Chapter 1141

"..." Juniper's throat felt dry, her eyes stinging. Just as she was about to speak, the operating room doors swung open, and the lead doctor hurried out.

"Mr. Schwartz's situation is extremely complicated. Our equipment here is limited. We need to transfer him to the Schwartz Medical Center immediately."

Hearing this, Miranda swayed on her feet, nearly collapsing if Hayden hadn't caught her in time.

"Get it arranged. Transfer him now," Hayden ordered, his face a mask of grim determination.

Shortly after, Shanley was wheeled out. Tubes snaked across his body, an oxygen mask obscured his face, and his entire head was wrapped in bandages that seeped crimson. He lay completely motionless on the pristine white bed. If not for the rhythmic beep of the heart monitor, one would easily assume he had already taken his last breath.

The corridor was a chaotic blur of doctors, nurses, bodyguards, and family.

"Mr. Schwartz, the road outside has been cleared," Flint said, running up to them, completely out of breath.

Hayden gave the doctor a curt nod and immediately helped wheel Shanley toward the parking garage.

"Juniper..." Miranda called out softly, noticing the girl standing frozen in place, looking as if her very soul had been drained. She gently nudged her. "Go with him. He'd definitely want you by his side right now."

Juniper finally snapped out of her daze. She slowly lifted her head and walked over to the hospital bed, her fingers lightly brushing against his brow.

*You stupid man. What kind of insane plan is this? You're actually playing with your life.*

"Let's go," Juniper said hoarsely, pulling her hand back. There were too many eyes watching; lingering would only blow their cover.

Two hours later, right in front of flashing cameras and hungry reporters, Shanley was transferred to the Schwartz Medical Center. Video clips of his critically injured, unconscious state went viral in minutes. The internet went wild with speculation— the general consensus being that the untouchable Shanley Schwartz was either going to die or end up permanently paralyzed.

Meanwhile, inside the Schwartz Medical Center, everything had been prepped to perfection. The staff was comprised entirely of loyal Schwartz employees. No spies. No reporters.

Shanley was wheeled into the intensive care unit.

"I'm going in," Juniper said, shrugging into a set of sterile scrubs.

Just as she reached for the door, the doctor blocked her path. "Ms. Payne, his condition is highly critical. Your presence might interfere with the treatment."

Juniper frowned, but before she could argue, Miranda's voice cut through the tension like ice.

"Let her in. With her there, he'll be absolutely fine."

The doctor glanced between Juniper and Miranda, finally stepping aside to clear the way.

Before stepping through the doors,

Juniper looked back at Miranda and

Hayden. Her voice was low and

rough Mr. and Mrs. Sev

his life in my hands

leave

Miranda covered her mouth, tears slipping through her fingers as she nodded in

sheer agony. "You have to save him, Juniper."

"I will," Juniper swallowed hard, averting her gaze as she stepped into the ICU.

Shanley lay deathly still, his face marred with bloody lacerations.

"Give me his vitals," she demanded.

After listening to the doctor rattle off the numbers, the heavy knot in Juniper's chest finally loosened. "It's manageable. He won't die."

"But....." the doctor hesitated, phrasing his words carefully. "He sustained severe damage to his spinal nerves. There's a high chance he'll be paralyzed."

"Then I'll be his legs," Juniper

whispered, leaning over until her et

face hovered just above Shanley's, her voice impossibly raw. "Uttake care of him for the rest of my life."

The doctor pressed his lips together, clearly skeptical. Who would honestly commit

to loving a cripple forever? Especially a high-level paraplegic!