?<strong>Chapter 357:</strong>


    All eyes turned to Michael. His head slowly rose, his face shadowed by a grim reluctance to speak. Adrian, knowing him well, guided him to the stairwell. “Michael, be honest with me. Did you reach out to the ck market?”


    With a heavy nod, Michael confirmed. The ck market wasrgely involved in illicit activities, including organ trafficking. Frustrated yet understanding, Adrian realized Michael had been left with no other options, and he couldn’t me him. “Did you secure it?”


    Michael suddenly appeared a decade older. “I found one, but they’ve jacked the price up to three million dors…”


    “Forget the cost. Lacey is my friend too, and her life is what’s important.”


    Michael raised his head. “Adrian, it’s not just about the money. The fact that they’re charging so much shows that it’s not money they’re after; it’s life.”


    Michael’s voice was raspy as he sniffled. “I’ve been trying to secure that heart for a while, but Lacey would never allow it because going there is a death sentence.”


    Adrian regarded him with a mix of emotions. “What’s on your mind?”


    Everyone feared death. Michael’s fingers slowly curled into a tight fist. “Even if it risks death, I must go. I have to save Lacey!” Determination red in his eyes. “After this, I’m going to tell Lacey how I feel!”


    He had concealed his feelings for too long, and though not adept at hiding them, both Adrian and Lacey had picked up on them. They never discussed it openly because Lacey believed her illness prevented her from bringing joy to others. Adrian ced a firm hand on Michael’s shoulder. “I’ming with you.”


    “No. If something were to happen to you, I wouldn’t know how to face Joelle and Aurora.”


    Adrian’s face set with resolve. “I can’t just watch my best friend face danger alone. If you’re worried about Joelle and Aurora, then let’s make sure we both return safely!”


    “Alright!”


    As they emerged from the stairwell, Lacey was also being moved out of the surgery room. Earlier that day, she had been full of life, but now shey frail in the hospital bed, an oxygen mask covering her face, her voice barely a whisper. Michael tenderly wiped away both her tears and his own, clutching her hand.


    “I warned you not to overexert yourself. You shouldn’t have gone out, but you wouldn’t listen. Now look at what’s happened. Do you think you’ll ever ignore my advice again?”


    “Michael…” Lacey’s gaze drifted unfocused towards the ceiling.


    “I’m right here.”


    “Michael,” Lacey murmured weakly. “I’m sorry, I can’t stay with you…”


    “Who’s saying that? You’ve been a handful since we were kids, always pinning everything on me. I haven’t even gotten back at you yet, and now you’re trying to leave me?”


    It looked like Lacey heard him, but she didn’t have the strength to respond. Tears flowed endlessly down her face.


    Michael knelt beside her bed. “I’ll make sure you recover. Just wait for me. I’ve got something important to say, something I’ve held back for too long.”


    Lacey met his gaze, understanding yet filled with sorrow and concern. “Don’t go.”


    “I have to go.”


    Michael kissed her fingers gently. “This time, please listen to me.”


    As everyone left the room quietly, Joelle took Adrian aside. “Is Michael about to do something risky?”


    Joelle sensed what was happening. In life, enduring to old age was often the greatest challenge. Life was more valuable than money. While some would do anything for financial gain, others would sacrifice their very humanity just to keep living.


    Adrian nodded, gently gripping her shoulders. “Joelle, please look after Aurora and Rnd.”


    Joelle felt a twinge of unease. “Adrian, are you also leaving?”


    “Yes.”


    Joelle epted his choice, knowing it wasn’t her ce to stop him. Once the initial shock subsided, the only words she managed were, “Be careful.”


    The thought of Adrian not returning was too much for her. Wrapped in her thoughts, she was suddenly embraced by Adrian.


    “Joelle, I assure you, I’ll return safely.”


    “Who cares whether youe back or not?” As she spoke, Joelle’s eyes filled with tears. How could she not be concerned? She had thought she expected nothing from Adrian, yet at that moment, she realized she held many hopes for him. Above all, she wished for his safety. Regardless of who he was with, her primary desire was for him to be safe.


    Clutching Adrian tightly around the waist, she wept and instructed him, “You must return safely, bring Michael back, secure the heart, and save Lacey, got it?”


    Adrian exhaled deeply. “I’ll do everything I can.”


    “Not just everything you can—you have to!” Joelle’s voice choked up. “If you return safely, I’ll consider giving us another chance.”


    “What kind of chance? To remarry?”


    “In your dreams!”


    Worried he mightck motivation, Joelle fixed him with a stern look. “I’ll give you a chance for us to be together again. We’ll start by dating, taking it slowly, just letting things happen. If you handle things well, Aurora and I will wee you back.”


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