Chapter 215

Chapter 215

In the nick of time, Sable lifted his foot and kicked the man in the chest, just as the silvery flash of the blade passed by. Thrown off balance, the man toppled to the ground, his dagger clattering down beside him, stained with a smear of blood. Sable advanced swiftly, planting his foot on the man’s chest, eliciting a spray of fresh blood with a wet splutter. “Speak! Who sent you? Sable demanded, his voice ice–cold and laced with lethal intent, his eyes brimming with the promise of violence.

The man reached for his trouser leg with one hand and groped for his fallen dagger with the other. But just as his fingertips brushed the handle, Vincent stepped on his wrist, crushing it to the ground. Immobilized, the assailant could only scream in agony, and soon the security guards rushed in, subdued him, and called the cops.

Stephanie moved closer, her brows knitting in concern as she noticed a tear in Sable’s light–colored jeans. “Are you hurt?**

Sable hummed dismissively. “It’s nothing?

But as the attacker was pinned to the ground, he managed to lift his head and let out a manic laugh. “Nothing? That dagger’s gor HIV on it.“

At his words, Stephanie. Vincent, and Sable all faltered disbeliefetched on their faces. “Vincent,” Stephanie said urgently. “we need to get Sable to the hospital, now”

Not a moment to lose, Vincent drove them hastily to the hospital. They arrived at Jerry’s hospital and were rushed through a special fast–track directly to where Sable could be bandaged and have a blood sample taken

Stephanie couldn’t have imagined that their dinner would take such a turn. Clearly, the man had targeted her, but it was Sable who stepped in and got cut in the scuttle. The assailant’s goal wasn’t to kill her outright but to make her suffer an excruciating fate worse than death. Such venom pointed to her with a deep–seated grudge, but who could it be behind this? With chemies like Douglas, Florence, Megan and Matilda, as well as Horace, already dealt with, the mastermind was a mystery, Lips pressed together tightly, Stephanie was wracked with guilt for involving Sable. If he contracted HIV, it would

ruin his life.

Sable tossed the blood–stained cotton swab into the hazard bin. “Hey. I’m fine, I won’t be that unlucky to get infected. And even if I do, there’re post–exposure prophylaxis treatments, right?”

Stephanie locked eyes with him, her gaze filled with remorse. I’m sorry. I never meant to drag you into this.”

“Don’t talk like that. I don’t mind,” Sable spoke with tender carnestness. “Stephanie, we’re friends, right?”

Though they had met by chance, Sable had saved her and Vincent’s lives more than once. If this wasn’t friendship, what was? Stephanie nodded firmly. Yes, we are friends”

Sable wore a gentle smile, Then drop the apologies, okay?”

Stephanie owed Sable a tremendous debt, and his warm smile only increased her sense of indebtedness.

Outside the clinic, Jerry peeked inside and then turned to Vincent with a low voice, “What’s the deal with that guy? Does he Like Stephanie?”

Vincent gave him the lowdown on their shared past. jerry clicked his tongue. “Vincent, even though he’s saved your lives, you gotta watch out. That dude definitely has a thing for Stephanie.”

Vincent’s expression darkened. “I understand.”

Jerry clapped him on the shoulder. Till go push the lab to hurry the results.”

Alter Jerry left. Vincent stood at the chaic’s door, watching Stephanie and Sable talk. The way Sable gazed at her was with a warmth exclusive to a man’s look at a woman be adored. And in his heart, Vincent’s uneasy and pressing feelings intensified. Stepping into the clinic, Vincent stood beside Stephanie and looked at Sable, saying. Thanks for your help just now

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Chapter 215

Sable gave a light smile, “We’re friends, aren’t we? No need for thanks.” Whether by intention or accident, Sable used ‘friend to create a distance between him and Stephanie. Now, if Vincent were to assert his claim over Stephanie, he would seem

peny

He chuckled lightly. “Even friends should express gratitude. If it weren’t for you, it could have been me or Stephie getting hurt. Whatever compensation you want, if I can do it, I will

Sable replied, I really don’t need anything,”

This is just a small token from Stephie and me. You took a hit on our behalf

Hearing Vincent’s insistence, Sable said with a gentle smile. Then I’ll just owe you a favor.”

Stephanie sighed. “I already owe you three favors.”

Sable’s lips curled up, “Just keep it tabbed. You never know whent might need your help.”

Stephanie agreed with a nod

The two hours waiting for the lab results felt excruciatingly long for her. When Jerry showed up with the lab reports, Stephanie quickly grabbed them, scanning each result meticulously. Breathing a sigh of relief upon confirming there were no infections, she turned to Sable, “Thank goodness, you’re fine

Sable nodded, “I guess I’m pretty lucky”

Vincent also quietly breathed a sigh of relief. If Sable had been infected, Stephanie wouldn’t have been able to just ignore him. This favor now seemed like something that would take a lifetime to repay. He shuddered at the thought of potential lifelong entanglements When did he start feeling so insecure, worrying about Stephanie getting involved with someone else? After giving it some thought, Vincent realized it wasn’t a lack of trust in Stephanie but rather a pessimistic view of his own circumstances that was shaking his confidence.

Noticing Vincent’s solemn expression, Stephanie inquired, ‘Vincent, what’s wrong?”

Snapping out of his reverie, Vincent shook his head, “Nothing, I was just wondering who could be behind that attacker. She responded, “The person not only wanted to harm me physically but mentally as well. They must really hate me.

Vincent hummed softly, “After I drop you off later, I’m going to the police station.”

Before Stephanie could reply, Vincent’s phone vibrated. After taking the call, his eyes narrowed, “Set up checkpoints at every intersection; we have to catch them. Ending the call, Vincent disclosed that the attacker had been rescued by accomplices while en route to the station, with the escorting officers injured.

Stephanie frowned, ‘Chances are, the attacker won’t live much longer.

Sable agreed, “Likely they’re afraid the person might reveal the mastermind behind this.”

Vincent looked at him, I’ll drop you off first, then Stephie and I will head to the station. Sable didn’t object and nodded

assent

Vincent left him at the entrance of a five–star hotel, where James someone Stephanie recognized, came to greet Sable. As James supported Sable, he greeted Stephanie and Vincent. Sable then said, “You guys go ahead. We’ll catch up when

there’s time.

Stephanie gave Sable some precautions, telling him they would need to do another blood test in three to seven days and that she would come to get him. Sable smiled and agreed. Watching Vincent’s car merge with the night, the smile on Sable’s face disappeared instantly. He turned sharply to the man beside him shrugged off his arm, and strode into the hotel. Once inside his room, as James shut the door, Sable’s grip tightened around his throat. His voice was cold and grim, “Was it you

Chapter 213

who orchestrated this?