Chapter 1888

After Fiona finished speaking, Pearl just sat there, frozen, staring at the dagger as tears welled up in her eyes. She didn't make a sound, but her whole body shook with silent sobs-crying for her own pain, and for how badly she'd misplaced her trust.

Fiona wasn't here to comfort her. She needed answers, fast—especially about the knife. Was it the same one used when Jackson was attacked? She leaned in, her voice sharp but calm. "Come on. What do you know about this?"

Pearl's voice trembled. "I can't say. If I talk, I'll die." She looked desperate, not defiant-she wanted to explain, but fear had her in a chokehold.

"You don't have to talk," Fiona said coolly, "but think about it: this time, you got lucky because we rushed you to the hospital. Next time, you might not be so fortunate. We can't protect you all the time. If someone really wants you dead, they'll come for you when you least expect it."

Pearl knew Fiona was right, but she just pressed her lips together and stared at the ceiling, refusing to say another word.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Fiona, really. Everything before-those were my mistakes. I caused you trouble, and I'm sorry for that." Pearl finally looked away from the dagger, her voice barely above a whisper. "This was an accident. It had nothing to do with anyone else. Ms. Fiona, you and your friends should just go. My parents are coming soon. I'll be fine."

Fiona nodded, a faint smile on her face. "Alright."

If Pearl wanted to throw herself into danger, Fiona wasn't about to stop her. Besides, she'd already gotten what she came for. Fiona had deliberately mentioned the black market-Pearl's reaction had given her everything she needed. No denial, no protest. That meant the dagger probably really did come from the black market. Time to start digging there.

She'd never actually checked out the black market in the States before. Maybe it was about time.

Just then, Tyler peered through the glass window on the hospital room door. "Fiona, someone's coming. It's her mom."

Fiona glanced over at Pearl. As soon as Pearl heard it was her mother, panic flashed across her face. She instinctively grabbed Fiona's hand, holding on tight, terror written all over her.

Fiona knew exactly what Pearl was afraid of. But she wasn't going to step in.

"Ms. Pearl, let go, please. We're leaving now."

Pearl was still wrestling with herself internally-if her dad wasn't there, her mom would definitely lose it on her.

She swallowed, looking like she was about to fall apart.

"Fiona, if you can keep me safe, I'll tell you everything," she whispered, finally making up her mind. She clung to Fiona's hand, and even though her back was still bleeding, she didn't seem to care anymore. Her safety mattered more than anything else right now.

Fiona just smiled. "Alright."

She'd never intended to actually leave Pearl hanging. Since Tyler mentioned Deanna's odd behavior she'd decided to stick around. All she needed was for Pearl to tell the truth on her own-and maybe, just maybe, to start trusting her.

Soon, Tyler came back and flopped down on the sofa. The three of them gathered

around, munching on snacks and playing games to pass the time.

This VIP hospital room was a world away from a regular ward. It felt more like a comfy little apartment, with its own bathroom and shower,

ད ifs

a sofa, and a coffee table-totally set

up for visitors to feel at home.

When Deanna walked in, her eyes landed on Fiona and the others. She frowned slightly, clearly surprised they were still there. She set down her insulated container of chicken soup and looked right at Fiona.