Matthew Ross's bad luck really began with that violent encounter-after that day, he ended up on the radar of a rival gang member.

What followed was chaos-relentless pursuit through back alleys, close calls at every turn. Alex White and Matthew Ross were chased to the brink of exhaustion, barely keeping ahead. Then, a gunshot split the night, drawing the attention of nearby police. Only then did their pursuers scatter in a panic.

But the bullet found its mark. The gun that had been aimed at Matthew's back caught Alex's hand instead-as Alex was dragging Matthew away from danger, the shot tore through his right hand. Blood welled out instantly, streaming over the back of his hand and soaking half of Matthew's white shirt a deep crimson.

The hospital was close by, and they got Alex there in time. But the damage was done—the bullet had shattered the nerves in Alex's palm. The wound would heal, but the injury left his hand all but useless, maybe forever. For a medical student, it was nothing short of devastating.

Losing the steady grip needed for a scalpel didn't just mean Alex couldn't work as a doctor-it meant he couldn't even take part in his practical classes. He was forced to take a leave of absence from school.

That was a dark time for Alex. He was defeated, withdrawn, but never once did he blame Matthew for what happened.

Matthew, on the other hand, was wracked with guilt. Every day, he'd show up at Alex's apartment, bringing tea, helping with chores, making sure Alex followed his rehab routine. The rehab was grueling painful, physically and mentally exhausting. Alex lashed out more than once, but Matthew took it all in silence.

In the end, it paid off. Alex refused to let go of the career he'd worked so hard for, and Matthew couldn't bear to see his friend's life derailed because of him. Together, they fought through it.

A year later, Alex picked up a scalpel again—and this time, his hand was steady as ever. He never faltered after that.

Matthew was supposed to graduate a year ahead of Alex, but without a word, he delayed his own graduation so they could finish together. By the time Alex found out, there was nothing he could do the paperwork was already filed.

Their friendship only grew stronger. At graduation, Alex even tried to arrange for both of them to work at the same hospital, and Matthew happily agreed.

But after they returned home, Matthew disappeared without a word.

Alex didn't hold it against him. In his eyes, life was just a journey-Matthew had simply gotten off at a different stop. It wasn't anyone's fault; they'd always just been ordinary friends. Even friendships that last only for a time are worth remembering.

Now, hearing Matthew's name again after all these years, Alex traced the faint scar on the back of his hand. He was certain-if anyone could get the truth out of Matthew, it would be him.

Emily Blair didn't react much while Alex finished his story. When he was done, she said, "When you see Matthew, let him know his siblings have been reported to the Eldervale police. The university is reviewing their records. The police have provided thorough documentation-it's just a matter of days before Helen and Brandon are expelled."

Emily knew full well-Matthew's siblings were his greatest weakness.

Brandon and Helen Ross hadn't received their diplomas yet. Isabella Austin had obviously promised Matthew that both would graduate without issue. That gave her leverage over him he was desperate to keep the truth under wraps.

But with that leverage gone, with nothing left to hope for, maybe Matthew would finally tell the whole story.

After a moment's thought, Emily added, "Actually, it's probably best if the police break the news."

Alex nodded in agreement. "It'll carry more weight coming from them."