Chapter 34
Chapter 34:
Brent shot Colton a desperate look. “Colton, she needs to hear it from you p>
Colton had never been skilled at offering comfort. “Elyse, you need to listen to the doctor. If you want any hope of getting your life back, you have to go through with the surgery p>
“But I’m so scared, Colton…” Elyse clung tightly to his hand. “Please stay. Don’t leave until it’s over p>
Colton hesitated, his thoughts drifting briefly to Kristine still sitting at the restaurant. Then his voice roughened. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll wait for you p>
A spark of satisfaction flickered across Elyse’s face. “Colton, nobody’s ever treated me the way you do p>
He slipped his hand free and turned to Brent. “Get her ready p>
Brent gave a quick nod and signaled to a nurse. The medical staff began wheeling Elyse toward the operating room.
Right before the doors swung shut, Brent leaned close to Colton and said in a hushed tone, “It’s a relief you made it. We were out of options p>
Pо𝗉𝘶𝗅𝗮𝗿 stо𝗿ieѕ on
Colton said nothing, his eyes shadowed with worry.
Brent did not notice his expression. Once inside the operating area, he dismissed the rest of the staff. His voice softened as he turned directly to Elyse.
“You can stop pretending now p>
A small laugh slipped from Elyse as she opened her eyes.
Brent put a finger to his lips, cautioning her.
Covering her mouth to stifle another laugh, Elyse whispered, “Brent, you really came through for me p>
“This is a one-time favor,” he whispered back. “I can’t risk Colton catching on. If he ever does, my career is finished p>
Elyse nodded, gratitude brimming in her eyes. “I understand. You’ve done more than enough for me. Still —” A sudden sadness crept into her expression. “Even if this incident was staged, my illness is real. If we don’t find a donor soon, I don’t know how much time I have left p>
Brent gave her hand a firm squeeze. “Don’t say things like that. Colton is the wealthiest man in Gridron — he has connections everywhere. There are so many people in this world. We will find the right donor p>
“But even if we do, there’s no guarantee anyone will agree to give up a kidney p>
A confident smile played on Brent’s lips. “Colton will make it happen. Money changes people’s minds. He’ll pay whatever it costs p>
At those words, the fear behind Elyse’s eyes slowly melted away.
As soon as Kristine connected to the hostel Wi-Fi, a notification flashed across her phone. It was from Elyse.
She tapped the message open. A new photo filled her screen — a woman’s hand resting gently on top of a man’s. Kristine recognized Elyse’s hand immediately, and the man’s could only be Colton’s.