Damien’s voice rang out clearly across the hallway, loud enough that no one could miss it. But even as he spoke, Celeste caught the flicker of resentment hidden in his eyes. The doctor had no choice but to relent. “In that case, I’ll wait another ten minutes.” His earlier protest had dissolved into silent submission.

Celeste’s lips curled into a faint, cold smile. Moments like these reminded her of a bitter truth: everything was meaningless when it came to power and status. She stepped aside, lowering her gaze to check her phone. Five minutes left. Almost. Across the hallway, Adrian had walked off to take a call. Her eyes followed him for a moment. These past few weeks, they’d crossed paths more and more. And lately… she’d begun noticing things.

She didn’t realize Damien had been watching her all along, seated at the edge of the corridor, quietly observing. And he had noticed where her attention lingered. His hands clenched into tight fists just as he made to rise—but a hand gently touched his wrist.

“Damien?”

“What is it?”

Lucy leaned against his arm, her voice soft and weak. “I feel a little dizzy.”

His expression shifted in an instant, concern clouding his features. “You were fine just now. What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. It just hit me suddenly.”

Though she spoke quietly, Celeste caught every word. She turned slightly and saw Damien’s hand covering Lucy’s, his voice low and soothing. “Can you hold on a little longer? Or should I take you to a doctor now?”

“Let’s wait until we’ve seen Mr. Wenford Senior. It’s manageable for now…”

“Okay.”

He gently rubbed her back. They looked like a loving couple. The moment wasn’t lost on Celeste—or anyone else. Even the doctor nearby took notice. He glanced between the couple and Celeste with a look of uncertainty in his eyes. For a moment, he seemed unsure which woman was actually Damien’s wife. Celeste quickly turned away, putting distance between herself and them. Out of sight, out of mind.

When the last of the eight minutes ticked by, she walked over and opened the ward door, right on cue. The others silently followed her in. At the far end of the hallway, Adrian glanced up mid-call. He had been watching the time, too. As soon as he saw them enter the ward…

Inside, the soft creak of the door stirred Alaric awake. Celeste approached quickly. “Don’t move, Alaric, I’m going to remove the needles now.”

“Day,” Alaric smiled and said, “Celeste, I feel much better. My chest doesn’t feel as tight anymore.”

“Really?” She smiled warmly and glanced at him before concentrating on removing the needles from Alaric. Just as she pulled out the last needle, Adrian arrived in the room; he ended the call and strode…