?Chapter 1232:


    Beal bowed his head in acknowledgment. “Understood, Mr. Perry.”


    Setting down his cup, Humphrey let it make a quiet clink against the saucer. Without another word, he rose from his seat and exited the café, leaving Beal behind.


    Meanwhile, Sadie had reached the VIP hospital suite where Noah was recovering.


    Sadie eased the door open, careful not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere inside.


    Golden sunlight filtered through the blinds, painting shifting patterns across the quiet room.


    Noah was wearing a loose hospital shirt. He looked frail as he leaned against the window, letting the afternoon sun wash over him. The angle of the light made his features look even more delicate.


    The gentle click of the door caught his attention, and he turned his head slowly. Spotting Sadie, he managed a faint smile, but his gaze lingered on her shoulders, something flickering in his expression.


    Just as quickly, the smile faded and uncertainty crept into his eyes.


    Was that Alex’s jacket draped over Sadie?


    Why would she be wearing his coat?


    His eyes drifted downward, almost by ident, and settled on her left hand, bundled tightly in heavy bandages.


    The sight of the bandages made his eyes widen in rm.


    He immediately tried to push himself up from the chair, panic clear in his voice. “Sadie, what happened to your hand? How did you get injured? Is it bad?”


    Seeing how shaken he was, Sadie felt a wave of warmth and quickly moved closer, pressing gently on his shoulder to keep him from getting up.


    She tried to reassure him with a soft, easy smile. “It’s nothing, just a scratch.”


    Noah’s eyes were fixed on her hand, worry etched in every line of his face.


    To ease his mind, Sadie lifted her bandaged hand and waved it yfully, hoping to downy her injury. “It’s honestly nothing serious. The doctor checked it out and said no bones were broken. I’ll be fine in a couple of days.”


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    Noah gently reached out, his fingers brushing over the cool bandages wrapped around her hand. Only then did some of the tension in his posture ease, though the concern in his eyes lingered.


    Guilt gnawed at him. If it hadn’t been for him, Sadie never would have ended up in harm’s way.


    Picking up on his thoughts, Sadie offered a soft reassurance. “I’ve already sorted things out with Hurst. This time, he won’t dare y any tricks.” Her voice left no room for doubt.


    Noah reacted immediately, using his free hand, not connected to an IV, to pull her in. He pressed her firmly against his chest, holding her close.


    He lowered his chin until it rested on top of her head, and when he finally spoke, his words were rough but full of affection. “You’ve gone through so muchtely, Sadie.”


    She melted into his embrace, letting the warmth of his arms and the steady beat of his heart wash away the exhaustion she’d been carrying. For the first time in days, she truly felt safe.


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