INICIAR SESIÓNWhen Helen was about to turn in for the night, she realized Cora and Joseph were still sharing the same room. Helen was confused. Joseph and Cora already had a major fallout. How could they even be in the same room together? Didn't they find that awkward?As Helen approached the door to speak to Cora, she heard the sounds of Cora and Joseph being intimate inside, and Cora was completely engrossed in the moment. Even at her age, Helen couldn't help flushing red with embarrassment at what she heard."What? They're still having sex after all that? Seriously? And there's Joseph too. He made such a big fuss, yet he still went to bed with Cora. Filing for a divorce, huh? What a hypocrite!"Helen couldn't make heads or tails of it. She was displeased with Joseph, but she was more impressed with Cora. Her daughter was really something—she actually knew how to handle Joseph.The next day, Helen got out of bed, but there was no sign of Joseph. All she saw was Cora fussing over Kimberly, so
Joseph had his own share of problems, and he wasn't capable of emerging unscathed from these turbulent waters, so he could only keep a low profile and tread carefully.While he was on duty, he reminded his staff not to discuss Walt's case so they wouldn't get themselves into trouble.Patients continued to die from infections, kidney failures, and other complications. Joseph couldn't bring anyone to life, so all he could do was offer his condolences to the grieving families.But something miraculous happened—Avery's infection had begun to improve. She had even been taken off the ventilator and extubated, and she could breathe on her own. At this rate, it wouldn't be long before she would be speaking again.However, the burns covering her body were still an issue. Joseph had the medical staff keep an eye on her condition.When Joseph got home, he realized Bernard and Helen were there too. He greeted them, but they didn't seem happy to see him, so he didn't say much to them. He had h
"Joseph, if you really have a way to wake Frank's wife and child, you shouldn't keep it to yourself. As doctors, we're supposed to put personal grudges aside and do our duty to save lives."Joseph hadn't expected Walt to come looking for him, much less try to guilt-trip him with professional ethics.Joseph replied, "Dr. Loughlin, you know me better than most, so why are you saying that? What exactly do you expect me to do? If Frank's wife and kid never wake up, are you going to pin the blame on me, too?"The ICU has the highest mortality rate in the entire hospital. Does that mean every death should be blamed on the doctors or our department?"Walt demanded, "Just answer me clearly. Do you have a way or not?"Joseph leaned back into his chair. "I do have an idea, but the question is the success rate. I told Frank there isn't even a ten percent chance of success. Did he tell you I could guarantee recovery? That's very irresponsible of him."Walt pressed. "What kind of treatment pl
After Frank left, Joseph smoked a cigarette to calm himself down. He was also forced to face the reality that he and Cora were not equals. The imbalance wasn't just limited to wealth. It extended into every aspect of their lives.The idea that husband and wife had equal rights and obligations existed neatly in legal statutes, but in reality, no marriage was ever truly equal.In Joseph's marriage, Cora was, without a doubt, the dominant one.Joseph kept repeating to himself that Cora had betrayed him and the love he had for her, and that she'd pay the price. He refused to surrender so easily.Not long afterward, Lacey knocked on the door and entered.Joseph scowled. "What are you doing here again? Practically everyone in the hospital has seen you before. Aren't you afraid someone will recognize you? And you even came here dressed like an escort."Lacey replied, "I don't have a choice. Yvonne got dragged into this because of what happened between you and me. I can't live with mysel
A weak woman?Joseph was in disbelief over Grace's self-description. He did not agree to meet her because, as far as he was concerned, Grace was no saint herself.The ICU was busier than ever. The previous day's influx of critically injured victims had stretched the department to its limits, and there were already plenty of existing patients fighting for their lives.Joseph called Walt again to complain, insisting that some of the burn victims be transferred to the Burn Unit. However, Walt flatly refused.Joseph could request more staff or equipment, but the patients were to stay there.Joseph cursed, "I swear you've completely lost your moral compass. You should've retired years ago."No sooner had he put down the phone than Frank barged into the office without knocking. "Joseph, for Cora's sake, please save my wife and kid. I'll give you anything you want, whether it's money, resources, or favors. Just name your price."The words sounded like a plea, but Frank's tone was comma
Joseph scanned the list of incoming burn victims and saw that most of them were from the Ashmore family. The only one he was familiar with was Wendy.Her hair had been singed away, and blisters covered her face and scalp. Her body was convulsing from the pain despite heavy doses of sedatives she'd already received on the way to the hospital.Her face was done for.Joseph suppressed his pity and sympathy, and he didn't feel any satisfaction from her misfortune despite their previous conflict. He made sure to be a responsible doctor and did his best to save as many people as he could.His work continued deep into the night. Only after every patient had been stabilized for the moment did Joseph finally leave the ward.When he got home, Cora was still awake and waiting for him. He asked, "What are you doing up so late?"Cora replied, "I was waiting for you. How are the victims from the Ashmore family?""They're stable for now, but the real danger is the possible infections. That'll
After several consecutive days of treatment, Mavis' overall condition showed clear improvement. By around the eighth day, she was able to ditch the wheelchair and stand and walk on her own.That day, after the treatment session ended, Mavis asked Joseph to stay for a meal. She made no immediate men
Joseph walked into the house and noticed that Cora wasn't home. In the past, he would have sent her a message to ask where she was, and no matter how late it got, he would have waited for her to come home. But he had no heart for that now."Mr. Hart, you're back. Have you eaten? Should I make you s
"Mr. Hart, are you heading out?" Mary asked when she noticed Joseph was dressed and ready to leave.Since she couldn't stop him, she quickly reported it to Cora. Mary was told not to stop him, but to follow him by car.Walt brought Joseph to a specialized sanatorium, and Mary had tailed them the e
Over on the other side, Bernard had also gotten the report from his subordinates. His expression darkened as he paced back and forth in the room.Helen came over, asking, "The driver is here. Why aren't you leaving yet?""What Cora did for Joseph has put me in a really awkward position!"Bernard







