Begging for a Second Chance (Sienna Sloan and Jarred Sterling) novel Chapter 196

"Right before I came down. They just wrapped up a joint consultation with the attending physician. Since I was listed as family, they let me sit in on it."

Noticing Sienna's growing emotional intensity, Jonathan softened his voice. "Owen's condition is moving in a positive direction. Don't worry so much."

Whether it was her mentor's reassuring tone or the comforting weight of his hand, Sienna's tightly wound nerves finally loosened a fraction.

But even with the world's best specialists involved, until she saw her brother safe and sound, her heart would remain suspended over a cliff.

Understanding her deep-rooted trauma, Jonathan comforted her gently. "The hospital wasn't trying to make things difficult for you. The Sterlings formally contested your guardianship earlier, so they had to follow legal protocols.

Don't panic. I've already provided proof that your mental health is perfectly fine. The guardianship belongs to you, and absolutely no one can take it away."

"Then... when can I go in and see Owen?" Sienna looked up, a faint tremor betraying her voice.

"He's still in the isolation unit, but the doctors confirmed his vitals are stabilizing. You'll be cleared for visitation by next week at the latest."

Seeing the desperate hope in her eyes, Jonathan added, "The fact that they're clearing you for visits soon means the boy is out of the woods. Stop scaring yourself."

Tears welled up in Sienna's eyes. Her voice was strained, but she forced every word out with absolute sincerity.

"Jonathan, thank you. Thank you for everything you've done for Owen and me. I've been nothing but a burden to you lately, I..."

"Stop talking nonsense," Jonathan frowned, though his tone was layered with warmth. "You're three years younger than Connor. My wife and I have always seen you as our own daughter.

If she knew how much you had suffered, it would break her heart."

After losing her parents, her brother was her only reason to live. But her mentor and his family were the last true sources of warmth in this cold, indifferent world.

Unable to hold it back any longer, hot tears spilled down Sienna's cheeks.

Whenever she felt like she was drowning, it was always Jonathan and his wife pulling her back to the surface.

Even at her wedding with Jarred, the only people sitting at the bride's table were Jonathan's family and Luna.

Watching his student cry, Jonathan swallowed hard.

From now on, I'm going to protect him myself. No one is ever going to hurt him again."

Jonathan listened quietly, nodding in thoughtful agreement.

He didn't try to change her mind or beg her to stay. He knew his student too well.

She looked gentle and agreeable on the outside, but she possessed a spine of pure steel.

Once she made a decision, a team of wild horses couldn't drag her off her path.

He just felt a profound sense of loss.

Sienna was the most naturally gifted student he had ever taught.

Her intuition for psychology, her immense capacity for empathy, and her relentless dedication to her patients were exceptionally rare.