The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 196

The air in the hallway felt suffocating, every second crawling by with a cold heaviness.

Then the doors to the operating room swung open, and a doctor in crisp white walked out. Ella hurried right up to him, her heart in her throat. “Doctor, how is he?”

“The surgery went well. He should wake up within forty-eight hours,” the doctor replied.

A wave of relief washed over her. She had seen Atlas' wound herself, and even though the knife had missed anything vital, the fear had been eating at her. If Atlas got hurt because of her, she knew she’d never forgive herself.

The nurses wheeled Atlas out and Ella followed close behind, right into the quiet of a VIP suite. As the door clicked shut behind them, she shut out the rest of the world. She didn’t look back at David or Jessa, not even once.

Outside, Jessa clung to David’s sleeve, desperate. “David, can you believe her? Ella hit you, then she slapped me. You have to do something…”

David pulled his arm away, his face cold and unreadable. “Didn’t you deserve it?”

Jessa went still, her mouth open in shock.

He stared back at her, eyes hard, and slapped a photo into her hands. “Jessa, I never realized you could be this cruel. Or this stupid. I’m beyond disappointed.”

The words hit her like a slap. Every bit of color drained from Jessa’s face. She reached for him, her voice trembling. “David, you have to listen. I admit I don’t like Ella, but I never meant for Atlas to get hurt. I never thought things would go so far…”

David pushed her away, jaw clenched, something dark flickering in his eyes. “This is the last time, Jessa. I’m done cleaning up your messes. You need to figure yourself out.”

“David, please—”

“I don’t want to see you. You’re not welcome here. Just go.”

He knew Ella was furious. The sting of her slap was still fresh on his cheek.

“Sir, you should let someone take a look at your hand. The injury’s serious.”

Blood was still dripping from his palm. He’d caught a knife with his bare hand, and it hadn’t stopped bleeding since.

David just kept watching the room, silent.

…

Ella stayed at Atlas'bedside long into the night. Eventually, a nurse came in to check on them both.