Chapter 403

Daniela was the kind of person who could execute such ruthless plans without hesitation.

If Linden had succeeded in raping Nina, the aftermath would have been inevitable-Nina's descent into madness.

Desperation could turn even the weakest soul into a weapon, sharp and deadly.

Daniela could have waited patiently for the chaos to unfold, stepping in later as the untouchable savior.

But she hadn't.

She had even given Nina an opportunity to walk away.

Why?

Nina's mind swirled with unanswered questions, but she couldn't voice them all. Daniela's expression remained impassive as she said quietly, "Because it's too dirty."

Nina blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion."What?"

Daniela's tone didn't waver. "Using Cedric's name for something like that-it's revolting. I despise it, and l won't let it happen. Besides, I want anyone who genuinely loves Cedric to never have that love tainted. So no, I didn't save you for your sake. I did it for Cedric. Does that make sense to you?"

Nina froze, the weight of Daniela's words sinking in."That's it? Just for that reason?"

Daniela inclined her head slightly. "That's all there is to it."

A sudden wave of emotion overcame Nina. Tears pooled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks-not out of heartbreak, but from an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Because, at last, she had found someone who held love in its purest, untainted form-just as she did.

Nina had thought offering herself up for Cedric's sake was already a monumental sacrifice.

But Daniela's ability to cast aside her disdain, all in the name of true love, felt even more extraordinary.

After all, Nina had faltered halfway through her plan,while Daniela had gone through with saving her.

Meeting Daniela's gaze with newfound determination, Nina spoke with quiet resolve."Daniela, you've proven your strength. Whatever your plans are, I'm on your side now. I'll be the weapon you need to destroy every threat the Dury family poses!"

Before leaving, Nina told Daniela the reason why Cedric was in a coma was because of the pastries and how to treat him.

That night, Cedric finally stirred back to consciousness.

Meanwhile, after being hypnotized, Linden had spent the night aggressively wrestling with a pillow in the hotel room.

When morning came, he awoke feeling utterly spent,as though he'd run a marathon in his sleep.

Scanning the empty room, a smug grin spread across his face.

He truly believed Natalie had been there wth him the entire night.

The thought made him puff out his chest with pride.

And he hadn't bothered with any precautions. Maybe Natalie was already carrying their child.

He smiled shamelessly at the thought, his ego inflating as he got dressed.

Linden headed back to the hospital, his mind set on fulfilling his promise to finish Cedric off.

But as he approached the hospital's entrance, he froze, his gaze catching sight of several medical staff rolling their suitcases away. Confused, he quickened his steps and called out,"What's going on? Why are you all leaving?"

One nurse paused, glancing over her shoulder. "Ms.Harper ordered a complete replacement of the staff this morning. All of us have been dismissed."

For a brief moment, Linden's confidence faltered.Panic rippled through him, tightening his chest.

He hadn't even begun to make his move.

If he left now, there was no guarantee Natalie would ever speak to him again.

But even more pressing was the sudden image of Daniela's striking face flashing through his mind.

He hadn't gotten anywhere near close to her yet.How could he possibly leave now?

"Oh, but Linden, you're in luck," someone said casually. "Ms. Harper wants you to stay."

His brow furrowed as he stared at them in surprise."Wait,what? Really?" "It's true. Word is she specifically asked for you.Apparently, she's got a private medical center with some of the best perks around. If you make it in,don't forget about us."

Linden's heart nearly leaped out of his chest.

His mind raced back to when he'd offered to be Daniela's private doctor the day before. Did this mean she had agreed?

The idea was intoxicating, and he couldn't hold back the surge of excitement flooding through him.

Everything in his life seemed to be aligning perfectly lately.

He felt invincible, as if there wasn't a single obstacle he couldn't overcome-not when it came to winning over women.

Just as he reached the hospital entrance, a voice called his name from a distance.

Turning around, his grin broadened at the sight of Natalie approaching. "Natalie! What a surprise! What are you doing here?|thought you'd be taking it easy today and getting some well-deserved rest."

Natalie's expression twisted with revulsion as she took in Linden's face.

She silently thanked the heavens that it had been Nina who endured the night with him. If it had been her, she wasn't sure she'd be able to live with herself.

How utterly revolting.

Still, Natalie kept her tone steady, refusing to let him see her irritation. "They're replacing the hospital staff.What's your plan now?"

Linden's grin widened, exuding misplaced confidence. "Don't worry about me. I've got enough talent to hold on to my position."

Her brow furrowed slightly in surprise at his arrogance. But she had no interest in prolonging the conversation. "Fine. Just make sure you handle it today. Don't let anything go wrong." Linden nodded, his eyes shamelessly trailing over her. Without warning, he leaned closer, his hand reaching towards her waist.

Natalie immediately recoiled, her eyes flashing with warning as she stepped back. "What do you think you're doing?"

Thinking Natalie was just being shy, Linden chuckled."What's the matter? Can't handle a little affection from your boyfriend? We were wild last night, weren't we? After all, we've already made love. What's the harm in a hug? Still feeling shy?"