One Minute Past Midnight

Eva stared at the glowing screen.

11:59 p.m.

Her thumb hovered over Adrian Blackwood's number.

One tap.

That was all it would take.

One tap, and the life she'd spent years building would disappear.

The taxi slowed to a stop outside St. Catherine Medical Center.

"Miss, we've arrived."

She blinked, realizing she'd been holding her breath.

"Thank you."

She paid the driver and stepped into the cool night air.

The automatic doors slid open with a soft hiss.

The emergency department was quieter than usual, but the tension in the waiting area was unmistakable.

A nurse spotted her immediately.

"Miss Hart?"

"How's my brother?"

"He's stable now, but the doctor is waiting."

Eva hurried down the corridor.

Dr. Collins met her outside Noah's room.

"The episode was caused by stress on his heart," he explained gently. "We've managed to stabilize him, but we can't keep postponing the operation."

Eva nodded numbly.

"I understand."

"I wish I had better news."

"So do I."

The doctor hesitated before speaking again.

"I know you've done everything you can."

Those words broke something inside her.

Because they were true.

She had done everything.

Extra shifts.

Freelance event planning.

Selling her jewelry.

Borrowing money she still hadn't repaid.

There was simply nothing left to give.

Dr. Collins placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Spend some time with your brother."

She nodded.

Inside the room, Noah was asleep.

His chest rose and fell steadily beneath the hospital blanket.

The monitor beside his bed beeped in a calm, rhythmic pattern.

Eva pulled a chair closer and sat beside him.

She gently brushed a strand of hair away from his forehead.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"I'm trying."

"So hard."

Her voice cracked.

"I just don't know if it's enough anymore."

Noah stirred slightly but didn't wake.

Eva reached into her handbag for a tissue.

Instead, her fingers brushed against the folded white note.

If you change your mind, call me before midnight.

She looked at the clock on the wall.

12:01 a.m.

Too late.

A strange mix of relief and disappointment settled over her.

The decision had been made for her.

She folded the note and slipped it back into her bag.

Just then, her phone vibrated.

Unknown Number.

At first, she ignored it.

It rang again.

And again.

Frowning, she stepped into the hallway and answered.

"Hello?"

"Miss Hart."

She recognized the calm voice immediately.

Adrian.

Her eyes widened.

"I thought..."

"You thought the offer expired."

"It did."

"It did."

Silence stretched between them.

"Then why are you calling?"

"Because I had a feeling you wouldn't."

She leaned against the wall.

"You gave me a deadline."

"I did."

"And now you're ignoring it."

"I've changed my mind."

For the first time since they'd met...

Eva had no response.

Adrian continued quietly.

"I don't negotiate well over the phone."

"What do you want?"

"Come to Blackwood House tomorrow morning."

"I already told you my answer."

"I know."

"And it hasn't changed."

"We'll see."

There was no arrogance in his voice.

Just quiet certainty.

Before she could argue, he added,

"Get some rest, Miss Hart."

The line went dead.

Eva lowered the phone slowly.

She stared at the blank screen.

Then, despite everything...

A tiny, frustrated smile escaped her.

"He's impossible."

From inside Noah's room, she heard her brother call her name.

She slipped the phone into her pocket and walked back in.

But deep down...

She knew tomorrow morning would change everything.