CHAPTER 3 — The Man Everyone Believed Was Dead
The storm arrived just after midnight.
Lightning flashed across the sky as thunder shook the Blackwood Medical Estate.
Emily couldn't sleep.
The strange syringe was hidden inside the lining of her handbag.
She had spent hours searching medical databases.
The liquid wasn't part of any approved coma treatment.
It contained a powerful neurological suppressant—something that could reduce brain activity and prevent a patient from regaining consciousness.
If administered repeatedly...
It could trap someone inside their own body.
Alive.
Aware.
Unable to move.
Emily's hands trembled.
Alexander hadn't been sleeping.
He had been imprisoned.
The next morning, Dr. Warren announced a change.
"I'll personally handle Mr. Blackwood's evening medications from now on."
Emily forced a smile.
Inside, panic exploded.
Why change the routine now?
Had they realized she was suspicious?
That afternoon, she made a decision that could cost her everything.
When no one was looking, she quietly replaced the mysterious syringe with an identical empty one she found in the supply room.
Then she hid the real syringe inside her shoe.
Her pulse raced.
If anyone searched her locker...
They would find nothing.
That night, as the estate settled into silence, Emily entered Alexander's room alone.
The machines beeped steadily.
She pulled a chair beside the bed.
"I don't know if you can hear me," she whispered.
"But if you're in there... I'm going to help you."
A tear rolled down her cheek.
"I promise."
Then...
Something impossible happened.
A single tear slowly slid from Alexander Blackwood's closed eye.
Emily jumped to her feet.
Her heart slammed against her ribs.
"No..."
She leaned closer.
"Alexander?"
Nothing.
Only silence.
She almost convinced herself it was imagination.
Then...
His index finger twitched.
Once.
Very slightly.
But this time...
She knew she hadn't imagined it.
Before she could press the emergency button, the bedroom door burst open.
Dr. Warren.
Damien Blackwood.
And two security guards.
Their faces were pale.
Not with concern.
With fear.
Damien looked directly at Alexander's hand.
Then at Emily.
For a split second, the polite billionaire mask disappeared.
What Emily saw beneath it was pure hatred.
"Everyone out," Damien ordered coldly.
"No," Emily replied.
"I just saw him move."
The room fell silent.
Damien slowly smiled.
"A stressed nurse... seeing things."
Then he stepped closer until only inches separated them.
"If you value your brother's life..."
"...forget what happened tonight."
Emily froze.
How did he know about Noah?
Damien leaned toward her ear.
"We know where he studies."
"We know where he sleeps."
"So stop asking questions."
Emily left the room shaking.
But she also understood one terrifying truth.
Alexander Blackwood was waking up.
And someone would kill him before they ever let that happen.
As she walked toward the parking garage, her phone vibrated.
An unknown number.
Only one message appeared on the screen.
"DON'T TRUST THE DOCTORS. THE CAMERAS CAN SEE EVERYTHING. CHECK THE SCAR BEHIND HIS LEFT EAR."
Emily slowly looked up.
Across the parking lot...
Someone dressed entirely in black stood watching her.
May you like
Then disappeared into the darkness.
To be continued...
