Chapter 40 " Don't worry . I have the influence to stay in the medical field and protect you for life , " Darwin gently said . " Director Higgins has already abandoned you ! " I shouted . His body stiffened for a moment , then he let out a chuckle . " No. He won't . " A heart - wrenching scream tore through the air . Sweat mixed with tears slid down my forehead . For the sake of a single promise - ' Save her ' - Darwin could go this far ... I couldn't feel my right hand anymore . I didn't dare turn my head . I didn't dare imagine what my hand had become . " Anna , it's okay now . It's fine . Be good ... " A towel wrapped around my mangled hand . Darwin kissed my wrist gently . " Don't worry . I will stay with you for the rest of your life . " My voice trembled . " Get out- " " Anna- " " Get away from me !! " I shouted . " Gasping for breath , he finally let go . " Anna , I'm sorry . But until this is settled , you must stay here . Beatrice's reputation cannot be ruined . " I laughed and cried at the same time . " You're just afraid I'll go out and tell the truth . " " Sorry ... " His apology was swallowed as the door shut in my face . " Darkness swallowed the room . My consciousness slipped into chaos . ... N I woke up again when Darwin shook my arm . " Annalise ! Annalise , wake up ! Why is Carmella bleeding again ? Didn't you save her ? " My right hand was numb - gone to cold nothing . I stared at the man who looked like he would burst into pieces . A bitter laugh escaped me . \ " Such a severe injury needs follow - up care . How could everything be fine after a single surgery ? " " You ... " Darwin tightened his grip , panic sharpening his voice . " Why didn't you say anything sooner ? " Then , as if remembering , he loosened his hold and yanked my left hand , trying to drag me out . " " Hurry up ! Stabilize Carmella's condition , or Beatrice will be held responsible ! " } " Darwin ! " I summoned every ounce of strength I had left . " My right hand is gone ! " } He froze mid - step , eyes snapping to my right wrist . His pupils dilated . " It'll be fine ..." He inhaled sharply . " You can do it with one hand . " He looked into my eyes and added , " Anna , you're so skilled - you can manage with one hand , right ? " Slap ! My left hand left a red print across his face . My whole body trembled in rage . " Do you really believe Beatrice - that surgery can be done single - handed ? " " He mumbled , as if arguing with himself , " No ... Beatrice said a one - handed delivery is possible ... " He grabbed the stump of my right arm , ignoring my teeth - grinding agony . " It's okay , Anna . Try it - what if you can ? If you don't operate , Beatrice will shoulder the blame ! " } Before I could say anything , a loud bang sounded and the door flew open . " A tall man , long - legged and menacing , stood framed in the doorway , his suit askew , face carved with fury . " What have you done to my sister ? " Augustus ' voice was brimming with killing intent.M Behind him , Beatrice was held fast by bodyguards ; blood stained the corner of her mouth . I shifted my gaze to the man following Augustus . " Director Higgins ! " " Dr. Humphrey ... The director's eyes locked onto my severed hand , widening in absolute disbelief.N Augustus slapped the director's shoulder , his voice was cold as he snapped . " Do you want to tell the truth yourselves - or shall I investigate personally ? " % Director Higgins stiffened . If Augustus uncovered the truth himself , it wouldn't be a matter that could be smoothed over with a voluntary confession \ I pointed at Beatrice with my left hand and shouted .