What Separates Me and You

Lewis' persistence fueled the rising rage suppressed within Josephine's heart.

She couldn't budge him, so she raised her fist and pounded relentlessly on Lewis's body as if she had found an outlet for her pent-up emotions. She continuously struck at him. She hit his wound non-stop until her hand became sticky with blood.

Neither of them spoke. Perhaps any words would have seemed inadequate at this moment.

Lewis eventually couldn't hold on any longer and collapsed onto her. He used the last of his strength to cradle her in his arms.

"I will find him."

He murmured weakly, his voice too faint to be heard in the wind.

Josephine gazed at the pitch-black night sky. She gasped for air in huge breaths as tears streamed down her cheeks.

After a while, a low laughter emerged from her lips.

Just like Seth's, it was filled with the same desolation, helplessness, and sorrow.

Her laughter grew louder and more hysterical.

Even Conrad could discern the grief hidden in her laughter from a distance. He couldn't determine if she was crying or laughing.

Lewis closed his eyes without uttering a word.

He had no strength left even to speak, yet he refused to release her.

Time passed, and Josephine gradually grew quiet. She lay on the ground, gazing up at the sky above. Tears continued to flow from her eyes.

Soon, Conrad and his men arrived. He called out, "Chairman Alvarez."

"Seth's men have been apprehended. Only three are still alive. The rest are dead. How should we handle this?"

Conrad finished talking, but the man lying above Josephine remained motionless.

Moments later, Conrad caught a whiff of the scent of blood and realized something was wrong. He quickly approached and patted Lewis's shoulder.

"Chairman Alvarez?"

Lewis still didn't respond. He finally realized Lewis had passed out and hurriedly called the other bodyguards to carry him away.

Soon, they arrived at the hospital.

Josephine was brought there, too. Conrad even arranged for two additional guards to watch over her.

She sat in a chair outside the operating room. Her hair was messy, and her whole body was stained with dark red blood.

It was Seth and Lewis' blood.

She looked scary under the bright white lights.

Conrad paced back and forth outside, occasionally glancing back at Josephine.

Josephine stared at the ground, her eyes hollow. She didn't budge the slightest bit after sitting down.

"Mrs. Alvarez, we don't know when the surgery will end. Why don't you go home and rest?"

Josephine ignored him. She didn't even blink her eyes. She was utterly disheartened.

Conrad sighed and continued waiting.

An hour later, Nancy arrived.

"Where's Lewis? How is he?" Nancy rushed in, grabbed Conrad's hand, and asked.

Conrad tried to reassure her, saying, "We don't know yet, but the doctors said he didn't injure any vital organs. He should be okay."

Although he got shot in the chest, it was on the right side. He simply lost too much blood when he arrived.

Conrad deduced that Lewis lost so much blood because they didn't get to stop the bleeding as he went looking for Josephine.

Lewis knew what was about to happen when Seth stood up. He ignored his injuries and ran toward Josephine. That had led to excessive blood loss.

Nancy stared anxiously at the operating room. Lost in thought for a moment, she then turned to look at Josephine.

Her face fell when she saw the blood on Jospehine's body.

She approached Josephine and gripped her clothing with both hands. "Josephine, is this because of you again?"

Josephine's eyelashes trembled, and she lifted her head to meet Nancy's accusing gaze.

Josephine did not respond.

Nancy stared at her vacant eyes, her anger growing stronger. She threw Josephine aside and raised her hand to slap Josephine. "Slap!"

The loud slap echoed in the hallway, startling Conrad and the guards.

"You jinx! It's always you! My son ended up like this because of you!"

"Since you entered the Alvarez family, how many times has Lewis been injured because of you? And what about you? Why are you sitting here safe and sound? Why don't you die?"

"Madam Nancy!" Conrad immediately intervened, fearing that her words might trigger Josephine to attempt suicide.

Nancy turned her furious gaze toward Conrad. "What? Did I say something wrong? You've been working for Lewis for so long. You know better than me how many ridiculous things he has done for this woman. Now his life is hanging by a threat, and I can't even scold her?"

Conrad seemed helpless. He cast a quick glance at Josephine. Then he lowered his voice and said, "Chairman Alvarez is still being treated inside. Please remain calm. We can talk after the surgery." Although Nancy was itching to confront Josephine, Conrad's words made sense. She took a deep breath and suppressed her anger.

"I'll settle the score with you later."

After waiting about four more hours, the lights in the operating room finally turned off. The doctor exited the room.

Nancy rushed forward and asked, "Doctor, how is my son?"

The doctor replied, "He's not in a critical condition now, but he lost quite a bit of blood. His body is weak. He needs proper rest and care." Nancy sighed in relief. "That's good to hear."

Conrad also breathed a sigh of relief. He approached Josephine and whispered, "Mrs. Alvarez, you should go back first." Josephine kept her head lowered. Her loosened hair covered her cheeks, making her expression hard to discern.

Conrad signaled to Darren with his eyes, indicating him to take Josephine back.

Darren nodded and gently pulled Josephine up. "Mrs. Alvarez, let me take you back."

Josephine didn't speak, nor did she resist. Like a puppet, she let Darren guide her away.

Conrad then called Arrik and instructed him to ensure Josephine's safety. He told Arrik to make sure all dangerous items were put away at home and even seal the windows.

Arrik took note of everything and nodded. He then turned around and followed Darren and Josephine back to Styx Mansion.

Mrs. Larson was shocked to see Josephine in such a state when they returned home.

"What happened?"

She wondered why Josephine came back like this after heading out.

Arrik briefed Mrs. Larson on the situation and asked her to keep an eye on Josephine.

Lewis almost lost his life to save Josephine. If anything happened to her now, none of them would stay alive.

Mrs. Larson turned to glance at Josephine in astonishment.

Josephine was sitting on the couch. She stared blankly at the dark television screen.

"I understand. I'll make sure to watch over her."

Arrik nodded and asked his men to remove all dangerous items from the house. Even items like nail clippers were taken away. They cleared away breakable bottles and dealt with sharp edges on tables. All the windows on the second floor were sealed shut. The mansion turned into a cage once again.

Mrs. Larson approached Josephine and whispered, "Mrs. Alvarez, why don't you change into some fresh clothes?"

It seemed as though Josephine didn't hear her. Her gaze remained fixed on the TV screen as she spaced out.

Mrs. Larson sighed. "Would you like something to eat?"