In the dead of night, as I dozed off beside the hospital bed, I felt what seemed like dry fingers brushing against my face. "Idiot, you''d believe anything anyone tells you."}


    "Hmm..." I swatted the hand away and rolled over, realizing I was supposed to be caring for a patient. I shot upright and blurted out, "What did you just say? Are you feeling okay?"


    All I could see was Bryant''s closed eyes and his steady breathing.


    I wondered if I was hearing things. I didn''t give it much thought, chalking it up to being rattled by the day''s event and my nerves frazzled. I drifted back to sleep without much ado.


    The following morning, Kevin brought us a special breakfast from a traditional diner known for its delicious brunch, all to Bryant''s tastes. But after only a few bites, Bryant excused himself to attend to business matters. Kevin had brought more than just breakfast. A hefty stack of documents awaited Bryant. Being the CEO of Ferguson Group was no walk in the park.


    As I munched on my breakfast, I asionally nced his way. The warm winter sun streamed in, casting a soft glow around him, highlighting his perfectly chiseled profile, the sses perched on his high nose, and his lips slightly pursed.}


    I had to admit the man was easy on the eyes. If only he weren''t such a jerk.>


    After breakfast, Gary called to ask when he could deliver the fingerprint analysis results.


    "Right away. Still at the Riverview Estate," I responded immediately.


    After a night in the hospital, I was desperate for a shower and a change of clothes.


    Hanging up, Bryant caught my gaze. "Leaving again?"}


    "I''ll be back." I offered a reassuring smile. "I''ve got a surprise for you when I return."}


    That way, I wouldn''t have to worry no matter what Margaret tried to stir up. In two days, she''d have no choice but to leave. And perhaps then, Bryant and I could finally sever ties.


    He raised an eyebrow, asking, "What kind of surprise?"}


    "You''ll see." With that, I hurried out of the hospital.


    The nurse had just had Bryant''s medication changed that morning, and with Kevin staying in the room, there was nothing to fret over.


    A sleek ck Bentley slowly pulled up before me as I waited by the curb for my rideshare.


    Given yesterday''s ordeal, my first instinct was to flee!}


    "Ms. Webster." As the window slid down, a stylishly dressed, sophisticated woman greeted me. Sporting a deep shade of lipstick, she radiated serenity and maturity.§


    She appeared to be in her early thirties.


    I paused, "And you are? How do you know me?"


    "I''m Kathy Larson, Mark''s sister." She offered a slight smile. "There''s something we need to discuss privately, Ms. Webster."


    There was a faint familial resemnce to Mark in her features. Yet, I had never heard Mark mention he had a sister.


    I was cautious about getting into cars, "You and he..."


    "He always wears a charm bracelet around his wrist since he was a kid and even showers with it on. You were probably talking to him on the phone right before yesterday''s incident."


    Kathy easily divulged these details.


    Without further objection, I got into the car.


    Once inside, Kathy said, "Ms. Webster, I''m taking you to a ce."


    "As long as it''s not to kill me and chop me off," I quipped.


    The car weaved through traffic, eventually arriving at a peaceful street in an affluent neighborhood, mirroring the upscale tranquility of the Ferguson Mansion The Ferguson family''s wealth was no secret. But the Larson family seemed to embody a more understated type of wealth, their exact standingpared to the Fergusons a mysteryN?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.