?<strong>Chapter 369:</strong>


    “Michael!” Startled, Lacey shot upright and dashed over without hesitation. As the effects of anesthesia began to take hold, she copsed next to Michael’s bed. “Why is it you? Why? Michael!”


    Michael managed a weak smile, extending his hand toward her, but it fell short of reaching her face.


    “Michael! Michael!” Lacey cried, her body growing heavy as if being forced to shut down. She mustered all her remaining strength to grab Michael’s hand, but before she could speak, darkness overcame her, and she fell unconscious beside him.


    The medical team sprang into action, treating them urgently. Outside the operating room, Adrian stood by the door, a picture of helplessness. Despite the activity around him, he seemed utterly alone. He remained there for three hours, motionless. When the doctor finally appeared, Adrian was too apprehensive to speak. Lacey and Adrian were his dearest friends, and losing either was unbearable.


    The doctor removed his mask and said, “Mr. Miller, could you pleasee with me?”


    With heavy steps, Adrian approached, listening as the doctor continued, “There were unforeseenplications during the surgery. Miss Hudson’s body rejected the heart transnt, and her liver showed signs of hardening. Even with a transnt, her recovery is doubtful.”


    Adrian asked, “What does that mean?”


    “The condition was dire, so we had to stop Miss Hudson’s surgery and focus solely on saving Mr. Frye.”


    Mixed emotions washed over Adrian as the doctor continued, “Mr. Frye is now stable, but Miss Hudson remains under anesthesia. She’ll awaken in twenty-four hours, but her heart condition is untreatable.”


    Meanwhile, Joelle spent the night at the police station. The officers believed shecked a motive for the crime but needed her cooperation for the ongoing investigation. She nodded off at the table, waking as dawn’s first light crept in. Catching a passing officer, Joelle inquired, “Can I leave now? My daughter and son are waiting for me at home.”


    “Just a couple more questions, then you’re free to go.”


    “I’ve already shared everything I know,” Joelle responded, willing to cooperate.


    “Eliza Becker hase forward, confessing that you encouraged her to attack Raelyn. We must explore her ims. You’re free to leave now, but we might ask you to return for further inquiries.”


    Joelle was both stunned and angry by the usation. Clearly, Eliza, manipted by Amara, was attempting to deflect me onto her. It was nothing more than a desperate attempt.


    Joelle went to the Finch family’s. Her children were asleep. Gracie pulled her aside and said, “Joelle, did you hear? Adrian and Michael have returned, and they’re both seriously hurt. Fred and I are about to head to the hospital.”


    Having spent the night at the police station, Joelle was out of the loop. The news that Adrian was back and gravely injured took her by surprise. Her thoughts were clouded as she said, “I’ll join you.” With Fred at the wheel, they quickly made their way to the hospital.


    Adrian was seated in the hallway, his injuries clearly visible with a bandage wrapped around his head and a brace supporting his shoulder.


    “Adrian! Are you okay?”


    Joelle realized she was standing further away from Adrian than anyone else. Gracie and Fred quickly showed their concern before excusing themselves. “We’ll go check on Michael and Lacey.”


    After the couple departed, Joelle dropped her hand from her mouth, looking worried as she moved closer to Adrian. “Does it still hurt?”


    Adrian’s voice was raspy as he responded, “Keep mepany for a bit.”


    Joelle knew from earlier discussions of the severe circumstances facing Michael and Lacey. The thought of their conditions pained her, and she could only imagine the impact on Adrian.


    “Just try to stay positive.”


    Joelle settled beside him, gently taking his scarred hand in hers. Although she wanted to offer words offort, she was at a loss as to what to say. Instead, she opted for silence, simply remaining by his side. Adrian rested his head against the wall, his gaze directed upwards at the ceiling, one hand covering his face.


    Adrian’s life had always been a series of ups and downs, but it often felt like the losses outnumbered the gains. Eventually, Joelle, along with Lacey and Gracie, convinced Adrian to leave the hospital ande home.


    Despite his restricted mobility, Joelle assisted him with a quick shower without hesitation. It was only after cleansing away the day’s fatigue that he truly felt at home.


    “Joelle, I tried calling you when Michael was out of surgery, but you didn’t pick up.”


    Joelle hesitated. Her phone had been seized at the police station, a detail Adrian was unaware of. Revealing the truth would unavoidably lead to mentioning Amara, which couldplicate matters further.


    “Maybe I just didn’t hear it.”


    As she continued to pat dry the water droplets on Adrian’s chest, Adrian caught her hand, looking at her intently. “You seemed off the moment I saw you. Did something happen while I was away?”


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