Sloane immediately reacts when Shawn brings in the bloodied Dr. Grayson, who has a serious chest wound from a near-fatal gunshot. Realizing the bullet narrowly missed the heart, Sloane insists on operating right there, despite the lack of proper hospital equipment. With Lucas quickly fetching a surgical kit, Sloane performs an emergency procedure with precision, stopping the bleeding and removing the bullet. After completing the surgery, Grayson stabilizes, though they know he must be closely monitored.
Lucas questions Shawn about where he found Grayson and what happened, prompting suspicion since the doctor was discovered near the Oliver estate—a place that raises questions about his intentions. The group wonders if Grayson came seeking help or if this attack is connected to sensitive information he possessed, especially related to a paternity test that only he had seen. Sloane remains cautious, deciding to wait until Grayson wakes up before jumping to conclusions.
Feeling exhausted after the intense ordeal, Sloane is encouraged by Lucas to rest. On her way downstairs, she meets Beth, who shows genuine care by preparing soup for her recovery. Their interaction reveals a growing familial bond, with Beth reassuring Sloane that she is now part of the family and will be looked after. The warmth of this moment contrasts with the tense events earlier, offering Sloane a brief respite and comfort.
483 The Bloodied Doctor
Sloane’s eyes sharpened instantly. “Quick! Put him down–carefully!”
Shawn obeyed at once, lowering the blood soaked Dr. Grayson onto the floor with trembling hands. “I–I found him nearby…in the alley,” he stammered.
Sloane’s hands were already moving. She swiftly cut open the doctor’s bloodstained coat, revealing a gaping wound in his chest. Her pupils contracted. “The bullet missed his heart by barely two centimeters…”
Shawn’s face went pale. “Then what do we do? Shouldn’t we get him to a hospital right now?”
“There’s no time,” Sloane said grimly. “If we move him, he won’t make it. I have to operate immediately.”
“But here? You don’t have the equipment for that!” Shawn was stunned.
“I’ve got a surgical kit upstairs,” Sloane replied calmly, even as her voice trembled faintly from urgency. Before she could move, Lucas was already sprinting up the stairs to fetch it.
Within minutes, everything was laid out–needles, instruments, antiseptic. Sloane’s expression hardened into complete focus. She inserted several acupuncture needles around the wound with lightning precision. “Stopping the bleeding first–then we remove the bullet.”
Lucas handed her instruments without needing to be told. His movements were steady, but his jaw was tight.
“Can he survive this?” Shawn asked in a low voice, his hands clenched.
“With me here,” Sloane said without hesitation, “no one’s taking him away.” Her fingers glinted under the light as she maneuvered the forceps, deftly avoiding major arteries. With a firm motion, she extracted the deformed bullet, blood dripping onto the tray.
When the final suture was tied, Grayson’s breathing steadied, his face regaining a hint of color. Sloane exhaled slowly and wiped the sweat from her forehead. “He’s stable for now. But we’ll need to monitor him closely.”
Lucas gathered the bloody gauze, his tone low and serious. “Shawn, where exactly did you find him? What happened?”
Shawn frowned, trying to recall. “I was coming back from the company when I heard groaning in an alley two blocks from my house. When I looked, I saw Dr. Grayson lying there in a pool of blood…”
Lucas’s brows knitted. “Too close. Why would he show up near the Oliver estate of all places?”
Sloane looked up from checking Grayson’s pulse. “You think he was trying to come here?”
“Maybe,” Lucas said quietly. But what he didn’t voice was the thought gnawing at the back of his mind–the paternity test. Grayson was the only one who had seen those records. And something about this timing, this attack, felt far from coincidence.
“Maybe he knew he was being hunted and came to us for help?” Shawn offered, though his tone was uncertain.
Sloane shook her head. “We can’t assume anything. We’ll have to wait until he wakes up.” Her gaze lingered on the doctor’s pale face. For some reason, an uneasy feeling stirred in her chest.
Lucas placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’ve done enough for now. I’ll keep watch here–you should get some rest.”
“Alright,” she said softly, exhaustion finally catching up with her.
1/2
As she descended the stairs, she nearly bumped into Beth coming out of the kitchen.
Beth hurried up to her, concern etched on her face. “The surgery’s done? I had the maid prepare some soup for you. Drink it before you rest.”
“Okay.” Sloane managed a small smile, warmth blooming in her chest. “Thank you.”
Beth’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “We’re family now. No need for thanks.”
Sloane slipped her arm through Beth’s and playfully leaned against her. “Then I’ll do as you say, Aunt Beth.”
Beth chuckled and personally ladled out a bowl of soup, watching carefully as Sloane finished every drop.
“It’s delicious,” Sloane said, setting down the spoon.
“Good.” Beth’s eyes softened. “If you like it, I’ll have the maid make it for you every day. Look at you–dark circles and all. Once you finish resting, you’ll feel better.”
The chapter closes on a tense yet tender note, capturing the fragile balance between life and uncertainty. Sloane’s unwavering determination to save Dr. Grayson reveals her strength and compassion, even as the weight of danger looms nearby. The quiet moments shared with Beth hint at the growing bonds of trust and family, offering a brief but meaningful respite from the chaos surrounding them.
Amid the shadows of suspicion and fear, the characters find solace in small acts of care, reminding us that even in the darkest times, connection and hope endure. As Sloane prepares to rest, the unspoken worries linger, but so does the promise of support—both from those around her and within herself—to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Tension simmers beneath the surface as Sloane, Lucas, and Shawn grapple with the unsettling reality of Dr. Grayson’s sudden and violent appearance near the Oliver estate. The mystery surrounding his attack deepens, hinting at unseen dangers that could soon engulf them all. As Sloane battles exhaustion and the weight of responsibility, the fragile calm may soon be shattered by revelations that challenge their trust and test their resolve.
Emotions run high, with unspoken fears and doubts lurking in every glance and gesture. The bond between Sloane and Beth grows stronger, offering a brief but poignant respite from the storm brewing outside. Yet, the question remains: what secrets does Dr. Grayson hold, and how will his fate ripple through the lives of those who now stand united? Prepare for a chapter that will delve deeper into these uncertainties, where every decision could tip the balance between hope and despair.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

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