Serena ignored him and casually flagged down a cab.
Taylor was speechless. In his eyes, she was a lost cause—rotten to the core.
Her phone kept buzzing with messages from Rowan.
"Serena, Patrick’s mom is suddenly in critical condition…"
Another message followed: "Serena, we’re heading to Evervale City General Hospital…"
And another: "Serena, what do we do? I’m really scared…"
"Mister, please hurry."
From Rowan’s messages, Serena quickly drew two conclusions: one, Patrick’s mother was seriously ill; and two, Rowan cared about Patrick.
About ten minutes later, Serena arrived at Evervale City General Hospital.
Outside the emergency room, the wide hallway held only Patrick and Rowan, who stayed close by his side.
Patrick had gotten the hospital call while driving Rowan home.
The weight of his entire family had suddenly crashed down on his shoulders. The once wild, carefree boy now looked like he’d been hurled into the depths of hell. He sat hunched over, arms wrapped around his head, face buried in his knees—helpless and vulnerable.
Rowan’s eyes were red. She had no idea what to do, so she cautiously handed him a bottle of water.
Patrick met her gaze and forced a smile. It looked more painful than crying, but it comforted Rowan all the same.
Serena hacked into the hospital system to check the patient records.
Patrick’s mother—Yvette Roberts—was suffering from a blood disease. The hospital had wanted to operate for a while, but her allergy to anesthesia made any surgical procedure impossible. For the past two years, they’d only been able to keep her alive through conservative treatments.
"Patrick, what are you doing here?" Celeste’s voice suddenly cut through the silence.
"Celeste?" Something flickered in Patrick’s eyes.
"I’m here to get my meds. Did something happen to your mother?"
For the first time, Patrick let go of all his pride and defenses. Eyes rimmed with red, he started to explain his mother’s condition.
Celeste wasn’t listening. Her gaze darted back and forth between Serena and Rowan, mocking and sly.
Rowan had heard the rumors before. Back in middle school, Patrick had confessed to Celeste, only to be rejected. Since then, he’d become one of her many loyal followers.
Now Rowan felt like the other woman—caught in the act before she even had a chance to step up. Leaving would draw attention. Staying felt awkward.
Serena strolled over and placed her hands on the back of Rowan’s wheelchair. "Rowan, I’ll take you home."


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