Chapter 23

Serena pov 

I had no idea what Adrian had decided. My entire focus was on the expert team. As closing time neared and they still hadn't appeared, I tracked down Leonard for news. He'd just come off surgery and looked surprised. "You didn't know? Grant went straight to the airport to pick them up. They won't be coming to the hospital today." I caught something in his expression and pressed, "Did Grant go alone?" Leonard sighed. "Of course not. They invited me too, but I had a surgery and couldn't get away." I knew top-tier medical resources were fiercely competed for. I couldn't let up for a second. I asked Leonard where the group had gone. After checking with the colleague who'd gone to greet them, he learned they were dining at Prosperity Restaurant. I hailed a cab and raced there. Evening rush hour in Jendris Pack was brutal. I kept checking the time as half an hour stretched into forty minutes, then fifty. I couldn't sit still any longer. I paid early, got out, rented a shared electric bike, and sped off. Weaving through traffic, I finally spotted Prosperity Restaurant's entrance after twenty minutes. I just needed to get through the next intersection. In my haste, trying to avoid an oncoming car while turning, I misjudged and hit the curb. The bike toppled, taking me with it. My elbow and knee burned fiercely—scrapes, most likely. But I was relieved it was only scrapes. The black Bentley I'd nearly hit stopped. Someone stepped out and walked straight toward me. I braced for a scolding; I'd been reckless. Before I could even stand, I apologized. "I'm so sorry—it was completely my fault. You don't need to worry about me." "Are you hurt?" The voice above me held a note of concern. I looked up and saw a familiar face. Jack. He clearly hadn't expected to run into me either. He bent down at once to help me up. "Where does it hurt?" "It's nothing—minor scratches." "I'll take you to the hospital." I still had to reach the experts, so I gently refused. "Really, I'm fine. It's just small wounds—no need for the hospital." Jack frowned, clearly not interested in arguing. He simply guided me toward his car. I resisted. "I have something urgent right now. I'll go to the hospital later myself." "What could be more important than treating your wounds?" His tone grew heavier. "A matter of life and death!" My eyes were already red by the time the words left my mouth. … With Jack supporting me, I limped to the entrance of Prosperity Restaurant. And walked straight into familiar faces. I hadn't expected to see Adrian and Elena here. Clearly, they hadn't expected me either. Adrian stood on the steps, gazing down at me with a silent, icy stare. Elena's eyes flicked between Jack and me before she asked, "How did you two end up together?" Jack explained, "Small accident—my car clipped her bike." "Is Serena hurt?" Elena sounded concerned. "I'm fine," I answered coolly. I pulled my arm from Jack's support and limped inside. I didn't want to waste time on wolf who no longer mattered. But I was still too late. The staff told me Grant's party had left ten minutes ago. I could have accepted missing them by half an hour, even twenty minutes—but ten? I'd been so close. The cruel reality drained every last bit of strength from me. When I walked out of the restaurant, exhausted beyond words, Adrian and Elena were gone. Only Jack remained, waiting. "Now can we go to the hospital?" I hadn't lied—the wounds were minor, but they looked ugly. Especially the knee; every step pulled at it, sharp pain shooting through me. After bandaging, Jack finally relaxed. "I'll take you home." "No, I still have things to do." I wasn't ready to give up. "What is so urgent?" Jack asked, voice low with worry. It was personal; I didn't feel the need to explain. I tried to send him on his way. Then Leonard called. Afraid of missing any news, I answered immediately. He sounded regretful. "The expert team has already chosen their patient. You'll need to make other arrangements." Acid burned in my nose; heat rushed to my eyes. I pinched the joint of my thumb hard, as if that could ease the ache. My voice still shook. "The team only arrived in Jendris Pack this afternoon. They never even came to the hospital—how could they have decided already?" "It was Grant's arrangement. I don't know the details." Leonard was only a department healer; there was nothing more he could do. When the call ended, I felt as though I'd fallen through ice, cold water closing over me from every side. "What happened?" Jack asked, seeing my face. For a moment I didn't know where to begin. He added quietly, "I'm on good terms with the hospital director, Grant. I might be able to help." His words were a lifeline, offering hope once more. That night I didn't stay at the hospital. I hired a caregiver. Partly because I didn't want Grace to see my injuries and worry. Partly because after days in the hospital, I needed to go home and regroup. Jack drove me all the way to my building and said, "Tomorrow at ten, I'll come find you at the hospital." "Okay." "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. There's always a way." He'd seen how worn I was. I nodded silently. He reached out and ruffled my hair gently. "All right. It's late—go rest." Before I got out, he added, "Keep the wounds dry and apply the medicine on time, or they'll scar." "I know. Drive safe—and thank you for today." His brows finally smoothed. "That's rare, coming from you." At my urging, he drove off. Jack's reassurance eased the weight on my chest, if only enough to let me breathe for a moment. The night wind was fierce and cold. I pulled my coat tighter, ready to head inside, when I caught sight of the wolf beneath the streetlamp—his face hard and cold. Adrian. He had no business being here.