Chapter 178

Victoria's body shook as she stared at Alvin in disbelief. "Dad! What did you just say?"

Wasn't he the one who hated Alvin the most?

Why would he risk his life to take a bullet for him?

Had he lost his mind?

Victoria stood frozen for a moment before suddenly pushing Louie aside and sprinting towards the operating room.

The others quickly followed.

The red light above the operating room stayed on for three long hours before finally going out.

When the medical staff emerged, all eyes were fixed on them.

The doctor removed his mask, looking exhausted, and spoke at length. "The bullet pierced his abdomen, but luckily, it didn't hit any vital organs. However, an old wound in his abdomen tore open, causing excessive bleeding. He'll need to stay in the hospital for a while longer."

Hearing this, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The doctor then returned to the operating room to finish up.

Victoria's anxiety finally eased, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

Daisy hugged her shoulders, silently comforting her.

After crying for a while, Victoria suddenly thought of something. She looked up at Harry and asked suspiciously, "What old wound? When did he get hurt in the abdomen?"

"Well..." Harry stammered, avoiding her gaze.

It wasn't that he didn't want to tell her; William had strictly forbidden him from mentioning it to Victoria. Otherwise, his salary would be cut in half.

With a family to support, how could he survive with half his salary?

Seeing Harry's hesitation, Victoria was even more certain he was hiding something.

"Spit it out!" Victoria stomped her foot in frustration, urging him.

Daisy sighed, pulled her to sit down, and patiently explained, "William's injury was self-inflicted."

"What?" Victoria's eyes widened in horror as she looked at Daisy. "He stabbed himself? Is he out of his mind? Does he have a death wish?"

Seeing Victoria's anger, Daisy felt a pang of sadness.

She then explained how William had stabbed himself and paid three million dollars to repay Alice for saving his life and to completely break up with her.

After hearing Daisy's explanation, Victoria was silent for a long time, struggling to process the truth.

No wonder he had been so tolerant and loving towards Alice; it was because of this.

Victoria looked at the now darkened light above the operating room, feeling a mix of emotions.

"Is he an idiot?" Victoria muttered to herself.

'William, this time I owe you my life,' she thought.

Alvin was taken away by the police. The incident had caused too much commotion, and the proper procedures had to be followed.

Since he was still on parole and had used special channels to leave the country, Victoria was worried something might go wrong.

Louie stood up. "I'll go check on him."

He glanced towards the hospital room. "I promised him I'd get you all out safely."

"Thank you." Her response was dry, and she didn't even have the courage to ask what William had promised.

Daisy and Victoria waited in the hospital corridor all night. When the doctor finally came out to inform them that William was awake and could have visitors, Victoria hesitated.

She was afraid to see him.

He was the one who had sent Alvin to prison, who had humiliated and manipulated her, but now, he had risked his life to save Alvin.

She really didn't know how to face him.

Soon, Daisy came out and softly said, "Victoria, he wants to see you."

Victoria's heart tightened. She bit her lip and walked into the hospital room.

William lay weakly on the bed, his once handsome face was now as pale as a sheet, his lips colorless.

His abdomen was slightly raised, likely wrapped in thick bandages.

Hearing her enter, he turned his head with effort and gave her a weak smile. "If I hadn't asked you to come in, were you planning to just stand outside forever?"

Victoria had intended to stay composed in front of him, but as soon as she spoke, her voice cracked with emotion. "How did it come to this? Didn't I tell you to be extra careful?"

William looked at her deeply, remained silent for a moment, and then softly said, "I was careless."

He didn't mention taking the bullet for Alvin.

But Victoria felt a sharp pain in her heart.

Seeing her standing there motionless, William reached out his hand and beckoned her. "Come here."

Victoria fought back her tears, hesitated for a moment, and then slowly walked over to hold his hand.

William looked at her red eyes, which made him want to pull her into his arms.

They held hands, and for a moment, the atmosphere in the room became subtly intimate.

Victoria broke the silence first, asking softly, "Are The Iron Crocodiles taken care of?"

William half-closed his eyes, his usual sharpness gone, his face looking more vulnerable, evoking a protective instinct.

"Yes," he replied weakly, his fingers gently stroking her palm.

"What kind of deal did you and Louie make? Why is he helping us so much?" Victoria finally voiced the question that had been bothering her.

Hearing this, William squinted and gave a faint smile. "Afraid I sold you?"

Victoria glanced at him and muttered, "If you did, I'd rather find my own buyer."

It was meant as a joke, but William's face darkened, and he tightened his grip on her hand. "Don't you dare!"

"Why wouldn't I?" Victoria lowered her head, her voice even softer. "I owe you such a big favor, how can I ever repay it?"

"Who said you have to repay it?" William was annoyed, his tone impatient. "I got hurt because I wanted to, it has nothing to do with you."

Victoria frowned even more, blurting out, "Can you honestly say you didn't take that bullet for my dad because of me?"

William froze.

Then he turned his face away, muttering, "Don't flatter yourself. I told you it was an accident, I didn't take it for him."

No matter who got hurt, even if it was another family member, he wouldn't admit it.

Victoria regretted asking immediately, feeling incredibly awkward.

Even if she knew the truth, what did she expect William to say? That he did it for her?

Then what? She'd say thank you?

If that happened, even she would feel insincere.

Neither of them spoke again, and the room fell into silence.

"William!"

The door suddenly burst open.