Chapter 7

Just as Xavier was about to speak, Hugo, struggling to breathe, said in a pained voice, "Sorry, Mr. Caldwell. It's all my fault..." His white shirt was soaked in blood, and his eyes slowly started to lose focus. Reina's face paled at once. She shot Xavier a sharp glance before signaling the bodyguard to carry the unconscious Hugo. She commanded, "Leon, start the car! Hurry!" Her actions immediately drew the attention of the onlookers. "Why is Ms. Yarrow suddenly so concerned about Hugo? Are they… They were so perfect together before. It was a shame when they split." "She must still have feelings for him. She married Xavier only out of gratitude. After only a few days as a wealthy son-in-law, he's forgotten his humble beginnings. He used to work as a male escort in a bar, and now he's acting so cruelly?" "How can you expect much from a former male escort? Maybe Xavier framed Hugo for betraying Ms. Yarrow back then just to tear the couple apart. What a scheming man!" Xavier stood there with his head lowered. He smiled bitterly. Just because he came from a humble background, everyone naturally threw all the blame on him and slandered him in every way. Even though Reina had married him out of obligation, deep down, she probably also looked down on his lowly origins. She must be embarrassed to be seen with him in public. After all, only a man like Hugo, who was born into a powerful family, was worthy of a distinguished young lady like her. A male escort like Xavier could never be good enough for her. He had kept her infertility a secret and shouldered the blame for everything. What did he get in return? Reina would never even glance at him, let alone love him. Feeling defeated, Xavier turned to go home. However, he was stopped by Leon. "Mr. Caldwell, Ms. Yarrow asked you to go to the hospital." Following Leon, Xavier arrived at the intensive care unit and saw Reina sitting by the bed. She held a bowl, blowing on the soup before she fed Hugo. Her close friends were gathered around her, chatting away and showing concern for Hugo. Upon noticing Xavier, Reina put the bowl down. Her expression darkened. "Xavier, come apologize to Hugo." Xavier, still weak from his fever, could barely stand. Looking at her with a sorrowful expression, he asked, "Will you believe me if I say I didn't stab him?" Seeing his face covered in sweat, Reina frowned. Suddenly, she raised her hand and angrily knocked the bowl away. "You're still denying it? Hugo's spleen almost ruptured because of that stab! How could you be so cruel? You hurt him this badly and caused him such pain!" Xavier turned his face away in disappointment. Even though they had known each other for eight years, she still believed he could be that malicious. She didn't trust him at all. What else could he say? He would only humiliate himself if he spoke any further. "Reina, I believe Mr. Caldwell didn't mean to do it. Let him go." Hugo coughed weakly. "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have clung to this place where I grew up and gotten in his way. Once I'm discharged, I'll move abroad and give him some peace." "You haven't done anything wrong. Why are you leaving?" Reina covered Hugo with a blanket before saying coldly, "Come over here now, Xavier. Or do you want my men to drag you here?" As she finished speaking, Leon roughly shoved Xavier toward Hugo's bed. Hugo's eyes gleamed with smug satisfaction. Feigning concern, he said, "Mr. Gardner, don't treat Mr. Caldwell so roughly. After all, he's the esteemed son-in-law of the Yarrow family." "Hmph! He can't even have children, and he's worthy to be the Yarrow family's son-in-law?" One of Reina's friends stepped forward and slapped Xavier across the face. "You asshole! How dare you hurt Hugo? You'll learn what it feels like to suffer!" Xavier's head rang from the slap. It took several seconds for his hearing to return to normal. He endured the humiliation and bowed deeply to Hugo. "I'm sorry, Hugo." When he lifted his head, the sadness in his eyes was long gone, replaced by an icy look. "Ms. Yarrow, my apology has been delivered, and I've been slapped. Are you satisfied? Can I leave now?"