heart went out to her. I see why Mr. Husson told me to keep it a secret. She had tears in her eyes the moment she knew the news. She must be heartbroken.

Ruka sat down on the edge of the bed, and Elijah left the room, leaving her alone with Ren.

She held her sobs in and clasped his hand, which felt cool to the touch. This hand used to be so warm, but not now. However, she would hold it and give it warmth.

She leaned over and kissed his palm. Ruka felt a little more at ease seeing him asleep and fine.

How did this happen? No wonder he’s escorted by so many people every time he’s out and about.

Danger lurks around every corner, and his enemies will stop at nothing to take him down.

Ruka’s heart went out to him. All she could do at the moment was stay with him and tend to his needs at his hour of need.

Ren was asleep for three hours. Eventually, he felt someone holding his hand, and he opened his eyes to see who it was.

When he saw Ruka staring at him in joy with tears in her eyes, he woke up right away.

What? Why is she here? Who brought her here?

“You’re awake!” She was staring at him this whole time. The moment his eyelashes fluttered, she stood up and stared down at him.

He touched her cheek. Her eyes are puffy. He said raspily, “Don’t cry, Ruka.”

Ruka wiped her tears away. She denied, “I wasn’t crying. Don’t worry about me.”

He smiled. Elijah still did it in the end. Still, it’s nice to see her here.

“Don’t cry. Since you’re here, you gotta stay happy,” he said raspily. It was like hearing someone talk with sand in their throat, but Ruka thought it was mesmerizing.

She leaned down and kissed his forehead. “I’ll stay with you until you’re all healed up. I’m not going anywhere else.”

Ren wanted to sit up and talk to her, but he pulled on his shoulder, and he frowned. Ruka pushed him back down gently. “You can’t get up just yet. The doctor said you’ll have to lie on your side. And don’t do anything that’ll tear your wound.”

Ren was a little helpless here. He was frustrated that she saw him in this state.

“Are you shocked?” He lay back down. He had noticed the look on her face. She’s pale. She must be shocked.

“I’m alright.” She pushed his hair out of his eyes and looked at him gently. “I’m not scared of anything as long as I’m with you.”

Ren smiled. Ruka might look frail, but sometimes even he was impressed by how tough she could be.

Silas and Elijah came in after that. Silas asked Ren how he was feeling. Ren had to actually feel his wound closely to even know if it was hurting.

“You even forgot about your pain just because Miss Singed is here. She’s even better than painkillers, I see.” Silas smiled.

“I know, right? When Mr. Husson told me to keep this a secret from Ruka, I thought it wasn’t a good idea. I knew he’d heal faster with her around,” Elijah said.

Ren shot him a glare. “Elijah, shut your mouth.”

However, it was too late. Ruka looked at Ren angrily. “What? You told Elijah to keep it a secret from me?”

Elijah was a little surprised. Whoops. Didn’t mean for this to happen, Sir. Sorry.

“I didn’t want you to worry.”

“And you think I won’t worry just because you kept it a secret? Ren, of course I’d be worried unless I get to see you safe and sound. If anything like this happens again, tell me right away. I want to be the first to know,” she said solemnly.

The men were surprised. Oh, she’s starting to look like a VP’s wife now.

Elijah scratched his head and excused himself.

Silas excused himself as well after he asked all the necessary questions. He wanted to give the couple some time to themselves.

Even a man like Ren had to be lectured when he did something wrong. They left the job to his girlfriend.

Ruka was miffed that Ren tried to keep it a secret from her. When she was feeding him some water, she said, “If I find out that you’re keeping something like this a secret next time, I’m not taking care of you.”

Yet, Ren had a happy smile on his face. Apparently, he was fine with getting lectured by Ruka. “Of course. No more secrets,” he promised.

Later, Silas came in with two nurses who helped change the dressing of his wound. Ruka stepped aside. When she saw how severe his wound was, she felt her heart squeeze.