Chapter: 200

Only after the door clicked shut did Norah start to breathe heavily.

Sean was her rescuer! She had chosen to feign sleep, not ready to confront anyone just yet.

Sean's words lingered in her mind, thrilling her. She clasped her chest, willing her heart to calm.

Yet, the flutter of excitement was uncontrollable as she pondered the depth of Sean's statement.

Eventually, sleep claimed her.

When morning arrived, Norah gingerly sat up. Sean's words still echoed in her, causing her heart to skip. Why would Sean say such things to her, assuming she was asleep?

A knock sounded, followed by Sean's voice. "May I enter, Norah?"

Norah glanced down at the simple white nightgown adorning her.

“Please, come in."

Sean entered, bearing a glass of warm water. "How are you feeling?" he inquired softly, offering the glass.

Norah propped herself up cautiously to avoid straining her shoulder.

She accepted the water, savoring the relief it brought to her parched throat after a few sips.

“Much better. Thank you." Clutching the glass, she averted her gaze.

“How did I end up here?"

Caught in the whirlwind of events, Norah could only recall waking up fleetingly after her ordeal.

Seated next to her bed, Sean took his time detailing how he had brought her here, summoned a female doctor to attend to her injuries, and ensured her clothes were changed for comfort.

The relief that washed over Norah upon learning a female family doctor had been responsible for her change of clothes was palpable.

The thought of Sean undertaking such a task would have left her mortified. Yet, she realized, had the situation been otherwise, she would have had to resign herself to it.

“Norah, can you tell me what really happened last night?" Sean inquired, his voice laced with a hint of understanding, eager to hear her recount of the events.

With a rueful smile, Norah recounted, "Just my luck, another perilous encounter. Those assailants were linked to the Fox Alliance. This time, a woman and several men attempted to lure me into a trap. I was surrounded by over twenty of them. Fortunately, I managed to escape and dart away in my car, though not without sustaining this injury." She gestured toward her wound.

Suddenly remembering something, she added, "I need to ask for a Leave. Oh, no! My phone was left in the car."

At that, Sean offered her a white phone, urging, “Make your call first."

Norah placed the glass she was holding onto the bedside table, accepted the phone, and promptly notified Jamison about needing a week off to recover from her injury.

A week, she hoped, would suffice for her wound to heal properly.