The day I was discharged, I didn’t go home.
I went straight to the research institute.
By the time Arthur arrived—still glued to Loren—I had already brought the police with me to gather evidence.
He stormed in, face dark with fury. “She’s your sister, and you called the police?”
“For a good reason,” I said coldly.
“You’re unbelievable! Everyone’s right—you’re just an ungrateful woman!”
I laughed. “If you weren’t guilty, why would you be so nervous? Afraid the truth might come out?”
“Arthur, when Loren tampered with equipment, waste leaked and crucial data was lost. We’ve spent days and nights collecting that research. You’re the institute director—shouldn’t you care more about the team than defending her?”
“I’ll take responsibility for all damages,” he snapped.
“And my injury?” I asked, voice sharp.
“What else do you want from me?” His tone turned cold. “I’ll give you anything—just stop bothering Loren.”
“Anything?” I stared at the man I’d spent seven years with and saw a stranger. “Even your dignity?”
The knife in my hand glinted. I held it out, pressing it against his chest.
“My back is covered in burns. How about you give me a patch of skin as compensation?”
“Fine!” he barked. No hesitation.
Arthur, third-generation heir of the prestigious Slater Family, renowned doctor—ready to do anything for Loren.
My hand trembled. The blade felt like ice in my palm.
Just as I pressed it forward, Loren screamed, “No!”
She flung herself in front of him.
The knife slashed her forearm. Bright blood spilled down her pale skin.
She whimpered in pain, curling in on herself, still shielding him. “Sister, please... don’t...”
Arthur’s face contorted in horror. “Lora, look what you’ve done!”
Loren stumbled back into his arms. He caught her, his hands instantly pressing against the bleeding wound.
Then he looked up at me—and for the first time, I saw real hatred in his eyes.
I shivered.
I turned, fumbling for supplies to stop the bleeding, but he barked, “You think you can hurt her and just walk away?”
Loren’s face was deathly pale, but she tugged on his sleeve. “Don’t blame Sister... she’s just upset... it’s my fault...”
“If anything happens to her,” Arthur snarled, lifting her in his arms, “I’ll make you pay.”
The door slammed behind him with a deafening bang.
One sleepless day and night.
After countless hours of work, I finally completed my final task at the institute.