Chapter 49

Adrian blinked, momentarily taken aback. "What about Mrs. Blackwood, then?"

His voice held steady conviction as he declared, "This is a matter of life and death. The priority is obvious."

Understanding flashed across Ethan's face, his expression dimming with reluctant acceptance.

"Make sure to get ninety-nine of those roses," Adrian added as a final instruction.

"Will do," Ethan replied, his tone layered with duty and unspoken questions. He wisely kept further inquiries to himself.

The dark pink blooms, exquisitely arranged in crisp white paper and delicate gauze, found their place on the passenger seat before Ethan returned to the florist.

Adrian examined the bouquet critically. These weren't ordinary red roses - their deeper hue and sophisticated wrapping caught the light with understated elegance.

Soon Ethan reappeared with a second bouquet, placing it carefully beside the first before sliding behind the wheel. The engine purred to life, and they were off.

The hospital stood mere minutes away, and they arrived in record time.

Ethan sprang from the driver's seat, opening the rear door with practiced efficiency.

Roses in hand, Adrian strode purposefully toward the bustling hospital entrance, their urgent progress discreetly captured by hidden cameras.

In the private room, Serena lay against the pillows, her complexion alarmingly pale. She brightened upon seeing Adrian, but her gaze immediately locked onto the flowers Ethan carried. "They're breathtaking!" she breathed, her weak smile radiating genuine delight.

She attempted to sit up, bracing on trembling elbows. "Don't exert yourself," Adrian urged, moving swiftly to support her head and gently guide her back down.

Miranda entered just then with medication, taking in the intimate scene. "You need your strength," she chided, concern sharpening her tone. "Blazing Horizon starts filming soon. How do you expect to lead the cast if you don't recover? We can't risk contract complications."

Ethan placed the roses on the bedside table and quietly withdrew.

Serena's fingers traced the velvety petals as she smiled at Miranda. "Always the worrier."

Adrian's brow furrowed as he broached the delicate subject. "Perhaps... it's time to consider stepping back. I can provide whatever you need. If acting remains your passion, producing might be a suitable alternative—"

Serena shook her head, her smile unwavering but eyes serious. "I'm not Vivian Hartley, Adrian. I could never be content relying on someone else. Whether it's the Blackwoods or others, they all assume I'm after your fortune—"

"Serena," Adrian cut in firmly, "I've never believed that, and their opinions shouldn't concern you."