The Culprit

Lorenzo's deep, composed voice came from inside.

"Let him in."

The man stepped into the room. The moment his eyes fell on Lorenzo, he let out a relieved sigh.

"So... you're alive."

For a brief moment, I froze, startled by the way he said it.

Lorenzo, however, simply smiled.

"Yeah."

He let out a quiet chuckle.

"I'm alive."

"It's just a few minor injuries."

As Lorenzo tried to get out of bed, I instinctively stepped forward.

"Please, be careful—"

Before I could reach him, the man was already at his side, supporting him.

"Easy, Lorenzo," he said firmly. "Your injuries haven't healed yet."

"Alexie, I'm fine."

Lorenzo placed a reassuring hand on Alexie's shoulder.

"Besides... now that you're here, everything will be alright."

I remained standing quietly by the doorway, watching the two of them.

After a moment, Alexie turned to me.

"Alright, Chase."

"I'll be taking Lorenzo with me now."

"W-What?"

The words escaped my lips before I could stop them.

"I-I mean..."

I took a small breath.

"Mr. Lorenzo hasn't fully recovered yet."

"So... you can't take him with you."

Alexie looked at me carefully, as if trying to read the expression on my face.

Before he could respond, Lorenzo spoke.

"Why, Chase?"

He looked at me curiously.

"Can you tell me why I can't leave?"

I met his gaze and answered calmly.

"Because you're still recovering, Mr. Lorenzo."

"As a medical student, it's my responsibility to monitor your condition until you're well enough to leave."

Before Lorenzo could say anything, Alexie interrupted.

"Fine."

He looked at Lorenzo before turning back to me.

"Lorenzo will stay here under your observation."

He paused for a moment.

"But you'll have to take full responsibility for looking after him."

His sharp eyes met mine.

"Do you accept that?"

"Y-Yes..."

I nodded.

"I do."

Alexie gave a slight nod before looking back at Lorenzo.

"Alexie."

Lorenzo's voice turned serious.

"Why are you leaving me here?"

"Because it's not safe for you to return right now."

Alexie's expression hardened.

"I don't know who might be after your life next."

His voice grew firm.

"So, for the time being..."

"You'll stay here."

I couldn't understand what they were talking about.

It felt as though they were discussing something far beyond my understanding.

Just then, Lorenzo shot Alexie a sharp look.

It was a silent warning—

A reminder that I was still standing there, listening to every word.

Lorenzo glanced at me.

Then he looked at Alexie.

Alexie, in turn, looked back at Lorenzo.

For a brief moment, silence filled the room.

Only then did I realize they were trying to hide something from me.

I quickly snapped out of my thoughts.

"I'm sorry," I said with an awkward smile.

"You two can continue your conversation."

With that, I quietly stepped out of the room and made my way downstairs to the living room.

"Lorenzo," Alexie said patiently, trying to calm him down. "You only have to stay here for one week."

He paused before continuing.

"Just one week. By then, I'll find the culprit."

Lorenzo's expression darkened.

"One week."

His voice was cold.

"And if you fail to find him by then..."

He looked Alexie straight in the eyes.

"I'll hunt him down myself."

"And I'll be the one to end his life."

Alexie let out a quiet sigh.

"Fine."

"But no one can find out that you're staying here."

His tone turned serious.

"Otherwise, not only your life..."

"...but Chase's life will be in danger as well."

Lorenzo's eyes narrowed.

"Nothing will happen to him."

His voice was calm, yet firm.

"I'll make sure of that."

He paused for a moment.

"You just focus on finding that traitor."

"The rest..."

"I'll handle myself."

Alexie gave a slight nod.

"Alright."

After a brief silence, he asked,

"Did you tell Chase anything about yourself?"

Lorenzo shook his head.

"No."

"We barely talk."

He fell silent for a moment, seemingly lost in thought.

"...He reminds me of someone."

His voice grew quieter.

"Someone I never wanted to remember again."

He pressed a hand against his forehead, as if trying to suppress the memories resurfacing in his mind.

Alexie's expression softened.

"It's alright."

He placed a reassuring hand on Lorenzo's shoulder.

"Everything will be alright."

Just then, a knock came from the other side of the door.

"Mr. Lorenzo? Mr. Alexie?"

My voice sounded from outside.

"Dinner is ready."

"Would you like to come downstairs, or should I bring it up here?"

Alexie looked toward the door before replying,

"We'll come downstairs."

"Alright."

I answered before heading back toward the dining room to prepare the table.

Alexie turned back to Lorenzo and extended his hand.

"Come on."

Lorenzo looked at him for a moment before taking his hand.

"Hmm."

Together, the two of them slowly made their way downstairs.

Author:-

I hope you guys enjoyed Part 4 of this novel! Please stay tuned for Part 5.

And don't forget to share your feedback with me. Your thoughts and suggestions mean a lot and will help me improve. Thank you for reading! 💙

Happy Reading 💙

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***