ison

mell of antiseptic sharp in the air. Beside me, El

ve time to soothe her. My phone vibrated

approve the discharge. Also, I've discovered the Combs family has an outstanding balance of seven

wed. I typed

dle

-law? I'd have the Scott Family Foundation cut a zero fro

ay and turned to

ike a frightened rabbit's. "I... I'm

I placed my hands on her shoulde

are telling him the truth: You have someone who loves you, some

a sliver of strength. Her

rough the small glass window, I saw a gaunt

ed the door

e faltered, then returned full force. "You're

again. She shot me a h

slight, respectful bow and extended my hand. "Mr. C

o me, sharp and full of

in. "Yes, Dad. We... w

d unwavering. "That's right, sir. I love Eloise, and I want to take care of her and this famil

joined hands, the fire in his eyes slowly d

agged back against the pillows and wave

er hand tightening around mine. I could

o

I stepped out of the room. She leaned aga

her voice hoarse, her e

t the feeling in my chest wasn't as calm as my

buzzed ag

to the account you specified. The hospital's outstanding

looked up at Eloise. She was

e banking app notification. A

with shock, confusion, and a flic

and met her gaze without flinching.

e hissed, her voice a frantic whisper. "How do y

he first questi

tone deliberately casual. "And my family has a small business. This amount...

eve I was just some comfortably well-off kid, not

s were still filled with unease. "Th

it. You're my 'tutor' and my 'fiancée.' Now, go schedule your brother's sur

eight of my words, then turned and walked towar

ng there, clutching her phone like it was a white-ho