**TITLE: Beseeched 291**
**Chapter 291: Shattered Hope**
The stakes were undeniably high for the doctor, regardless of whether the situation was real or merely a figment of imagination.
Dawn cast her gaze downward, the weight of unspoken words pressing heavily on her. The silence stretched out, wrapping around them like a thick fog.
The doctor, sensing the gravity of the moment, ventured, “May I take a look at your wrist?”
Still, Dawn remained unresponsive, her silence echoing louder than any words could.
With a soft sigh, the doctor hesitated but then gently grasped Dawn’s hand, lifting it with utmost care.
The skin was inflamed and discolored, a vivid red that spoke volumes of pain, yet the injury itself appeared oddly peculiar.
“What could have possibly led to this?” the doctor murmured, her curiosity piqued.
Dawn’s response was both calm and chilling. “I hit someone.”
The doctor fell into a contemplative silence, grappling with the implications of such a statement.
Mr. Brown mentioned you hurt your…
Dawn’s voice was low, almost a whisper, yet there was an undeniable firmness in her tone. “I don’t want you to call the cops for me anymore, but can you pass along two messages?”
The doctor noted that there were no visible lacerations on her hand, suggesting that the remedy was straightforward—just a bit of cream would suffice.
“Apply this cream for a couple of days, and the swelling should subside,” she concluded, her professional demeanor unwavering.
With that, the doctor exited the room, only to be met by the bodyguard’s sharp, probing gaze. “Ms. Dawn didn’t say anything unusual to you, did she?”
“What could she possibly say?” the doctor replied, maintaining her composure. “Her hand is fine. Just follow the treatment plan.”
The bodyguard nodded, his expression unreadable. “I’ll drive you back.”
“That won’t be necessary,” she replied smoothly. “I have relatives nearby. I can walk. Would you mind returning my phone?”
He handed it over without a second thought, oblivious to the underlying tension. “Thank you for coming by. I’ll reach out if anything arises.”
She offered a small nod, hefting her medical kit as she departed the house with a quickened pace.
Isabella Beck navigated her way past two corners, her heart racing until the villa was finally out of sight.
Only then did she allow herself a sigh of relief, glancing over her shoulder to ensure she was truly alone. With a furtive motion, she extracted her phone from her pocket.
In her palm lay the number Dawn had discreetly given her.
Just as she was about to dial, a hand shot out from the shadows, snatching the phone away.
“Dr. Beck, what are you trying to do?”
Isabella froze, her heart pounding in her chest.
She stared at the bodyguard who had materialized out of nowhere, her mind racing for a response.
His expression mirrored her own alarm. Fortunately, his boss had forewarned him; if Dawn succeeded in her plan, the repercussions would be dire for him.
His face darkened, a storm brewing behind his eyes. “Looks like your relatives aren’t here after all. We’ll send someone to escort you home.”
Isabella found herself at a loss for words, her thoughts spiraling.
Dawn was aware of the truth. No matter where she sought refuge, Jonathan would always uncover her actions. That man had an uncanny ability to perceive everything. He was sharp, composed, and nothing escaped his notice.
Yet, despite the looming despair, a flicker of hope remained within her.
She had scheduled another appointment with the doctor to reassess her hand in two days.
Today, he eschewed his usual suit for a simple white shirt and casual pants. The soft light enveloping him lent an almost ethereal quality to his presence, making him appear calm and surreal.
He lifted his gaze, their eyes locking for a fleeting moment.
Dawn felt a rush of warmth and quickly averted her eyes, breaking the connection.
“Sunny,” she called, moving toward the door with the eager dog trotting by her side.
Jonathan raised an eyebrow, and after a brief pause, he closed his book and ambled outside, his pace leisurely.
He had chosen this house partly for the expansive garden, and in this season, everything was vibrant and alive, with flowers painting the landscape in a riot of colors.
In truth, it wasn’t Dawn who was walking the dog; it was Sunny who seemed to be leading her on an adventure.
Sunny bounded ahead, pulling insistently on the leash, and within minutes, Dawn found herself breathless.
“Sunny, slow down! I can’t keep up!”
“Woof!”
Dawn couldn’t suppress a laugh. Was the dog mocking her for her lack of stamina?
She took a few more steps before abruptly halting. At the gate stood Jonathan, hands tucked into his pockets, tall and composed as ever. He observed them with a calm demeanor, as if he had all the time in the world.
Her smile faded, and she spoke with an air of nonchalance, “Mr. Brown, you’re not going out today?”
“No,” he replied, his tone casual. “I’m staying home to keep you company.”
He delivered the line with such sincerity that it almost drew a laugh from her.
Jonathan, are you taking this charade a bit too far? The sarcasm in her mind was palpable; she couldn’t help but wonder how he had ensnared Ethan, but what difference did it make?

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