Chapter 535. He Was Never Truly Alone

The office was a wreck.

Ximena lay unconscious on the sofa, her pale blouse soaked in blood from the wound on her shoulder.

Zeke’s chest clenched at the sight—an intense wave of pain crashing into him like a punch to the heart.

That word, long buried in his throat, trembled on the edge of release. His eyes burned.

“Mom...”

It was a broken, choked whisper—one that came too late.

“Mom! Wake up... Please wake up!”

But Ximena didn’t stir. The blood loss had driven her into deep shock. No matter how desperately Zeke called out, she didn’t respond.

He checked her pulse and heartbeat—thankfully, both were still there. Without wasting another second, Zeke scooped her up in his arms and rushed out the door.

Time was the enemy now.

He raced through the streets like a madman, pushing his car to its limit, heart pounding with guilt and dread. He should’ve found her sooner. Should’ve told her the truth. Should’ve called her “Mom” long a