Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 454: Chapter 454

The hallway of the hospital reeked of disinfectant, heavy and suffocating, with fluorescent lights casting a pale, cold glow over every hurried face passing by.
Alfie and I stood outside Marvin's room, watching through the glass as he slowly regained consciousness. Just an hour ago, he was on the brink of death, and now, though out of danger, his eyes were full of confusion and disorientation.
I took a deep breath and pushed open the door, walking slowly to his bedside.
Marvin's face was as pale as paper, his lips cracked, and his forehead wrapped in thick bandages. He looked frail, barely holding onto consciousness.
I bent down slightly, trying to soften my voice as much as I could. "Marvin, it's good to see you awake. How are you feeling?"
"I... I'm fine," he muttered weakly.
"Can you tell me what happened?" Alfie asked, his voice deep and concerned.
We had learned that Marvin had left home after receiving a phone call, and shortly after, he was attacked. He had barely escaped with his life.
Marvin furrowed his brow, his expression filled with pain and struggle. He tried to recall the events, his lips moving but no words coming out.
After a long moment, he slowly shook his head, his voice hoarse and faint. "I... I really can't remember. I just remember leaving after I got a call."
"Who called you?" Alfie pressed, handing him a cup of water.
Marvin took the cup, drank a sip, his face growing even paler. "I don't remember."
I straightened up and exchanged a look with Alfie. His eyes mirrored the same confusion I felt.
Alfie moved closer and gently patted Marvin's shoulder. "Don't rush it. Rest up for now. If you remember anything, let us know."
Marvin nodded, placed the cup on the bedside table, and lay back down.
Alfie and I quietly left the room, walking down the long corridor in silence, each lost in our own thoughts.
As we stepped outside the hospital, the bright sunlight stung my eyes, and I instinctively squinted. Alfie pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag before slowly exhaling a smoke ring.
He lowered his voice, adding a layer of mystery, "Do you think Marvin is lying?"
I turned to him in surprise. "You noticed it too? I thought it was just me."
Alfie furrowed his brows, his eyes filled with suspicion. He flicked the ash from his cigarette and continued, "The person who tried to kill him must be someone he knows, and he's clearly concerned. But I can't figure out who it is. This guy never talks about a girlfriend."
I sighed, shaking my head in frustration. "Maybe he's not covering up for the killer. He probably just doesn't want us to dig deeper."
If someone dared to attack a cop, that person would certainly be powerful and dangerous.
Marvin didn't want us to investigate further, not only because he was afraid of alarming the enemy, but also to protect us from danger.
Alfie paused, his cigarette hovering in midair as he seemed to suddenly understand. His eyes sharpened, and he murmured, "You're right. But what case was Marvin working on? Who would want him dead—because of the case, or because of his position in the Adams Group?"
I thought for a moment, then replied carefully, "He's still on leave, not working on any case. But he might have uncovered something important by accident. That's why someone's trying to silence him. But the real reason they want him dead could be because of his ties to the Adams Group."
Alfie's expression became more intense, his eyes fixed on me. "If it's because of the Adams Group, then the person behind this must be the one who stands to gain the most from Marvin's death."
I felt a chill run down my spine, instantly understanding what he meant.
Jamilah had transferred all of her Adams Group shares and assets to me. If Marvin died, there would be no one left to compete with me for the CEO position. Michael's shares would likely be sold to other shareholders, making it easier for me to take control.
"You think it's me?" I lifted my chin defiantly, the glint of resentment in my eyes.
Alfie quickly shook his head, his face showing regret.
He took another drag from his cigarette and said, "No, I don't think it's you. After Angela died and Marvin was almost assassinated, it was you who saved him. The next day, Jamilah transferred everything to you. She did it to protect the Adams Group, and to protect Marvin's life. Anyone could be behind this, but you wouldn't harm him."
I smiled faintly, feeling a sense of gratitude. "We've only met a few times, but you're so sure that I wouldn't hurt Marvin."
"You wouldn't harm him, but I'm not sure your people would," Alfie sighed, his gaze sharp and filled with concern. "Be careful. If you need anything, just let me know. I'm sticking around Nifelheim City for a while."
I nodded, thanking him before I parted ways and got into the car.
Liam was in the driver's seat, glancing at me through the rearview mirror. He didn't ask where I was headed, just started the car and drove me back to Honeydew.
On the drive, I couldn't stop thinking about what Alfie had said.
The people who wanted Marvin dead were close to me. And those close to me, besides Alex, were the Parks family.
Alex had told me not to get involved with the Adams Group. Maddox had wanted to collaborate with the Adams Group, but I had made my move first, arranging a partnership between the Herrera Group and the Adams Group. Later, I also signed a cooperation deal with Isaac's Srento Group.
If any of these parties wanted to swallow the Adams Group, it wouldn't be easy, unless they teamed up.
But Jamilah had transferred everything to me. If the two groups were planning to take the Adams Group, they might have already taken action.
After all, I was now the largest shareholder of the Adams Group.
The car slowed to a stop outside Honeydew. I opened the door, got out, and dragged myself toward the house.
When I opened the door, I saw Betty standing up from the couch and walking toward me.
Before I could react, a loud slap echoed through the room. A stinging pain flared across my cheek as I was caught off guard. The force of the slap left me momentarily dazed.