"I have plans today, so I can't—"

Amy's words were abruptly cut off by Alexander's urgent voice through the phone.

"Nathan, Victoria just got out of surgery. You should come see her."

Victoria?

Of course. How could she forget? Every time Alexander canceled on her, it was always for Victoria.

Amy's heart had long grown numb to it. Her voice remained icy and detached.

"If she's stable now, you can visit later. It won't take much of your time—"

But Nathan Prescott interrupted again, his tone sharp with impatience.

"Alex, why are you still on the phone? Victoria's been asking for you nonstop! You need to get here now!"

His voice dropped to a grave whisper.

"The doctors aren't optimistic. If... if the worst happens, this might be your last chance to see her."

"Fine. I'm on my way." Alexander's tone turned clipped.

Just before hanging up, he remembered Amy still on the line.

"I'm busy. I'll call you back."

The call ended.

Alexander turned to Nathan, his expression unreadable.

"How is she?"

Nathan glanced at the phone in Alexander's hand, a fleeting smirk hidden beneath his solemn mask.

"Not good. The doctors say... given her condition, she might not last another six months."

Alexander's jaw tightened. "What about that specialist you mentioned? Any progress?"

"I found him."

"Then why hasn't he treated her yet?"

Nathan exhaled sharply, frustration bleeding into his voice.

"That stubborn old man, Dr. Whitmore, refuses to come! No amount of money or persuasion works. It's infuriating!"

"Did he demand anything in return?"

"No." Nathan shook his head. "He's unlike anyone I've ever met. Retired, yet still runs a tiny clinic. People come and go, but when I begged him to treat Victoria, he wouldn't budge."

His expression darkened.

"I'll go back tomorrow. If he still refuses, I'll drag him here myself."

Alexander's gaze sharpened. "Have you tried taking Victoria to his clinic?"

Nathan hesitated. "...No."

"Did he explicitly forbid it?"

"...Not exactly."

"Then try that first."

Nathan rubbed his temple. "Victoria needs continuous care. I wanted him as her private physician."

Alexander's steps slowed as he countered, "Maybe he won't abandon his other patients for one. Take her to him tomorrow."

Nathan's eyes flickered.

"Uh... I might have... lost my temper with him yesterday. Called him heartless."

He swallowed.

"If I bring Victoria now, he might refuse out of spite. Maybe... you should go instead?"

Alexander gave him a long, silent look.

Soon, they reached Victoria's hospital room.

When the door opened, she was already awake.

Her dull eyes brightened briefly at the sight of Alexander—before dimming again like a dying ember.

"Alex... I'm sorry for troubling you again. You must be busy. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

Alexander's dark gaze grew heavier, his thoughts drifting back to Amy.