Chapter 175

• "Howard!" Charlotte screamed, her voice piercing the tense hallway, hazel eyes wide with raw panic as she lunged forward. But he didn't hear her—didn't even flinch—his world narrowed to red-hot fury, his blue eyes bloodshot and blazing as he slammed Ryan against the cold hospital wall with a thud that rattled nearby carts. Howard's massive frame loomed, forearm pinning Ryan's collar tight under his jaw, veins bulging in his neck. "How many fucking times do I have to tell you to stay away from her?" He snarled, breath ragged, possessive rage twisting his handsome features into something feral, every muscle coiled like a predator ready to strike.
• Ryan choked slightly, hands rising defensively to grip Howard's wrist, trying to pry free without escalating, his face calm but strained. "Howard, it's not what you think—let me explain!" he rasped urgently, Howard's grip only tightened, deaf to reason, jealousy roaring louder than words.
• Charlotte wedged between them desperately, her small hands grabbing Howard's rigid arm, pulling with all her strength, her voice breaking with fear and frustration. "Howard, stop! Leave him alone—he's not here for me. Ryan's here to meet someone else!" Tears pricked her eyes, panic etching her face pale, her heart hammering as she feared real violence erupting in this corridor.