?Chapter 1242:


    And really, how could someone like Hurst, who had grown up in Zupren, not know about it?


    The memory of Hurst’s sudden shift in tone lingered in Sadie’s mind, gnawing at her nerves.


    Something about it didn’t sit right. The NE Research Institute clearly wasn’t a simple ce—certainly not as obscure as she’d assumed.


    A quiet tension settled over her, and with a steadying breath, she gathered herself.


    Since she wouldn’t be able to see Noah today and the hospital held no more answers for now, she made up her mind to return to Wall Group.


    But just as she stepped toward the elevator, the doors slid open—and a bodyguard stepped out.


    He gave a respectful bow. “Ms. Hudson, Mr. Castro has regained consciousness.”


    Sadie blinked, caught off guard. Then, quickly collecting herself, she asked to see him immediately.


    ine had been out cold for days, felled by a severe allergic reaction.


    Now, atst, he was awake.


    When they arrived at the ICU, Lenny—ine’s attending physician—was hovering near the bedside, fussing with the monitors a little too anxiously.


    Sadie’s brow furrowed. “Dr. Hond, how is he doing?”


    Lenny flinched at the sound of her voice. A sheen of nervous sweat appeared on his forehead as he quickly turned around. “Ms. Hudson, you’re just a moment toote. Mr. Castro… he just fell asleep again.”


    What?


    Sadie’s gaze shifted to ine, lying motionless with tubes connected, his eyes closed and face pale.


    Something felt… off.


    “What’s his current condition, exactly?” she asked.


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    Lenny exhaled, forcing a weary sigh. “He’s still very weak. The prolongeda took a toll on his body, and he was already exhausted beforehand. His recovery won’t be quick.”


    Sadie’s heart sank. ine had been pushing himself too hard—for her, no less—digging into matters she couldn’t uncover on her own.


    She looked down, guilt flickering in her eyes. “Take care of him,” she said quietly. “Let me know the moment he wakes up.”


    Lenny nodded, relief flooding his features as Sadie turned to leave.


    Only when her footsteps faded down the corridor did he finally let out the breath he’d been holding.


    If ine had woken uppletely, he wouldn’t be able toplete the task Alex had assigned him.


    The sedative he’d just administered was mild, not harmful, but enough to keep ine under.


    Lenny cast a long look at the man lying motionless on the bed, a flicker of conflict in his eyes. He told himself—this was survival, nothing more.


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