Chapter 17

Charles Bennett had just wrapped up a grueling four-hour surgery and hadn’t even caught his breath when Edward’s call dragged him straight to the hospital. Inside the ward, Charles performed a full examination on Alice. Frowning, he glanced over at the man leaning by the window. “What happened?” Edward’s brows were tightly drawn, his usually sharp features shadowed with barely restrained anger. “Still looking into it.” He’d been passing by when he saw a group attacking someone. He stepped in without hesitation—only to realize it was Alice. On the way to the hospital, he’d already instructed William to investigate. Charles shook his head slightly. “They clearly targeted her face. Vicious.” Edward’s gaze dropped to Alice’s face. The cut on her forehead hadn’t been bandaged yet—only ointment applied, the raw wound and pale cream stark against her skin. Her cheeks were red and swollen. It was a painful sight. His expression darkened, and deep down, his chest tightened for just a second. “H