The Day I Stopped Waiting Was the Day He Started Begging novel Chapter 89

Madeline turned around to see Hunter Holt standing there, looking polished and refined in a perfectly tailored suit.

He wore that familiar, perfectly measured gentle smile, his tone as warm as ever.

"I saw Ms. Sutton's car out front, so I guessed you'd be here too."

"Did Evie spike a fever again last night?"

At the mention of Evie, Madeline's eyes dimmed, and she gave a small nod.

They fell into step beside each other.

"I spoke with Dr. Zale. Evie's recent test results show she's perfectly stable for the surgery. However, given her congenital issues, she'll probably need about a month of specialized prep before she can handle the procedure."

"So, I highly recommend transferring her out of here."

"We can move her directly to his clinic to recover, and then proceed straight to surgery when she's ready."

Hunter's expression remained endlessly comforting.

"Maddy, what do you think?"

"The Capital Memorial Hospital has excellent resources, but it's not a place where Evie can recover in peace."

She paused, hesitating for a few seconds.

"Sloane and I also agreed we should get the transfer paperwork started."

"Perfect. I'll ask Dr. Zale exactly which medical records he needs us to bring over."

Hunter seemed to have already anticipated Madeline's answer. He had arranged everything flawlessly, striking the perfect balance between supportive and unintrusive.

Ever since the day she met him, he had always been like this—flawless, reliable.

Madeline suddenly felt a pang of guilt, habitually rubbing her fingers together.

"Hunter, thank you."

She hadn't been comfortable owing people favors for a very long time.

"I will find a way to repay you for this."

Hearing that, the warmth in Hunter's smile faded slightly.

A flash of unreadable emotion swept through the man's eyes, gone as quickly as it appeared.

"There's no rush. Maddy, if there's ever a day I need your help, I won't hesitate to ask."

"I told you a long time ago. People are meant to owe each other."

Madeline's eyelashes fluttered, but she stayed quiet.

She remembered the exact moment Hunter had picked her up off the streets, the first time she had found the courage to speak.

She had asked Hunter why he bothered saving her.