Free Web NovelChapter 226: Chapter 226 A Husband’s Protection
Because of the lingering effects of the drug, Rose’s mind was still sluggish.
She simply stared at the man before her.
His gaze was deep and intense, enough to send a chill down her spine, yet his voice remained unexpectedly gentle.
Ryan didn’t wait for her response.
He wrapped an arm around her waist, lifted her effortlessly into his arms, and casually picked up the high heel that had fallen beside her.
Holding her against him, he carried her to the sofa behind them and sat down.
He positioned her sideways on his lap and used his suit jacket to cover her upper body and part of her face, leaving only the back of her head visible.
Rose had no strength left to resist.
She could only allow Ryan to take control.
He leaned down slightly and slipped the high heel back onto her foot.
The entire process was smooth and natural.
For a brief moment, Rose caught sight of the blood smeared across the back of Ryan’s hand.
The sight sent a chill through her.
“Rose.”
The noise outside was growing closer.
Ryan gently adjusted the jacket around her shoulders and neck, wrapping her more securely inside it.
His eyes were dark and unreadable.
“Why don’t you close your eyes for a while?”
Rose knew the reporters had arrived.
It would be a lie to say she wasn’t afraid.
If what had happened tonight became public, her reputation would be destroyed.
Her hand, which had unconsciously been pressed against Ryan’s chest in self-defense, stiffened.
Finally, she gathered herself and closed her eyes.
She refused to look.
Ryan cupped her cheek.
*****
After Samantha went upstairs, she didn’t approach the room.
Instead, she stood in the hallway and watched the reporters rush forward with their cameras.
Rose had gone upstairs with Grayson.
Samantha knew exactly what kind of man Grayson was.
After spending years overseas, she knew his reputation well.
Rose would likely not escape unscathed.
Especially with so many reporters present.
If even a single photograph was taken, Rose would become the center of attention in high society.
The Knight family would never tolerate a daughter-in-law whose reputation had been ruined.
She watched from a distance.
Soon, most of the reporters had gathered outside the room.
But then something unexpected happened.
The camera flashes suddenly stopped.
The reporters appeared stunned.
Something had clearly changed.
Samantha couldn’t see what was happening.
But Grayson never came out.
And when she had arrived earlier, she hadn’t seen him outside either.
He had to be inside the room.
Meanwhile, the reporters stood frozen.
On the sofa, Ryan sat with one arm around the woman’s waist.
His suit jacket covered her almost completely as he gently adjusted her position against him.
His hand rested lightly against her waist, patting her softly.
It was a soothing, almost protective gesture.
With his other hand, he cupped her cheek.
His palm completely covered her face.
He lowered his head and kissed her.
There was nothing passionate about it.
It appeared warm.
Natural.
Like an ordinary interaction between husband and wife.
Camera flashes filled the room.
But this was not the explosive scandal the reporters had expected.
Instead—
Ryan held Rose against his shoulder.
His gaze calmly swept over the doorway.
“Is a date between husband and wife really worth making headlines?”
With one sentence, he settled everything.
The reporters suddenly understood.
Everyone present was an industry veteran.
Within business circles, Ryan Knight represented the highest level of status and influence.
No one failed to recognize him.
At the mention of “husband and wife,” countless eyes turned toward the woman who had kept her face hidden.
So this was Mrs. Knight.
The mysterious Mrs. Knight who had always remained hidden from the public.
“Sorry, Mr. Knight. We didn’t mean to disturb you.”
One reporter quickly stepped back.
No one wanted to offend Ryan.
The others immediately followed.
Some even moved to close the damaged door, despite the obvious dents and destruction.
At that moment, however, no one questioned how the door had ended up in that condition.
The reporters came quickly.
And they left just as quickly.
Only then did Rose realize they were safe.
She gathered what little strength she had and pushed Ryan away.
Supporting herself against the sofa, she sat down on the opposite side.
She could not endure another second.
Ryan watched her movements without expression.
In reality, she nearly stumbled because her legs still lacked strength.
Outside the room, the reporters reviewed their photographs.
“This isn’t exactly a scandal, but it’s still valuable. We got pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Knight together. Weren’t there rumors recently about a mysterious Mrs. Knight? Does this count as an exclusive?”
Samantha heard every word.
Her expression instantly darkened.
Grayson wasn’t there.
He was supposed to be inside.
She pressed her lips tightly together and looked toward the room.
*****
James stepped out of the bathroom.
Leaning against the wall, he let out a long breath.
“I’ve never done something this shady in my entire life.”
Especially considering that only moments ago, he had dragged Grayson’s unconscious body away and hidden him without hesitation.
He looked toward Rose.
She was stronger than he had expected.
After everything that had happened, she neither cried nor broke down.
She simply sat there quietly, her face nearly expressionless.
Ryan was the same.
The atmosphere between them felt strangely tense.
James didn’t know exactly what had happened.
But he could clearly sense the stiffness between the two of them.
Ryan stood up.
“I’ll take her to the hospital first for blood tests. As for him, keep this quiet for now.”
With that, he walked over to Rose, bent down, and picked her up once more.
Rose frowned.
Although she resisted, she understood that she needed treatment.
The drugs had to be removed from her system.
“All right.”
James pursed his lips as he looked at the bruises around Rose’s neck.
His jaw tightened.
After the two quietly left through a private exit, James returned to the room.
Looking down at the unconscious Grayson, a wave of anger surged through him.
He lifted his foot and kicked him several more times.
*****
Although Rose still didn’t know what drug she had been given, by the time they reached the hospital, she had regained much of her strength.
When Ryan opened the car door and reached for her, her nerves immediately tightened again.
Almost instinctively, she slapped his hand away.
“I can walk by myself.”
Ryan glanced down at the red marks left on his hand.
His expression remained blank.
There was no visible emotion.
Rose supported herself against the car as she climbed out.
Her legs still felt weak and unsteady.
Ryan ignored her protest.
He picked her up again.
Ignoring the changing expression on her face, he carried her inside.
They entered through a private hospital entrance.
Not a single word was exchanged.
The blood test showed that the drug would not cause any lasting damage.
It would be completely eliminated from her body within twenty-four hours.
She needed intravenous fluids.
The bruises on her neck also required treatment.
The entire process was quick.
Eventually, Rose was admitted to a quiet private room.
Ryan sat beside the bed.
He glanced up at the IV drip.
“Do you know what kind of person Grayson is?”
He slowly looked at her.
His eyes carried no warmth. “You don’t even investigate the people you agree to meet? If something had really happened tonight, could you have handled the consequences?”
Rose frowned.
She had never expected Ryan to comfort her.
But she certainly would not allow him to criticize her.
“I called you, and you didn’t answer.”
Her voice was calm.
Detached. “Just like every other time.”
Ignoring her had always been the thing Ryan did best.
Ryan’s eyes narrowed slightly.
He stared at her.
Rose continued before he could speak. “I have nothing to complain about. Grandma arranged the blind date. Once it’s over, I get the divorce certificate. Isn’t that a good deal?”
Ryan paused.
His fingers tightened slightly around his phone.
He clearly hadn’t expected that to be the reason.
Rose repeated her words slowly, emphasizing every syllable.
“It’s still better than waiting day after day for you to remember me in between your romantic dates.”
