Chapter 94

Reginald, his eyes darting to Mr. Hansen, wrung his hands. “If we can’t reach this person…is that it for Father, Mr. Walsh? No hope?” His voice cracked. The flicker of hope in his eyes dimmed. “Only months left?”

Jonathan gazed at Paul’s pale face. Hesitation warred with resolve, then vanished. “If Mr. Hansen fails, I know someone else. Another Ancient Medical Arts practitioner.”

Reginald’s eyes widened. “Really?”

The Vanderbilts turned, expectant. They knew Jonathan wouldn’t have kept this secret if it were easy.

His expression clouded. “She’s incredibly elusive. I’ve invited her to the hospital countless times; she’s always refused.” He didn’t mention their chance encounter years ago – a memory she likely wouldn’t recall.

Reginald nodded grimly.

“But don’t worry,” Jonathan reassured them. “I’ll do everything.”

Their hopes hung on Charles’ interminable phone call. Finally, he hung up, wiping sweat from his brow. His usual sternness returned.

“My mentor will come,” Charles announced, his voice measured. “Whether she treats him, or even can, depends on her assessment.”

Not a yes, not a no. Anything was possible. A collective sigh of relief swept the room.

Jonathan relaxed. “Someone stay with him. Everyone else, let him rest.”

“I’ll stay,” Dominick volunteered instantly.

No one argued. Dominick’s closeness to Paul was undeniable.

“Fine,” Jonathan said. “Call if anything happens.”

“Will do, Mr. Walsh,” Dominick replied.

Silence descended. Dominick settled beside Paul, taking his hand. “You’re getting stubborn with age,” he murmured. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

The usual back-and-forth banter, even in anger, was absent. Their last argument…when was it? Then it struck him: shortly after his divorce from Paisley. Paul’s fury, the first time he’d ever struck Dominick. Until then, Dominick hadn’t disappointed him.

“Grandpa, you were right to scold me. I regret it. I truly regret it,” Dominick whispered. He’d regretted it the moment he signed the papers, but the heat of the moment, the assumption Paisley was bluffing…it had all been a mistake.