“While the patient did sustain injuries to her lower back, miraculously, they aren't life-threatening. She has numerous soft tissue damages and significant blood loss, leading her to lapse into a coma. We anticipate it might take several days before she regains consciousness."

A wave of relief washed over Gerard, but it was fleeting. Seeing her frail form on the hospital bed tore at his heart.

Silently, he vowed never to let harm befall her again.

Throughout the subsequent days, guards were stationed outside Lilah's room, ensuring her safety.

Not wanting to stray too far from her side, Gerard directed Calvin to bring his work files to the hospital.

Noting the tired lines on Gerard's face and the growing stubble on his chin, Calvin realized the depth of Gerard's feelings for Lilah.

“Mr. Harris, perhaps you should rest a bit. I'll watch over Miss Phillips in the meantime."

Dismissing the suggestion with a wave, Gerard asked, "What's the status on the hit-and-run?"

"We've located the country she's hiding in. If things proceed as planned, we should apprehend her today.”

“Ensure that you do."

Elsewhere, in Yumora, the woman responsible for Lilah's condition nervously huddled in a dilapidated hotel room.

“How much longer till I get my payment? I'm confined to this dingy room, afraid to step out," Xenia Cullen vented.

"Just be patient. I'll get you the money, but first, I need to set up a secure bank account and arrange a new identity to ensure you're not traced," Ruby replied with a hint of annoyance.

Xenia begrudgingly acknowledged the plan.

Ruby then inquired, “Did Lilah survive the accident?"

“Given the impact, she likely didn't make it," Xenia asserted confidently. “If, by some twist of fate, she did, she'd probably never wake up."

Satisfied, Ruby hung up.

Meanwhile, hunger gnawing at her, Xenia decided to risk a quick trip downstairs for food.

She wandered into a worn, narrow alley, with locals shuffling by in aged clothing.

As Xenia ventured further, a gentle breeze stirred, sending chills down her spine. An unsettling feeling took hold, as if she were being observed. She glanced at a figure lurking near a utility pole and, sensing potential danger, quickened her steps.

When she lost sight of the mysterious man, she finally heaved a sigh of relief.

"I'm probably just being paranoid," she whispered, trying to reassure herself.

This was Yumora, and the idea that she could be tracked down here seemed unlikely.

As she chuckled at her unfounded fears, a figure emerged from the shadows, abruptly pulling a cloth sack over her head. Dizzy and disoriented, she lost consciousness.