That night, Elena slept deeply, free of the tension that usually kept her awake. When she awoke, the room was empty, and Nathaniel had already left. A note sat on the bedside table.
Nathaniel: I've arranged two days off for you. Rest up.
Elena's hand instinctively moved to her stomach. The excuse she'd used last night about her period had worked, leading to unexpected care from Nathaniel.
'But I can't let myself soften,' she reminded herself firmly.
Just as she started to get up, her phone buzzed on the nightstand.
Her father's name flashed on the screen—Franklin.
The sight of his name instantly set her on edge, but she knew she couldn't ignore him. Not when Lily's life was at stake.
"Have you got the money yet, or are you just letting her rot away in that hospital?" Franklin's voic
