Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 358

Fortunately, the studio had several seasoned senior architects who could take the helm in Dale's absence.

Whether they were veterans, recent grads like Bonnie and Yvonne, or interns like Perry, everyone on the team was exceptionally talented.

Dale felt entirely comfortable leaving his life's work in their hands for the time being.

Once everything was delegated, he returned to the hospital for surgery prep.

On his second night in the hospital, Bonnie and Yvonne stayed overnight to keep watch. Celia Delaney looked completely drained. She had a demanding government job, so having the students there to share the load was a godsend.

They sent her home to sleep while they stood guard. Wide awake, they sat in the quiet hospital corridor, talking in hushed tones while Dale slept.

"I really didn't expect the cancer diagnosis," Yvonne murmured, looking shaken. "My grandpa passed away from liver cancer. The end was brutal."

Yvonne shuddered, not wanting to relive the memory.

"Thank God they caught it early." Yvonne pressed her palms together. "The surgery is going to go perfectly. Those bastards don't stand a chance."

Bonnie wasn't usually religious, but facing the fragility of life made her want to pray to whatever higher power was listening.

She silently pleaded for Dale's full recovery.

The hospital was dead quiet. Wanting to lighten the mood, Bonnie noticed Yvonne texting Perry. "So, you guys made it official?"

Yvonne chuckled. "Honestly, he's probably right. But so what? It's just a relationship. It's not like I can't handle a little heartbreak if it goes south."

Bonnie knew that despite Yvonne's vulnerable moments when she drank, she was fundamentally fiercely independent. Feelings were feelings, but choices were choices. They didn't have to conflict.

"What about you?" Yvonne nudged Bonnie's shoulder, her eyes gleaming with gossip. "And what about you and the big boss of The Lane Group? How are things progressing?"

Bonnie looked down at her phone. They hadn't spoken since he left her in the car. He was likely on the Southern Coast, having just shared an article about the summit on his social media.

"I want to talk to him, but..." Bonnie sighed. "He's terrified of me. He thinks I'm going to sentence him to death. The second I open my mouth, he panics. I honestly don't know what to do with him."

Yvonne pictured Lawrence in her mind. She didn't know him well, but he had been parked outside their studio every single day recently.