Isabella's heart thundered as Lauren's unmarked car screeched into the hospital parking lot, Marcus Tate's scarred face and menacing text—Noah talks, you all burn. Hand over the journal, or the hospital's next—burning in her mind. Clara's journal, tucked against her chest, and the USB drive in her pocket were lifelines to her mother's truth, tying Vincent Blackwood's Willow Creek deals to a conspiracy that might have killed her. Her cherry-red lips were set in defiance, but her hazel eyes flickered with fear as she glanced at Julian, his hand gripping hers, his gray eyes a storm of resolve and love.
"We get to Noah before Lena does," Isabella said, her voice steel despite the dread coiling in her gut. "He's got the files, and I'm not letting her bury my mother's truth." The hospital's stark lights loomed ahead, a beacon of hope and danger.
Julian's thumb brushed her knuckles, a spark that reignited the fire from their loft kiss. "I'm with you," he murmured, his voice raw, his hand sliding to her waist as they stepped out of the car. "No matter what." The warmth of his touch steadied her, a promise that burned brighter than Marcus's threats.
Lauren led the way, her badge flashing as she barked orders into her radio, Daniel at her side, his gun holstered but ready. Sophia and Lily followed, Lily's red hair a tangled mess, her green eyes wide with guilt. "If Noah's hurt because of me…" Lily whispered, but Sophia cut her off, her voice firm.
"Focus, Lily. Clara's evidence is our leverage." Sophia glanced at Caleb, who clutched his tablet, his nervous energy palpable. "You sure those backups are secure?"
Caleb nodded, his tousled hair falling into his eyes. "Encrypted and cloud-stored. But if Lena's got tech, she might crack them." His gaze flicked to Isabella. "Your paintings, Voss—they're the key. They're screaming what Clara couldn't."
Riley, camera in hand, snorted. "Yeah, and they're pissing off the wrong people." She scanned the parking lot, her eyes narrowing at a black SUV idling in the distance—too familiar, too close.
Inside, the hospital's sterile halls buzzed with urgency, nurses darting past as Lauren led them to the ICU. Noah lay in a bed, battered but conscious, his glasses gone, his green eyes hazy but sharp. "You made it," he croaked, his voice weak. "Files… on the USB. Vincent's deals, Clara's evidence… it's all there."
Isabella's heart leaped, but before she could respond, a new figure entered the room—a doctor, mid-50s, with a gaunt face, gray hair, and a clipboard clutched too tightly. His name tag read Dr. Elias Reed, and his cold blue eyes flicked to Isabella with a flicker of recognition. "Ms. Voss," he said, his voice smooth, almost too calm. "You're causing quite a stir. I'm Vincent's personal physician—and Vanessa's father."
Isabella's blood ran cold, her grip on the journal tightening. "You're with them?" she said, her cherry-red lips curling warily. "What do you want?"
Elias's smile was thin, his eyes glancing at Julian. "To keep things… orderly. Vincent's concerned about your little investigation. Hand over the journal, and Noah walks free. Resist, and this hospital becomes a problem."
Julian stepped forward, his body a shield, his voice a growl. "You're not touching her, Reed." His hand slid to Isabella's lower back, a possessive touch that sent heat through her despite the threat. Her eyes met his, a silent vow, and she leaned into him, her cherry-red lips grazing his jaw in a defiant spark that promised they'd fight together.
Lauren's hand hovered near her gun, her voice sharp. "Back off, Doctor. You're out of your depth." Daniel flanked her, his stance ready, while Sophia and Caleb exchanged a glance, Lily trembling behind them.
Elias raised his hands, his smile unwavering. "I'm just the messenger. But Lena's on her way, and she's less patient." He stepped back, but his eyes lingered on the journal, a predator's glint.
Noah coughed, his voice urgent. "Get the USB out. Now. Lena's got people watching." He pointed to a window, where a shadow moved—Marcus, his scarred face barely visible.
Isabella's heart raced, and she turned to Julian, the hospital's sterile glow fading as their eyes locked. "We can't lose this," she whispered, clutching the USB and journal. Julian's hand cupped her face, his lips crashing onto hers in a fierce, desperate kiss, a rebellion against the danger. His fingers dug into her hips, her body pressing against his, the hospital bed creaking as they leaned into each other, her dress clinging to her curves. Her hands tangled in his hair, a soft moan escaping as their breaths mingled, a fire that burned away the fear, if only for a moment.
Lauren's sharp voice cut through. "Move, you two!" she snapped, her radio crackling with reports of Lena's car pulling up. "We're out of time."
Isabella pulled back, her cherry-red lips swollen, Julian's touch lingering. She handed the USB to Caleb, her voice fierce. "Keep it safe." He nodded, slipping it into his pocket, while Daniel led them toward a service exit, Riley snapping photos of Elias as they moved.
As they reached the exit, Lena's voice echoed from the hall, cold and venomous. "You can't run forever, Isabella." The doors slammed open, revealing Lena, Marcus at her side, and a group of hired muscle. Isabella's phone buzzed with a new text: The truth's a spark. One wrong move, and you all burn. Her blood ran cold, and she gripped Julian's hand, Lena's hazel eyes glinting with malice as the hospital became a battlefield.