Sophia Sullivan noticed the tension between the two men and quickly intervened. "I called Ian here. You know his medical skills better than anyone. He's the only one I trust with this."
A faint, knowing smile curved Ian Gallagher's lips.
That smile carried an unspoken declaration.
See? He was the one Sophia truly relied on.
Ethan Sullivan's jaw tightened, but he remained silent. He let Ian tend to the wound on his back, enduring the searing pain as the antiseptic met raw flesh. His face paled further.
"This is my special formula—excellent for stopping bleeding and numbing pain. Change the dressing daily and rest for a week. You'll recover fully."
Once finished, Ian's expression shifted from professional to grave.
"From what I know, the micro-bomb you described is a classified weapon developed in M-Country. It shouldn’t be accessible to outsiders."
Yet it had appeared at the competition.
"So this was a setup?" Sophia's voice was icy.
"Zephyr" had been the reigning champion of the Underground Raceway for years—and Ethan was Zephyr.
Which meant…
Her gaze locked onto Ethan's unfathomable dark eyes. The answer was clear.
The bomb hidden beneath the champion's trophy had been meant to kill him from the start.
The room fell into heavy silence.
Ethan dialed Ian Watson.
"Make him disappear from A-City Hospital. Whatever it takes."
His tone was calm, but the chill in his voice was unmistakable.
On the other end, Ian immediately understood who "him" referred to—Zachary Sullivan.
Even the usually expressionless Ian showed a flicker of surprise. "But if Old Mr. Sullivan finds out—"
"Didn’t my dear brother just survive a car accident? He’s still recuperating, isn’t he?"
Before Ian could respond, Ethan let out a cold laugh.
"This world has plenty of lunatics. If someone happens to pull out his oxygen tube… well, that’s just bad luck."
The call ended abruptly.
Ian Watson replied dutifully, "Understood."
Back at the Sullivan estate, Ian Gallagher took several steps back in shock. "You really don’t consider us outsiders, do you? Aren’t you afraid we’ll report you?"
He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and sighed.
"Fine. I heard nothing. I have no intention of becoming an accomplice to your… lawless schemes."
Sophia was still contemplating Zachary’s fate when Ian suddenly leaned closer.
"Sophia, let me check if you’re hurt."
His eyes scanned her, lingering on the bloodstains marring her clothes.
She shook her head. "It’s not mine."
"Thank heavens! You really are blessed. But in the future, stay away from certain walking disasters. No need to get dragged into their mess."
Only after confirming Sophia was unharmed did Ian relax.
Ethan ignored the veiled jab. Instead, he remarked casually, "I heard Dr. Carter’s lecture ends at ten tonight. Mr. Gallagher, didn’t you have an appointment with him? If you leave now, you might still make it."
Before he could finish, Ian’s face fell. "Damn it! Sophia, I have to go!"
He never broke his promises.
Once Ian left, an uneasy quiet settled over the room.
"Don’t worry, Ms. Sullivan. None of this will affect you."
Ethan broke the silence first.
Sophia shrugged. "I know the Sullivans’ influence spans both sides of the law. With your protection, what do I have to fear?"