Chapter 253

Ryan's POV My world collapsed with a single phone call. "Mr. Blackwood, there's been an accident at the estate. Your wife has fallen down the stairs. She's bleeding heavily..." Simon's usually composed voice cracked with urgency. I felt the blood drain from my face. The boardroom full of executives faded into a blur around me. "Where is she now?" I demanded, already on my feet, knocking over my chair with a crash that silenced the room. "They're rushing her to Metropolitan General. Maya is with her in the ambulance." I didn't bother ending the call properly, just shoved my phone into my pocket and stormed toward the door. "Meeting adjourned," I barked over my shoulder, ignoring the startled faces of my executive team. The twenty-minute drive to the hospital was the longest of my life. Every red light was an eternity. Every slow driver, a personal affront. I cursed and pounded the steering wheel, desperate prayers tumbling from my lips—prayers I hadn't uttered since I was a child. "Plea