The police arrived after a torturous forty-minute wait in the waiting room to take Aaron's statement. He recounted the events, beginning with the text messages, and showed them his phone. They confiscated it as evidence, but he didn't mind; replacing it would be easy.

The problem arose when they asked if he knew who was responsible or if he or Keeley had any enemies. He knew it was Lacy, but proving it would be difficult. Accusing her would alert her, potentially making her more dangerous. Even with sufficient evidence, her father's wealth would likely ensure her acquittal. She would become more cautious, making future action even harder.

Conversely, ignoring his suspicions left them vulnerable to further attacks. He couldn't risk that again, yet whichever option he chose, Lacy could retaliate.

Instead of focusing on his plans to destroy her, Aaron considered what would be best for Keeley. Keeley was staying in New York after graduation, while Lacy would be in Boston. Perhaps, if he let this go, Lacy would leave Keeley alone.

He decided to let Lacy go, despite his desire for her punishment. Building his empire took precedence.

"No, I can't think of anyone," he said.

The officers, fooled by his composure, left to discuss questioning Keeley upon her awakening. They gave him a business card before departing.

The emergency room was bustling; weekends brought an increase in injuries. Wails of pain and the frantic sounds of rushing staff filled the air, mirroring Aaron's mood.

Robert approached him, where he sat with his head in his hands, speaking gently.

"Son, why don't you go home and get some sleep? I can call you when she wakes up if you want to visit."

Aaron looked up, aware Robert's kindness would vanish if he knew Aaron's involvement. He felt he'd always let Keeley down, undeserving of her then and now, until he could provide safety and stability. Revealing tonight's events would undo their progress; Keeley already distanced herself, and this confirmed her instincts. Being with him was dangerous; she'd suffered enough in his past life. Why had he believed things could be different?

"Mr. Hall, could you…not tell Keeley I found her? She didn't seem to recognize me, so I doubt she'll remember, and I don't want her to be uncomfortable."

Robert's eyes softened, remembering Aaron's apprehension at their last dinner. The young man clearly cared deeply for Keeley. Seeing his distress made his concern evident.

"I won't say anything," he promised. "I owe you that much for saving her. If you hadn't been there…"

"I'm glad I got there in time," Aaron replied.

A text from Carlton announced his arrival.

"My ride's here. Please let me know when she wakes up."

They exchanged numbers.

"Of course. Get home safe, son," Robert said kindly.

Aaron saw a nurse lead Robert to Keeley. He wanted to be there but felt unworthy; he wasn't her husband. He was a powerless, unconnected seventeen-year-old, unable to protect her.

On the drive home, his thoughts raced. Who needed contacting early to build his empire? Many key players were either unborn or in elementary school. Which contacts were in college or starting their careers? He needed to assess their current positions.

Jeremy Ward, his eventual business successor, wouldn't be born for six years. The hacker who obtained footage of Lacy killing Max would soon finish eighth grade – possibly approachable. Darren Johnson, the detective who would eventually testify against Lacy, was currently a beat cop. For everyone else, he'd have to start over. It was too early.

"Master Aaron, it's nearly one a.m. What will you tell your parents?" Carlton asked, interrupting his mental list.

Exhaustion muddled his thoughts.

"Terrible traffic after the dance. Alice won't tell. They won't suspect a thing."

Carlton agreed. Alice hadn't seemed surprised by Aaron's absence.

The wealthy world was unfathomable to him, despite a decade serving the Hale family. He'd never seen Master Aaron interact so much with anyone until Keeley. She must mean a great deal to him. He'd kept her existence secret from Mr. and Mrs. Hale, knowing their disapproval. Their ignorance was their protection. The final two paragraphs mentioning the website were removed as they were irrelevant to the text's content.