Chapter 116
Chapter 116 Still Alive
He ran in, immediately lifting Anastasia from where she was huddled against the wall. His eyes revealed an unmistakable panic, and his hands quivered noticeably. "Anastasia, don't scare me. You're safe now..." He stammered, calming her as she was about to pass out. It seemed as if he was also trying to comfort himself.
His chest was warm and cold, like a slab of ice that won't melt. Even though she was afraid of getting frostbite, she yearned to be closer.
He dashed outside with her in his arms, his voice cold and shaky.
"A doctor, get a doctor quickly..."
Christian was panicking like never before, devoid of his usually composed demeanor.
He was slightly surprised at the profound fear that had engulfed him moments ago.
Especially when he saw her gasping for air amidst the smoke in the room, it felt like someone had violently tugged at his heart, about to rip it apart, causing an indescribable pain that seemed to shift his entire being.
At that moment, Anastasia couldn't quite put into words the feelings swirling within her. A complex emotion spread into her heart, causing an intense stinging sensation that made breathing difficult.
Her love for Christian ran deep, yet her hatred for him for the pain he caused her was just as profound.
Ultimately, Christian had repaid the life debt he owed her.
She then fell into complete unconsciousness.
Anastasia was then admitted to the hospital. She had suffered a mild case of carbon monoxide poisoning from excessive smoke inhalation. After receiving emergency treatment, Anastasia had only regained consciousness after two days of coma.
Opening her eyes, she found herself in an unfamiliar room that smelled faintly of disinfectant, with white curtains framing her field of vision.
Derek leaned in, gently stroking her hair. His voice was tender and cautious as he said, "You're awake. Are you feeling unwell? I'll call for the doctor."
He then quickly fetched the doctor, and only after the doctor's assurance that there was nothing serious did he let out a sigh of relief.
"You scared me to death, and mom and dad as well. They kept asking about your condition every two hours. I was at my wit's end!"
Anastasia had managed a smile, pulling at the corners of her lips.
She thought, "It feels so good to be alive and see my loved ones again."
"I'm fine now, Chris," she reassured.
Derek then adjusted her blanket with a solemn look and said, "This matter can't be left uninvestigated. I've asked about the cause of the fire. They claimed it was because someone was conducting a fire drill next door and carelessly threw flammable material into the suite that you're in. However, the room's windows don't open to the outside, so I suspect arson. Do you remember how you got in there?" Anastasia had gently furrowed her brow. Her pallid, weak appearance was heart-wrenching.
"It was a female server," she revealed. "She told me Eleanor was taken inside. I didn't think twice and just followed. The next thing I knew, the door was locked behind me."
Derek took a deep breath, his face dark with worry. "A server? That narrows it down. We'll investigate each of them," he responded.
Anastasia had faced such grave danger, and they could not just stand by and ignore it.
Whoever was responsible would have to pay the price.
Anastasia had pursed her lips, looking out the window, when a knock interrupted the silence.
Jaxon's voice echoed through the room, saying, "Anastasia, the doctor told me you were awake, so I thought I'd come by."
Jaxon looked pale, with a hint of bruising at the corner of his mouth, but it couldn't conceal his cold and dignified demeanor.
Derek nodded slightly, smiling as he spoke, "Jaxon's been visiting several times today. He's even been bringing me my meals these two days."
Jaxon composed himself before he chuckled, "It's the least I could do. I failed to protect Anastasia. It was entirely my fault."
His attitude had become noticeably somber.
Derek hesitated before adding, "It's impossible to anticipate everything, don't dwell on it too much."
Anastasia smiled faintly, saying, "It's not your fault, Mr. Stanford. Don't stress over it. Your face..."
Her words trailed off, pondering, "Why does it look like he had taken a hit?"
Jaxon stepped closer, his gaze gentle on her pale face. Casually diverting his eyes, he chuckled and sat by her side.
"It's no big deal. Some thug landed a few hits. I ran into Mr. Patterson on the way here. He seems to be tangled up with Beatrice over something about a found child they need to bring home."