Chapter 157

Ethan's POV

“Sir, there’s a hospital just in front, would you like me to stop there so you can get your arm checked?” my driver asked from the rear-view mirror as I sat rigid in the back seat, every bump in the road setting off a fresh flare of pain.

“No, my doctor is already on his way to my house, just take me there,” I managed to say, my voice tight around the words. The pain was a white-hot line through my arm, sharp enough that it made me grit my teeth. It felt like someone had twisted bone and tendon together and then just kept twisting.

“But sir, would you be able to hold on?” the driver asked again, concern finally breaking through his professional tone.

“Drive!” I barked, and the single syllable came out more like a groan. The car lurched forward as he obeyed, and the city blurred by the window — lights, buildings, a smear of color. I clung to the seat for balance while focusing on steadying my breath. Each inhale felt like a calcula