Tess's mind went blank as she rushed to his side, any trace of fear drowned out by concern. Lance's hair was soaked with blood, his face ghostly pale. “Lance, can you hear me?" she shouted, shaking him, but he was unresponsive.

Tess turned to Marlene. "Call an ambulance! Right now!"

"I'm on it!" Marlene fumbled for her phone and dialed emergency services.

Tess struggled to pull Lance completely out of the bag, and Marlene quickly joined her. Together, they laid him gently on the ground.

Tess held his head gently, tears flowing down her cheeks. “Lance, what happened? Stay with us."

Meanwhile, Onyx's desk was covered in scattered papers as he sifted through them distractedly. His phone's shrill ring startled him, and he answered with forced ease, “What's up?"

His calm shattered upon hearing the news of Lance's attack and hospitalization. His voice hardened, almost growling. "Who did this? When? Tell me where he is!"

Onyx's face darkened, and he stood abruptly, calling for his assistant.

The assistant arrived swiftly, noticing the gravity etched across Onyx's expression. "Mr. Phillips, any instruction?"

"I need you to track down whoever laid a hand on my son. They will pay dearly for this," Onyx ordered firmly.

The assistant nodded sharply and hurried off without another word.

Onyx dressed hastily, his mind boiling over with anger, and rushed to the hospital.

As he drove furiously down the road, an unknown number flashed on his phone. Irritated, he answered, “Who's calling me?"

A mocking voice teased, “Mr. Phillips, can't you keep your cool?"

“Who are you?" Onyx snapped, suspicion and fury lacing his voice.

“I'm just the messenger." The man's icy reply came, as unsettling as a serpent's hiss.

“What are you playing at?" Onyx demanded, stunned.

“Keep your son in line, or next time it won't just be a bloodied head," the caller sneered, laughter echoing ominously.

Onyx's face paled, every word sinking in. The brazen message made it clear they weren't afraid of him finding out. This realization hit Onyx with the full weight of his enemy's threat, revealing how dangerous and ruthless this enemy truly was.

In Eleywood, only one person could wield such power.

It was Gerard.

“Please convey my gratitude to Mr. Harris for his leniency. I'IL personally apologize in a few days," Onyx said calmly.

“WiLL do," the man replied.

“Thank you."