Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 179 Sit with me

Victoria’s POV

I handed the water glass to Patrick, who accepted it with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Victoria."

I watched him drain it completely, my wolf Nora stirring restlessly within me. Even after everything, the way Patrick looked at me still sent uncomfortable prickles through me.

After finishing, he held the empty glass, his gaze searching my eyes. "Victoria, is something wrong?"

I shook my head. "Nothing."

"The water you brought tasted different," Patrick said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "Somehow, it was better."

I pressed my lips together, saying nothing. My fingers unconsciously traced the edge of my bracelet—a habit I’d developed when feeling uneasy.

"Sit with me," Patrick patted the chair beside his wheelchair. "Keep me company for a while."

I sat back down in the chair, maintaining some distance from him.

His cologne drifted over—light pine scent with a hint of herbs. "What do you want to talk about?"

"Do you remember when we were children?" A nostalgic gleam flickered in his eyes, one I’d learned to be wary of.

"We went to the same school. Those bullies used to pick on you all the time, and when I found out, I went to confront them." He chuckled softly. "Ended up getting beaten black and blue. You called me an idiot afterward."

"Because it was stupid," I replied, crossing my legs. "I didn’t fight back because I knew I couldn’t take on that many people."

There were about seven or eight of them. I chose retreat over a losing battle—even then, it was the smart move.

But Patrick, seeing me run home, had decided to stand up and play hero all by himself. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

"I didn’t think it was stupid at all," Patrick’s voice softened. "I just wanted to protect you. Remember that time in school when a girl wrote me a love letter? You told me not to date her."

My spine straightened. "I advised you not to date her because she wasn’t sincere about you. She’d lost a bet—that’s why she came to you. I was protecting you from being used. That’s all."

"You see, you remember so clearly." Patrick leaned forward in his wheelchair, eyes sparkling. "I treasure these memories—they belong only to us."

"Patrick." I interrupted him, my wolf growing increasingly agitated. "That was years ago. I barely remember any of it now. I just want you to recover and stand up again."

"But everything was so beautiful then," he insisted, a hint of desperation creeping into his tone. "Even if you don’t remember, I’ll treasure those memories for both of us."

"Patrick, don’t do this. You—"

Sharp knocking interrupted us. I felt immediate relief. "I’ll get the door."

I knew who it was before I even reached the door.

I opened it to find Damian and yesterday’s doctor standing there. The doctor held what looked like a large bone saw, and the sight of it made my stomach churn.

"Have you eaten breakfast?" Damian asked casually, holding up a bag of food. His jet-black hair was perfectly styled, and his tailored suit emphasized his powerful build. Even pretending to be just a Sterling heir, he radiated an aura of dominance. "Go grab something to eat—I’ll handle things inside."

"I’m not hungry," I replied, feeling Arthur—his wolf—brush against my senses, making my heart race. "I’m coming in with you."

After all, this was our plan from the beginning.

We weren’t speaking quietly, and I knew Patrick must have heard Damian’s voice. The atmosphere inside immediately grew tense.

As we walked toward the bedroom, I could almost feel Patrick’s rage emanating through the door. Damian entered first, his broad shoulders nearly filling the doorframe, momentarily blocking my view.

"What are you doing here?" Patrick roared, his face twisted with fury. "You’re not welcome! Get out!"

A mocking smile played at Damian’s lips. "I don’t need your welcome. I brought a doctor—the same one you met yesterday."

He stepped aside, revealing the doctor standing behind him with his medical bag and saw.

Patrick’s eyes widened. "I told you I don’t need strangers examining me! Victoria, why did you let them in? I don’t want to see him. Get out! Both of you, get out!"

I could see Patrick wanted to stand up—wanted to lunge at Damian—but playing paralyzed, he couldn’t move. He gripped his wheelchair’s armrests so tightly his knuckles went white.

"Patrick," I said, trying to keep my voice calm, "Damian just wants to help by bringing this doctor. He’s highly skilled. Let him examine you."

The doctor stepped closer, and Patrick’s face contorted with terror. "No! Stay away from me! Get out!"

I stepped forward. "Patrick, calm down. Let the doctor examine you."

Whatever the outcome, this was our chance to expose his deception.

Patrick looked at me with wounded eyes. "Victoria, I can’t believe you’re taking their side. You’re actually helping Damian against me?"

Damian snorted. "Don’t be so dramatic. You’re not important enough for us to be ’against’ you. Aren’t you just being childishly troublesome for everyone?"

He continued, his tone cold and calculating: "Victoria and I brought this doctor to help you. Instead of being grateful, you’re throwing a tantrum and refusing treatment. What exactly are you hiding?"

Patrick looked as if he’d been struck. "I’m not hiding anything! Don’t try to drive a wedge between us! This is my room, and I don’t welcome you. Get out!"

He pointed angrily toward the door, his eyes full of terror. I could read his thoughts—he was afraid. With no one else around, and me seemingly on Damian’s side, he worried we’d force the doctor to examine him. If that happened, his charade would be exposed, and I’d know he’d been lying all along.

"I’m afraid you have no choice today," Damian said, his tone dangerously calm. "If your leg injuries can’t heal, perhaps we should amputate them. Don’t worry, we brought equipment. Afterward, we’ll fit you with prosthetics. Eventually, you’ll still be able to stand and walk with crutches."

He nodded to the doctor, signaling he could proceed.

Patrick’s face went deathly pale. "What? You want to cut off my legs? No! If you dare touch me, I’ll make you disappear from this world! My father will never let you go!"

"Your father?" Damian laughed coldly, his Alpha aura filling the entire room. "If I actually fit you with prosthetics, your father should thank me. If he gets angry, I can arrange for him to join you in a wheelchair. That would be effortless for me."

Every word Damian spoke rang with authority, each sentence carrying weight. He truly possessed that kind of power.

"You wouldn’t dare!" Patrick’s forehead veins bulged with rage.

Damian glanced casually at his watch. "Don’t rush. You’ve already taken sleeping pills—you’ll lose consciousness soon. Whether I dare doesn’t matter, because you’ll find out when you wake up. Don’t worry, we have plenty of anesthetic. You won’t feel a thing. When you wake up, all problems will be solved. No need to thank me."

Patrick stared in horror. "Sleeping pills? What sleeping pills?"