Chapter: 44 Was she calling to confront him? To throw those stories in his face? With a small frown, Brandon hit decline. But barely a few seconds passed before the screen lit up again. Still Millie. The persistence irritated him. "Are you not going to pick up?" Vivian asked, voice soft..r. He declined the call once more and then switched his phone to Do Not Disturb."No need," he said, with finality. Vivian opened her mouth like she might protest, but then thought better of it. She nodded slowly, her face a careful blend of concern and restraint. But as she lowered her eyes, the briefest spark of satisfaction flashed through them. She had planned this. She'd walked him through the gossip, showed him the video clips, and repeated just enough of Millie's possible reactions to make sure he wouldn't answer..."Let's go. It's getting late," Brandon said, reaching for his coat and helping her to her feet. They stepped into the private elevator reserved for Watson Group's top floor. Paparazzi cameras clicked as the doors closed behind them. And far from them, across the city, Millie was being wheeled out of an ambulance. Blood seeped from her forehead, streaking across the stretcher sheet. Her body was limp. The hospital corridor spun in and out of her visionthe harsh ceiling lights flashing by..or. The sounds around her blurred together, mixed with the tense voice of a woman in uniform calling out. "I've called her husband twice and he's not answering. What should we do? Keep calling? What if he still doesn't pick?"Another voice spoke. "Did you see that door? The whole thing's crushed. It's not just a bump to her head. We don't know what else is going on inside. Prioritize treatment. Keep trying him!""Got it!" There was more noise, louder this time, and Millie drifted again. The sharp hospital scent filled her nose. She floated between alertness and fog, catching snatches of conversation she couldn't piece together. Then, a voice she recognizedAlexia's. Alexia's voice was raised and frantic as she was taken into the emergency room. But then the world tilted again, and Millie blacked out. Alexia was furious...cShe had seen blood on Millie's face, soaked into her hair, as they wheeled her into the ER. It made her stomach twist. By sheer luck, Millie had been brought to Crobert Hospital. Alexia had been working overtime that night, passing through when she noticed the flashing lights and noise. Something had told her to stop and check. The medical team had been unsure of Millie's condition, unaware that she was pregnant. Thankfully, Alexia was already aware of Millie's situation, and being the daughter of the hospital's directorall of it helped. Without that, Millie might not have gotten the care she needed in time.