All Chapters of The Algorithm of Her Heart: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Elena reviewed the final numbers on the Meridian Healthcare acquisition one more time, checking her calculations for the third time that evening. Dominic sat across from her in his office, going through legal documents with the same meticulous attention to detail.It was eight thirty on a Thursday night. Most of the office had cleared out hours ago, but they'd both stayed to finalize the deal that would close tomorrow morning."The valuation holds," Elena said, closing her laptop. "Even with the adjustments for regulatory risk, you're still getting exceptional value."Dominic looked up from his documents. "Because of your analysis. You identified cost savings no one else saw.""That's what you pay me for.""I pay you for brilliance. You consistently exceed even that high standard." He set down his pen and leaned back. "This makes four successful acquisitions we've closed together. Four for four. That's an exceptional track record.""You make the final decisions. I just provide data."

Lily arrived for her Saturday visit looking even more exhausted than usual. The dark circles under her eyes had deepened, and she moved slowly, like every step took effort."How are you feeling, sweetheart?" Elena asked, immediately concerned."Just tired.""Did you sleep okay last night?""Not really."They settled on the couch to watch a movie, something light and easy that didn't require much energy. Elena made popcorn and hot chocolate, trying to create a relaxing afternoon.Twenty minutes into the movie, Elena felt Lily's weight shift against her side. She looked down and saw her daughter had fallen asleep, her face peaceful but drawn with exhaustion even in sleep.Elena sat very still, not wanting to wake her. Lily clearly needed rest desperately. But this level of exhaustion wasn't normal for a seven-year-old on a Saturday afternoon.After an hour, Elena carefully extracted herself and carried Lily to her bedroom. Her daughter barely stirred, just settled deeper into sleep.Ele

Elena was reviewing quarterly reports when her phone rang. St. Mary's Academy. Her heart immediately started racing."This is Elena Cordova.""Ms. Cordova, this is Nurse Martinez at St. Mary's. I'm calling about Lily. She had an accident on the playground and we need someone to come get her immediately.""Is she okay? What happened?""She fell off the climbing structure and we believe she's broken her arm. She's in quite a bit of pain. We need a parent here right away to authorize medical treatment and transport.""I'm coming. Fifteen minutes. Tell her I'm on my way."Elena grabbed her purse and keys, already moving toward the door. She called out to Dominic's assistant as she passed. "Family emergency. I have to go."She was in her car and pulling out of the parking garage within two minutes, her hands shaking on the wheel. Lily was hurt. Lily needed her. Nothing else mattered.Elena made the drive in thirteen minutes, pushing speed limits and running one yellow light. She parked hap

Lily sat at her desk Wednesday evening, trying to focus on homework. Math problems that should have been easy felt impossible. Her brain was foggy with exhaustion and the pain medication for her arm.She needed colored pencils for a science project due tomorrow. She'd forgotten to bring them home from school and didn't want to ask Vivian for help finding any.Lily opened her desk drawers one by one, searching. The top drawer held regular pencils and erasers. The second had notebooks and loose papers. The third drawer stuck slightly when she pulled it, crammed too full.She tugged harder and it opened. Inside was a jumble of old school projects, drawings from when she was younger, random papers she'd shoved in there and forgotten about.Lily dug through the mess, looking for the colored pencils she thought she'd stored there. Her fingers touched an envelope tucked beneath everything else. She pulled it out, curious.The envelope was cream colored and had her name written on it in her m

Elena made the drive to Marcus's house in twenty-three minutes, pushing speed limits the entire way. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tight, her heart pounding with a mix of worry and hope.Marcus had said Lily found the letter. The letter Elena had written eight months ago and left in Lily's room, hoping her daughter would find it when she was ready.Apparently, tonight was that night.Elena pulled into the driveway and was out of her car before the engine fully stopped. She rushed to the front door, which opened before she could knock.Marcus stood there, looking exhausted and worried. "She's upstairs. She hasn't stopped crying since she found it."Elena didn't wait for more explanation. She moved past him and took the stairs two at a time.At the top, she saw Lily's bedroom door open. Her daughter sat on the bed, clutching a piece of paper, her face red and swollen from crying."Lily, baby, what's wrong?"Lily looked up and the moment she saw Elena, she launched herself off the