81.

Aiden's POV

I carefully descended the stairs, trying my best not to wince much. The pain was a throbbing presence on my left side, directly underneath my chest.

Any higher, and I would have been dead.

The cane provided some support, but it was a steady reminder of my vulnerability, of how Ricardo had peeled through my defenses and gotten at me. Nevertheless, I pressed on, taking the steps one at a time, with Joe steadily watching me.

As I reached the bottom of the staircase, the first person I saw was Cook, who was smiling genially at me.

"Mr. Blackwood, are you feeling better now?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

I returned her smile, grateful for her kindness. "I'm getting there, Cook. Thank you for asking."

She nodded, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "You're a resilient one, Mr. Blackwood. I'm sure you'll be back on your feet in no time."

Her words of encouragement bolstered my spirits, and I felt a surge of determination coursing through me. "I appreciate