A father's fury.

Caleb's grip on her arms tightened, his face etched with concern. "Okay, let's calm down. We need to let the police handle this."

Abigail shook her head firmly. "No, we can't report this to the police." Tears streamed down Abigail's face as she spoke, her words pouring out in a desperate cry. "What if something happens to Julian? It's all my fault..." Abigail's body shook with sobs as she slowly leaned her head against Caleb's shoulder, letting out a heartbreaking cry.

Caleb swallowed hard, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment as Abigail's tears soaked into his shoulder. He hesitated for a brief instant, unsure of how to react, but then his instincts took over. He slowly raised his hand, wrapping his arm around Abigail's trembling body, holding her close as he offered her comfort and solace.

Meanwhile, Harper grew worried as Abigail failed to return from the washroom. She tried calling Abigail's phone, but it went unanswered. Harper decided to search for her friend, scouring the hospital hallways, her concern deepening with each passing moment.

The hall's announcement system crackled to life, reminding everyone that entries for the gown competition needed to be registered immediately. Harper hesitated, still worried about Abigail's whereabouts, but with no sign of her friend, she reluctantly decided to proceed alone, making her way to the registration desk to sign up for the competition.

Aps Harper exited the Fashion Week hotel, she unexpectedly ran into Sean. His eyes scanned the area, and then he turned to Harper with a question. "Where's Abigail? I didn't see her after the fashion show."

Harper's expression remained neutral. "She left early."

Sean's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't press the issue. Instead, he asked, "Do you have Abigail's new number? I've been trying to reach her, but her old number isn't working."

Harper hesitated for a moment before sharing Abigail's new number. With that, she bid Sean farewell and continued on her way out of the hotel.

As Harper settled into the back seat, her phone rang, displaying Abigail's name. Harper answered, her voice laced with worry. "Where did you go? I was searching all over for you."

Abigail apologized, her voice guarded. "I'm so sorry, Harper. Julian's been in an accident. He's in the hospital."

Harper's concern deepened. "How badly is he hurt?"

Abigail composed herself, swallowing hard to clear the choke from her voice. "He's fine," she said, her tone measured and reassuring.

Harper insisted, "I'll come visit him."

Abigail firmly rejected the idea. "No, Harper. Everything's fine. please go home. I'll handle everything here."

As Abigail persisted, Harper reluctantly agreed. "Okay, I'll go home."

Ethan rushed to the hospital upon hearing the news, his concern etched on his face. When he arrived, he found Abigail sitting alone, her composure regained. She filled him in on the details, her voice steady.

Ethan's expression turned grave. "We should file a report," he urged.

However, Abigail hesitated, her brow furrowed in worry. "I don't know, Ethan. If Johnson has some kind of trick up his sleeve, it could damage Harper's reputation. I don't want to risk it."

Ethan's expression turned determined, his voice laced with concern. "We can't just do nothing, Abigail. Johnson needs to pay for what he's done. We have to take action, but if reporting to the police isn't an option, then we need to come up with something else."

Caleb's eyes flashed with intensity as he fixed his gaze on the middle-aged man standing with his hands folded, and the younger man beside him, whose expression remained frozen as he glanced at his father. Gabriel caught Caleb's gaze and nodded subtly. Turning to the middle-aged man, Gabriel said, "Mr. Hart, seems like your son has played the hero quite well these days."

Mr. Hart swiftly dropped to his knees, his voice filled with desperation. "Mr. Gabriel, I promise to teach my son a valuable lesson. I will make sure he understands the gravity of his actions."

Johnson's face contorted in annoyance, his eyes flashing with indignation. "Dad, what are you saying?" he protested, his voice laced with disdain.

Mr. Hart's face turned red with rage, veins bulging from his neck. "You fool!" he thundered, his voice echoing through the room. "Get to your knees and beg Mr. Gabriel for forgiveness!"

Johnson's expression remained defiant, his eyes flashing with rebellion. "Dad, that's my personal life. I want my girl back. Is that so wrong?" he protested, refusing to back down.

Enraged, Mr. Hart sprang to his feet and slapped Johnson hard across the face, the crack of the slap resounding through the room. "Come back to your senses, boy!" he bellowed.

Johnson's expression faltered, and he finally sensed the gravity of the situation. With a mix of reluctance and resentment, he slowly sank to his knees, his eyes blazing with a sharp, defiant gaze at the two men seated before him. Inwardly, he seethed with questions: How influential could they possibly be? Why did his father cower before them with such fear?

Abigail stood at the pharmacy counter, settling the payment for the medicine. Still dressed in the same elegant attire from the previous night's event, she looked a bit out of place amidst the morning bustle. Just as she finished the transaction, her phone rang. Ethan's voice was laced with excitement as he delivered the news: "Julian's awake!"

Without hesitation, Abigail rushed to the hospital, her heart racing with anticipation. As she burst into Julian's room, she was met with a wonderful sight: her brother was sitting up, a weak but warm smile on his face. Overcome with emotion, Abigail flung herself at Julian, embracing him tightly as tears of joy streamed down her face.

Julian, though still frail, wrapped his arms around his sister, comforting her. "Hey, why are you crying?" he asked softly, his voice filled with affection.

Ethan stood by the bedside, witnessing the emotional reunion between Abigail and Julian. A warm smile spread across his face, and he couldn't help but let out a gentle laugh at the tender scene.

Abigail's eyes were filled with concern as she asked, "Are you alright? I'll call the doctor." She reached for the nurse's call button, but Ethan gently intervened, placing a reassuring hand on her arm.

"The doctor already came and checked on him," Ethan explained softly.

Julian, noticing his sister's distress, offered a weak but reassuring smile. "Calm down, Abigail. I'm fine."