“The doctors actually declared Zoe dead at one point,” he said, his voice roughening. “So when I heard that she’s slipped into a coma, I lied to Maverick.”
Amara frowned immediately.
“I told him Zoe was already dead.”
The room fell silent.
Amara stared at him in disbelief.
Elias clenched his jaw tightly before continuing.
“If I had told him she was still alive, he never would’ve focused on recovering,” he said, frustration cutting across his face. “He would’ve destroyed himself trying to treat her instead of focusing on standing on his own two feet again.”
His jaw tightened as he exhaled sharply.
“The doctors made it very clear—his injuries were severe. Without proper rehabilitation and treatment, there was a real chance he might never walk again.” His eyes darkened slightly. “I had to make sure both Zoe and Maverick were taken care of.”
He lowered his eyes briefly.
“So I took responsibility for Zoe while Maverick went to Germany for treatment and rehabilitation.”
Amara remained completely silent now.
Elias continued quietly,
“Zoe was being treated in Australia until three months ago, and I handled everything for her.”
His expression became visibly exhausted just remembering it.
“But her condition wasn’t improving,” he admitted. “And it was difficult for me to closely look after her while living here.”
His grip around Amara loosened further.
Finally, he looked back at her seriously.
“So I decided to bring Zoe back to Manhattan.”
He rubbed a hand tiredly across his forehead before continuing.
“I couldn’t keep flying overseas constantly to check on her and take care of her treatment.”
Amara stared at him for a long moment before finally speaking quietly.
“Then… Bianca?”
Her voice still carried suspicion and doubt.
Elias immediately answered.
“Bianca has the same blood type as Zoe.”
Amara blinked in surprise.
Elias nodded slightly.
“She’s been donating blood regularly for Zoe.”
He leaned back against the bed tiredly before continuing.
