Delayed Regrets: He Regretted Only After Her Death-Chapter 66: Hector Chaucer Contacted Tiana Linden
Looking at the bloodstained collar, Tiana, with a smile masking her pain, stood there, and Leo Sutton struggled to find his words.
His lips quivered involuntarily.
Having just sent away his beloved wife, Kiera Chaucer, was he now to send Tiana off as well?
"Tiana..."
"Leo." Tiana tugged at her clothes and forced a smile, "Could you take me to buy some clothes? If I go back looking like this, Daisy and Kiera’s parents will definitely worry."
Leo Sutton: "Alright!"
...
Veridia suburb.
Linden-Grant Pharmaceuticals’ cancer drug research base.
Being a medical expert, Aiden Grant personally reviewed the recent research data.
His brows furrowed, and a deep worry surfaced.
The cancer drug was just one step away from successfully entering the clinical trial phase.
But this last step was proving difficult to break through.
He discussed plans with the participating research professors.
Beside him, Vivian Linden was earnestly taking notes.
These days, Vivian could only see Aiden in the lab.
Wanting to spend time alone with him was difficult.
Afterwards, Vivian went to Aiden’s office, "Aiden, can we have dinner together tonight? I want to talk to you."
Aiden was removing his lab coat and work clothes, "I have to work overtime tonight, I’ll eat in the cafeteria."
This tone was neither warm nor cold, and Vivian felt a wave of bitterness and grievance.
Before Tiana returned to Veridia, Aiden had been extremely patient with her.
Now he didn’t even have the time to talk to her properly?
She knew well that Aiden was with her simply because of her careful care after his car accident a few years ago.
If he were to find out, even this gratitude hid a significant secret.
Would she be completely doomed?
She not only wanted to become Mrs. Grant but also wanted to enter Aiden’s heart.
However, after Tiana returned to Veridia, she felt powerless.
"Aiden, let me accompany you to the cafeteria for dinner."
Aiden did not say yes, nor did he say no.
So Vivian simply followed behind him.
On the way from the lab building to the cafeteria, they had to pass through a lakeside garden.
The two walked one in front of the other.
Suddenly, a large black dog barked its way out from the bushes.
The black dog bared its teeth, ready to attack.
As a man, Aiden instinctively shielded the petite Vivian behind him, "Don’t be afraid!"
Just as he was comforting Vivian, the black dog lunged.
In the blink of an eye, Vivian rushed forward to shield Aiden, ending up in the grip of the black dog’s jaws.
It bit onto Vivian’s leg and wouldn’t let go.
Aiden’s heart skipped a beat, "Vivian!"
"Aiden, you should leave quickly. This is a stray mad dog; it might have rabies. You should hurry and go."
How could Aiden possibly leave her, a young girl, alone?
But no matter how much he tried to drive and stop it, the black dog still wouldn’t release Vivian’s leg.
Soon, blood soaked Vivian’s pant leg.
...
Half an hour later, Vivian was taken to the hospital.
The wound on her right leg required fifteen stitches.
In addition, she received tetanus shots, rabies vaccine, and rabies immunoglobulin.
"Vivian, why were you so silly? Didn’t you worry that the mad dog might have rabies?"
After being injected, Vivian was required to stay in the hospital for half an hour for observation.
Aiden crouched in front of her, heart aching as he glanced at the bandages wrapped around her right leg.
Vivian willingly charged forward to protect Aiden from harm.
At this moment, in Aiden’s eyes, she saw his guilt and pity for her once again.
Being bitten by the mad dog was worth it!
Vivian looked at him with profound affection, "Aiden, even if that black dog had rabies, I wouldn’t regret rushing out to save you. I’m just a humble pharmaceutical researcher, while you have significant contributions in the field of medical research. You can’t get hurt."
Speaking with such emotion, Vivian’s sincerity poured out, "Besides, I love you. I’m willing to do anything for you, even if it means dying."
A sense of guilt surged within Aiden.
He gently tousled Vivian’s hair, "You’re really silly."
Just like back when he had a car accident, she went to Clear Spring Monastery despite the hardships, kneeling nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine steps.
All just to get him a peace charm.
At this moment, Daniel Linden, James Linden, and Sharon Sullivan arrived after hearing the news.
Seeing Vivian sitting on the bench with bandages around her leg, the three were heartbroken.
"Vivian, how did you end up getting bitten by a dog?"
Aiden stood up, looking at the Linden family and Sharon Sullivan, "It’s all my fault; the dog was actually after me."
Daniel understood the situation immediately.
He looked at his sister with pity, "Vivian, are you out of your mind? Protecting a grown man from a dog. Is he really afraid of a dog?"
Vivian mumbled, "Brother, you don’t know how fierce the stray dog was. It seemed like it wanted to bite as soon as it appeared."
Daniel was even more displeased, "And you jumped in front of it. What if it had rabies?"
James echoed with concern, "Exactly, Vivian. What if it had rabies?"
Vivian nonchalantly replied, "Didn’t I get the rabies vaccine?"
Sharon deliberately added, "You’re just silly; this man is almost ready to leave you, and yet you risk your life for him."
Broaching this topic, Daniel looked angrily at Aiden, "Aiden, Vivian values you over her own life. Tell us, will the May 1st wedding proceed smoothly? Can you stop meeting Tiana and live harmoniously with Vivian?"
"Brother!" Vivian glared at Daniel, "Don’t morally blackmail Aiden. I saved him willingly; he has the right to make any decision, even if it’s breaking up. I won’t hold a grudge."
The half-hour observation period ended.
Aiden picked up Vivian, "I’ll take you home; you need to get some rest."
...
Tranquil Villa, Star River Bay.
Aiden carefully placed Vivian on the living room sofa.
"Does it still hurt?"
Vivian shook her head, "No, it doesn’t."
Saying it didn’t hurt was a lie.
Aiden had also been bitten by a dog.
Many years ago, when James Linden was about to celebrate his fiftieth birthday.
Because he loved porcelain, to personally make him a set of blue and white porcelain tea sets, she studied in Klayburg for two months.
Of course, it was under Aiden’s accompaniment.
In that small town, he and Tiana were surrounded by wild dogs.
At that time, just like Vivian today, he charged out without hesitation, shielding Tiana.
Being bitten by wild dogs, the pain was excruciating.
How could he not know?
Even now, his leg still bears obvious scars.
He didn’t know why he was so fixated on the past, fixated on Tiana.
When clearly, Vivian was the best choice in front of him.
"Vivian, I’m sorry I’ve been neglecting you this period."
Vivian’s tears of grievance fell instantly.
"It’s nothing, I understand you, it’s really okay."
Aiden wiped her tears, "Vivian, the wedding on May 1st will go on as planned; you don’t need to worry."
Vivian held his hand firmly, "Aiden, I rushed out to protect you today not to morally blackmail you. You have the right to make any decision. Like I said, if you’re not happy with me, I’d rather let go and give you back your freedom."
"Silly, marriage isn’t child’s play." Aiden wiped her tears again, "I said I would marry you, so I will."
James Linden, Daniel, and Sharon Sullivan felt some relief hearing Aiden’s words.
At this moment, Aiden received a call.
The call was from Christopher Grant.
"Aiden, where are you? I have two pieces of bad news, concerning Daisy and Hector." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚
Hector had been on the run after escaping from prison and had disappeared for some time.
The national police were searching for him everywhere, but there was no news.
Upon hearing Hector’s name, Aiden felt a heavy weight in his heart.
Even though Hector had once slept with the woman he loved the most and betrayed their brotherly bond, he did not wish for Hector to die under the police’s gunfire.
His expression darkened, and he spoke more cautiously, "Where are you?"
"At home," Christopher answered, and Aiden immediately said, "Let’s talk in person!"
Despite the urgency, Aiden reminded Vivian Linden to rest well.
Then he left.
...
Star River Bay, Harmony Villa.
Christopher was already in his study, having brewed some coffee, waiting for Aiden.
When Aiden entered, he closed the door and handed Aiden the brewed coffee.
Aiden was in no mood for coffee.
He took the cup absentmindedly, placing it on the coffee table, and sat down, "Did the police find Hector?"
Christopher sat opposite him, "Hector has returned to Veridia. The Veridia police have issued a red notice, and if Hector is seen, he’ll be executed on the spot."
Aiden let out a deep sigh, "If he escaped, why would he return to Veridia? Does he have a death wish?"
"What’s worse, Hector contacted Tiana when he returned to Veridia."
Christopher looked grave.
The atmosphere in the study felt even heavier.
Amidst this pressure, Aiden’s emotions were in turmoil.
Whenever Tiana was involved with Hector, his rationality was slowly eaten away by anger and pain.
Christopher continued, "And Aiden, didn’t you ask the police’s forensic department to help with a paternity test?"
"Did the results come out?" Aiden asked.
Christopher replied with a slight shake of his head.
"The forensic department’s process isn’t that fast, unlike private firms that can be expedited with money."
"The police department’s vehicle, which was transporting the samples, got into an accident, and everything on board was burned. Both your and Daisy’s hair samples were destroyed."
"The forensic department asked if you still want to proceed with the test. If so, you’ll need to resubmit DNA samples."
Aiden thought for a moment, "... No need."
He had already done two paternity tests with Daisy before.
Both results were negative.
The only reason he suspected Daisy was his daughter was due to his own fixation.
It wasn’t until today, when Vivian Linden dashed out to risk herself against that vicious mad dog, that he realized Vivian Linden truly loved him.
Today’s Vivian was like how she once stood in front of him and faced the mad dog’s attack.
He believed that at that moment, Vivian was unhesitating, willing to stake her life.
How could someone like Vivian have any ill intentions?
Moreover, Tiana had already married Leo Sutton.
The dust had settled.
It was time for him and Tiana to draw a line.
Even though Vivian loved him so deeply, why did he still feel that something was missing in his heart?
Christopher saw the loneliness and pain in his eyes.
Christopher understood him, "Are you planning to go ahead with the wedding to Vivian Linden as scheduled?"
"Should I disappoint her?" Aiden retorted.
Christopher: "This is a major decision in your life. You decide for yourself. As for Hector, see if you can make arrangements with the provincial bureau to ensure Hector isn’t killed on the spot."
"I’ll try to find a way." Aiden also didn’t want Hector to be shot in the street.
...
Star River Bay, Tranquil Villa.
Vivian Linden and her mother, Sharon Sullivan, were alone in the bedroom.
The bedroom door was locked from inside.
Sharon’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction, "Vivian, the heavens are truly on our side. If the forensic department’s transport vehicle hadn’t crashed, Aiden would soon know that Daisy is his biological daughter. Then the paternity test would have certainly revealed your true identity. But the transport vehicle just had to crash, as if even heaven is helping us."
Vivian Linden felt relieved.
The black dog that appeared today allowed her to save Aiden once more.
This changed Aiden’s attitude towards her.
With the wedding continuing on schedule, she would fulfill her wish to become Mrs. Grant.
Sharon looked at Vivian’s injuries, "Vivian, take good care of your wounds during this time. Once you’re healed, continue to stay close to Aiden. When the Linden-Grant Pharmaceuticals finally develops the anti-cancer drug and we obtain its research secrets, we’ll be successful."
...
The Sovereign.
Tiana Linden and Leo Sutton were having dinner with Laura, Daisy, Kiera Chaucer’s parents, Gabriel Chaucer and Catherine Armstrong.
Suddenly, two police officers in uniform arrived, led to the dining table by Ms. Quinn.
Leo Sutton stood up calmly, "Is there something you need from us?"
Tiana also rose, "They’re here for me."
"What happened?" Gabriel and Catherine were the most anxious, with Catherine looking at Tiana with concern.
Tiana gave her a reassuring look, "Mom, it’s okay. I’m just going to assist with an investigation."
Although Gabriel and Catherine weren’t her biological parents, calling them mom and dad felt right to her.
She truly wanted to be considered Catherine’s daughter.
Leo Sutton became worried too, looking at her, asking, "Tiana, is it related to Hector?"
Tiana nodded.
That afternoon, she received a call from an unknown number.
It was from Hector.
Shortly after speaking to Hector, the police arrived at her home.
Hector had revealed a huge secret to her.
The secret had shocked her greatly.
With anxiety, she went with the police.
Leo Sutton accompanied her.
However, while Tiana was giving her statement, Leo wasn’t present.
Once her statement was complete, she walked out, and Leo immediately approached her, "Tiana, they didn’t trouble you, did they?"
"No," Tiana shook her head.
Leo wanted to ask why the police had come for her. He suspected it was about Hector.
But since Tiana didn’t mention it, Leo didn’t press.
As they left the police station, they ran into Christopher and Aiden.
Aiden’s gaze fell on Tiana’s slim figure. He frowned, asking, "Tiana, did Hector contact you today?"
Tiana ignored Aiden.
This was the man she never wanted to see again in her life.
She glanced at Leo beside her, saying calmly, "Leo, let’s go."
As they passed Christopher and Aiden, she only acknowledged Christopher before leaving.
She ignored Aiden throughout.
This feeling weighed like a stone on Aiden’s chest, suffocating him.
He quickly caught up with them.
Instinctively, he wanted to grasp Tiana’s arm and demand answers.
But knowing Tiana was married to Leo, he reluctantly withdrew his hand.
At this moment, Aiden felt desolate.
He stepped in front of Leo and Tiana, blocking their way.
Then, he spoke politely to Leo, "Leo Sutton, can I have a word with Tiana? I won’t take much of your time."
Tiana once belonged exclusively to him.
Now, even to speak with her, he needed another man’s permission.
The suffocation in his chest grew more intense.
Yet, Aiden composed himself and asked, "Tiana, what time did Hector call? What did he say on the phone?"
