’Why did he collapse from a single shot to the back? Why did he become so weak just from losing some blood?’

’So, is everything in the movies a lie?!’

Hearing her, Seth Quinn couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle, though his brow furrowed in pain as the movement pulled at his wound.

’Dominant CEOs are human, too. No matter how overbearing, they’re still flesh and blood; they can’t withstand bullets and blades.’

’They bleed when they’re stabbed or shot, and they die if the wound is serious enough.’

’Still, he didn’t think his wound was actually that severe. It was just that he’d lost a lot of blood, and he’d collapsed simply because he couldn’t stay on his feet.’

’The bullet had hit his back; it hadn’t gone straight for his heart.’

But looking at Clara Grant’s panicked expression, Seth Quinn had a thought. ’If I act like I’m seriously injured right now—or even... on the verge of death—she would surely forgive me for everything I’ve done, right?’

’She wouldn’t just forgive me; she’d even blame herself for giving me the cold shoulder.’

But right now, he would rather she continued to resent and blame him than deceive her even in the slightest.

So, his lips parted and he said, "I’m really okay..."

"You’re not allowed to die. If you die, I’ll never forgive you!" Clara Grant couldn’t stop her tears, but her voice was incredibly firm.

Seth Quinn’s face was pale, but he still managed a smile and gave a small nod.

Clara Grant looked up, her gaze sweeping frantically across the surrounding crowd. She couldn’t make out any faces as she cried, "The car? Why isn’t the car here yet?"

The words had barely left her lips when someone shouted as they pushed through the crowd, "It’s here! It’s here! The car’s here!"

Miles Quinn got to his feet and, with help from others, lifted Seth Quinn to carry him to the car.

Clara Grant tried to get up as well, but found her legs were too weak for her to stand.

Someone nearby reached out to steady her. "Clara, easy now. I’ll help you over."

Clara Grant turned to look as she stood up. It was Faye Jennings.

Her face was also etched with worry and tension.

Clara Grant nodded and thanked her quietly. "Thank you."

Then, with Faye Jennings supporting her, she stumbled over to the car.

Miles Quinn had already opened the back door for her. "Clara, you get in the back with my brother. I’ll drive."

Clara Grant quickly nodded and got in, helping Seth Quinn lie on his side with his head in her lap. This would keep him steady and prevent pressure on his back wound.

When Faye Jennings saw Clara Grant get into the car, she tried to follow, saying to Miles Quinn, "Miles, I’m coming too. At least I can help."

Miles Quinn, however, just glanced at her and refused point-blank. "That’s not necessary. None of us are doctors. Extra people can’t help."

With that, he glanced back at the crowd and called out, "Holly! Where’s Holly Summers? Get in the car."

Holly Summers had been worried sick about Clara Grant but couldn’t get close. She was frantic, so when she heard Miles Quinn call her name, she immediately responded and ran over.

Faye Jennings’s hands, hanging at her sides, clenched into fists. She knew that Miles Quinn was only calling Holly Summers along to keep Clara Grant company—to comfort her and look after her.

She glanced at Holly Summers settling into the passenger seat, then bit her lip and hurriedly grabbed Miles Quinn as he was about to get into the driver’s side. "Miles, I can do that too..."

Miles Quinn frowned, rejecting her once more. "There’s no need. You stay here and help Director Keane."

With that, he pulled his arm free and got into the car.

The engine roared to life, and the car sped off, disappearing in an instant.

Faye Jennings stood in the middle of the crowd, staring in the direction the car had vanished. She silently ground her teeth, her fists clenching ever tighter.

’When Seth Quinn had collapsed, she’d wanted to rush to his side. But Clara Grant was there... and he only had eyes for Clara Grant.’