The blood test results showed most indicators were still within normal range.

Only the iron level had plummeted dramatically.

The number was shocking.

Grace Lorenz had never seen such an extreme reading in a living person.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she held the report.

She turned and walked back to the hospital room door.

The atmosphere was tense as a drawn bowstring.

Police officers surrounded the room in layers.

James Klein still held Captain Durant's wrist firmly.

Throughout the journey, Captain Durant had repeatedly tried to break free.

James appeared casual but hadn't yielded an inch.

As Grace approached, Captain Durant immediately spoke.

"James, you're holding an officer hostage. That adds to your crimes."

"Snipers are in position. If we confirm this is an act, you'll be shot immediately."

"I advise you to put down your weapons and surrender."

James laughed coldly. "Stop bluffing."

Captain Durant looked at Grace and said gravely, "Announce the results."

"Let these people have nothing more to say."

"How can anemia be life-threatening?"

All eyes focused on Grace.

Her jaw was tight, her voice hoarse.

"Suspect Evelyn Ross has abnormal iron levels. Her life is in critical danger."

"Captain Durant, we were wrong."

Captain Durant froze. "What?"

Grace handed him the report.

"The normal serum iron range for women is 7.8 to 32.2."

"Hers is only 1."

"Extreme iron deficiency. Life-threatening."

Captain Durant stood rigid.

Then a cold male voice came through.

"Her monthly infusion was scheduled for yesterday. Why was it delayed?"

Everyone turned.

A man around thirty, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a white coat, approached quickly.

His expression was dark as he looked at James.

"She doesn't remember. Have you forgotten too?"

James looked guilty and glared at Grace.

"Dr. Mason, it's all this forensic doctor's fault. She refused to believe the boss was sick."

"Even when she fainted, she said it was nothing."

"Does she have to be dead before it counts as sick?"

Grace clenched her fists, ashamed.

She looked into the hospital room.

Evelyn lay quietly, receiving an IV.

Her face was pale and lifeless.

Grace's eyes reddened.

Why hadn't she believed her?

She raised her hand and slapped herself.

Stubbornly holding back tears, she said, "It's my fault."

James was speechless.

He hadn't expected to make her cry.

His subsequent accusations stuck in his throat.

He turned his glare to Captain Durant.

"You're prejudiced against rich heirs, right?"

"Because someone escaped in a previous case, you think all wealthy people are bad."

"Let me tell you, precisely because we're wealthy and have had smooth lives, we have more principles."

Captain Durant's mouth twitched.

James grew angrier the more he thought about it.

The whole way, he had been terrified the gun would be taken.

If they couldn't save the boss, they would go to jail too.

He cursed more fiercely.

"If you hadn't stopped us, would we have needed to break her out?"

"We're law-abiding citizens."

"You even wanted snipers to take us out."

"Go ahead! Shoot right here!"

"If the boss dies because of you, I won't want to live either."

Captain Durant remained silent.

The surrounding police were quiet.

Captain Durant looked at the gun in his hand, still puzzled.

"How can someone's iron level drop to such an extent?"

The officer beside him was equally confused.

"Her blood report was normal yesterday. How did it crash today?"

"It's like a health bar in a game. Shouldn't it drop gradually? How did it suddenly hit critical?"

James was speechless.

He was about to curse again when Grace spoke softly.

"What illness does she have?"

Her worried tone made James back down.

Dr. Mason adjusted his glasses.

"Genetic iron deficiency anemia."

"Her body doesn't absorb any iron. It can only be administered intravenously."

Grace asked urgently, "How is that possible? I've never heard of such an illness."

Mason's gaze was sharp.

"Have you heard of every disease in the world?"

"Even if you didn't believe her symptoms, you should have seen them."

Grace lowered her head. "I'm sorry."

Mason said coldly, "You should apologize to her."

Grace bit her lip, looking toward the room but not daring to enter.

After hesitating for a long time, she remained outside the door.

Mason turned and entered the room.

He nearly collided with Alexander Vance, who was guarding the bedside.

The man turned his head slowly.

The two men looked at each other in silence.

Alexander's deep gaze swept over him.

He instantly sensed this man was different toward Evelyn.

He asked calmly, "Who are you?"

"Her primary doctor."

Mason paused, then added, "Also her godbrother."

Alexander's pupils contracted slightly.

After a moment, he stood up and extended his hand.

The corners of his lips curved slightly. "So you're her godbrother."

Mason frowned. "Hers."

Alexander's expression was neutral, but his presence was powerful. "Mine too. We're one as husband and wife."

"Husband and wife?"

Mason froze abruptly.

Alexander said, "If she didn't tell you, then I apologize on her behalf."

Mason was shocked into silence.

...

Evelyn sank into a long dream.

Time reversed, returning to the year she was three.

She pressed against the glass window of the semi-basement.

Watching Isabella run and jump in a beautiful dress.

Mrs. Ashcroft gently wiped her sweat.

The door creaked open.

Linda walked in.

Her small body trembled.

Linda followed her gaze outside the window.

She suddenly grabbed her hair and pushed her head into a water basin.

Voices from the water and reality intertwined, distantly echoing.

"What are you looking at?"

"My daughter deserves a life of luxury."

"You only belong in the gutter and the sewer.