I lowered my head, nervously picking at my nails.

Upon seeing my defeated expression, Teri panicked. “Don’t be like this! You didn’t see how your brother went crazy when he found out Elijah had taken you.

“If someone had handed him a knife, he wouldn’t have hesitated to turn that scumbag into minced meat.”

Her words gave me a bit of strength.

Teri asked, “So, what are you planning to do next?”

I lifted my head and, with determination, said, “Recover, hire a lawyer, and file for divorce!”

Healing wasn’t hard since I only had surface wounds. But because I had hit the back of my head when I fell from the second floor, Frank wasn’t willing to discharge me so easily.

I had to undergo monitoring and a full–body checkup, along with observation. When Frank saw me with my head wrapped in bandages like a mummy, he let out a deep sigh

I forced a smile. “Dr. Drake, sorry to trouble you again.

Frank adjusted his medical gloves, his expression calm. “It’s no trouble.”

Seeing his indifferent demeanor made me feel uneasy. I had caused Frank a lot of trouble recently, with him tending to my endless injuries every time.

I cautiously explained, “Dr. Drake, I didn’t do this on purpose.

Frank nodded. “I know. You were just unlucky to run into a scumbag. If you end up hurt because of him again, I won’t mind giving him a ‘humanitarian surgery

I blinked, surprised. Frank usually stayed out of people’s personal matters. He was the type to finish his work without asking questions or offering opinions. But this time….

I asked, “What did you mean by “humanitarian surgery?

While organizing medication and needles, Frank responded in a flat tone, “In my understanding, a humanitarian surgery is for those whose bodies are overloaded with scumbag genes, causing their behavior to go beyond that of normal humans.

“For people like that, the only cure is surgery–to completely sever any organs or functions that could lead

to criminal behavior.”

I was speechless. Wow. That was harsh!

After preparing the medication, Frank gave me a faint smile. “So, next time that scumbag tries to hurt you, make sure you tell me first.”

Warmth bloomed in my chest. Frank, who was usually so distant, ruffled my hair like I was his little sister.

“I know everything you’ve been through. Don’t worry. I’ll protect you, just like Mr. Wood does. Of course, only because we’re friends.”

I couldn’t help but give him a light hug. “Thank you.”

Frank pushed me away, looking disgusted. “I’m wearing sterile clothing, and now you’ve gotten it dirty.”

After that, he inserted the IV needle and, unable to resist, added, “Stay strong. Everything will get better”

Tears welled up in my eyes. Frank was the first true friend I’d made outside of Teri. This feeling was wonderful.

While recovering at the hospital, I contacted the Wood Group’s legal team through Logan. According to Teri, Elijah had been released after five days in custody.

Outraged, Teri fumed, “He’s guilty of kidnapping and attempted assault! How could they let him go?”

One of the lawyers, a refined middle–aged man, adjusted his glasses and explained gently, “It’s because they’re married.

“Mr. Linden’s legal team argued that it was merely a marital dispute. He only admitted to acting impulsively and denies the charges of kidnapping and attempted assault.”

Teri slammed her fist on the table, furious. “He denies it, so it didn’t happen? He literally dragged Ari away! And he… he…”

The lawyer shook his head. “Unfortunately, given that they’re married and Mr. Linden took Ms. Yo property they both own, the police have classified it as a domestic dispute.”

Teri pounded the table again, seething with anger.

Suddenly, a sharp–dressed female lawyer, who had been silent,

Poke up. “Ms. Stuart, marriage

certificates often shield men who commit violence or crimes within the marriage.

*They receive reduced punishment–or sometimes, no punishment at all. It’s a common issue.

Teri stared at her, realizing the woman was struggling to keep her emotions in check.

I quietly asked the middle–aged lawyer, “Mr. Webb, are you suggesting that I shouldn’t pursue charges

against Elijah for kidnapping me and… and for attempting to assault me?”

Mr. Webb nodded. “I would advise Ms. York to focus all her energy on filing for divorce. Concentrate on determining what you can recover from Mr. Linden in the settlement.”

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