"We'll see," Timothy replied, chewing his food with an elegant detachment that seemed completely at odds with the situation.

Vince felt a vague, unsettling premonition. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he had a feeling something else was about to happen.

After their meal, they went to the facility together. Vince headed to Jessica's wing, while Timothy went to Sheila's.

"Timothy," Sheila greeted him, her face a mask of fear. "The surgery has risks. I'm afraid I won't make it off the table."

"I asked about it. For the donor, the risks are minimal. Don't worry, I'll be with you the whole time." Timothy's voice was exceptionally gentle today, a gentleness that made Sheila's heart flutter. Even though she knew this tenderness was transactional —a payment for saving Jessica-she still felt a sense of contentment. She craved his affection, even to this desperate degree.

They talked for a while until both their phones rang at the same time. It was Yates calling Timothy and Kane calling Sheila.

"That's Yates," Timothy said. "I'll step out to take it."

"Okay." It would be distracting for both of them to be on the phone in the same room.

Timothy stepped into the hallway and answered. “Timothy, I just landed. Where are you? Send me your location."

"What are you doing here?"

"My heart's too soft, I guess. I was worried about you, so I came to see you."

After hanging up, Timothy texted Yates the hotel address and went back into the room. Sheila was just finishing her call.

He was about to tell her he had to go meet Yates, but she spoke first. "Timothy, Kane and Yates are here. It's probably not convenient for them to come to this place, so why don't you go and meet them?"

"Alright. I'll be back before your surgery."

Timothy left the facility and headed back to the hotel. The drive from the airport would take at least two or three hours. He didn't want to spend too much time in Sheila's room anyway Back at the hotel he opened his laptop and dove into work emails. He was so absorbed that he lost track of time, only realizing three hours had passed when the doorbell rang.

He opened the door to find both Yates and Kane standing there.

"Come in," he said. "We can sit for a bit, then get some lunch. Jessica's surgery is at one, and I have to be there."

They settled in the living room. "I heard about everything from Yates," Kane said. "About Sheila... after the surgery is over, I'll find a way to talk to her'll try to convince her not to make things so difficult for you Kane still believed in Sheila fundamental kindness. They were close friends; surely he could get through to her.

Timothy knew it was a long shot, but he appreciated the gesture. “Thanks,” he said.

Yates asked about Jessica's condition. Learning how dire it was, he understood why Timothy had put up no resistance to Sheila's demands.

Timothy treated them to lunch, arranged rooms for them at the hotel, and then headed back to the facility. It was already twelve-forty.

When Sheila saw him, she practically jumped off the bed and threw herself into his

arms.

"Timothy, it's almost time. I'm so scared."

Timothy raised his hands, gently taking her by the arms and creating a space between them. "It's okay. Don't be afraid. I'll be waiting for you right outside the operating room when you come out."

Just then, Herbert entered with two other doctors to begin the pre-op preparations. Sheila panicked. She felt a wave of despair. She was risking her life to be with Timothy If her ever dared to betray her after this,

he

she would never let him go.