It wasn't arrogance that made Katrina so sure of herself—it was simply that she knew Xavier's character inside and out.

After half a year together, she could practically predict his every move. Xavier was not the kind of man who would turn his back on the person who'd saved his life. He'd never repay kindness with betrayal. His conscience wouldn't allow it.

In a situation like this, Xavier had only one path forward: compromise.

Sooner or later, he would come back and beg her to take him back.

Truthfully, Katrina hadn't wanted things to get this ugly. She had hoped for a peaceful future with Xavier-a normal life, just the two of them. But Caitlin had never given her the chance.

If only Caitlin had pretended nothing had happened, Katrina wouldn't have been forced to threaten Xavier with her own life. This was all Caitlin's fault-all because of that little witch.

Anyone else's younger sister, seeing her brother bring home a girlfriend, would have been over the moon. But not Caitlin. She'd stood right there and told Xavier she wasn't good enough for him.

If Caitlin hadn't meddled, meeting Xavier's family would have been a breeze. But Caitlin had to stir up trouble-she just couldn't stand to see anyone happy.

When Jeanette heard all this, her eyes widened in disbelief. "She saved your life? Are you serious, Katrina? You're not making this up?"

Katrina gave her a withering look. "Why would I joke about something like that?" Jeanette swallowed nervously. "Then how come you never told me before?"

"I was just keeping a low profile. Didn't want to bring it up." The truth was, Katrina had always felt a bit guilty about the whole thing-some stories were better left untold. But now, with things at this point, she had no choice but to use it to keep Xavier by her side.

If she could hurry things along-if she could get pregnant with Xavier's child- then even if the truth came out, Xavier and his family would be forced to accept the marriage.

Jeanette's nerves melted away, replaced by a sly grin. "Katrina, why didn't you tell me you had such a powerful card to play? I was worried sick for you!"

"Oh, and one more thing, Jeanette." A thought seemed to strike Katrina.

"Yeah? What is it?"

Katrina continued, "Knowing Xavier, he'll be here early tomorrow morning, wracked with guilt. When he comes to the hospital, you just-"

Jeanette nodded at the end of Katrina's instructions. "Got it, Katrina. Leave it to me."

Elsewhere, Xavier had returned to the Richards family home.

Sleep was impossible. Each time he closed his eyes, all he could see was Katrina, pale and fragile in that hospital bed. The doctor's words echoed in his mind: Thank goodness she was brought in when she was any later and she wouldn't have made it.

If not for Katrina, he would have died long ago. Calling her his second mother wouldn't be an exaggeration. And now, because of him, she'd almost lost her life.

Guilt gnawed at him, trapping him in an impossible dilemma.

Meanwhile, in Caitlin's room, the glow of her computer monitor illuminated the darkness. It was past eleven, but she was still awake, the steady tapping of keys the only sound in the quiet room. Caitin was a woman of her word. She'd promised Xavier she'd get to the bottom of things-so that's exactly what she intended to do.

Xavier barely slept that night, but at first light, he was up. He skipped breakfast

and went straight to the hospital.

Just as Katrina predicted.

He was there out of guilt, afraid Katrina might do something reckless again because of him.

He'd arranged for her to have a private room. Carrying a bag of breakfast, Xavier arrived just as Jeanette was stepping out. Their eyes met, both of them pausing in surprise.

Jeanette narrowed her eyes, thinking how well Katrina knew Xavier. She'd called it last night: he'd show up first thing.

She recovered quickly, her voice icy. "What are you doing here?"

Xavier looked exhausted, his face drawn from a sleepless night. "How's Katrina? Is she alright?"

"How she's doing isn't your concern!" Jeanette blocked the doorway, refusing to let him in. "Didn't you two break up?"

Xavier lowered his head.

Jeanette pressed on. “Don't think you can just push Katrina around because you're a Richards You've been with her for six months you know what she's like! She loves you so much, she'd do anything for you!"

"She risked her life for you once. And now, over one tiny mistake, you treat her like this?"

"You're turning your back on the person who saved you. You're throwing her into the fire!"

Every word hit home.

Xavier didn't try to defend himself. Deep down, he knew she was right. Katrina had risked everything for him.

It was a long moment before he finally looked up at Jeanette. "At least let me see her. Please."

"You should go. Katrina said she doesn't want to see you right now." Jeanette paused, then added. "And even if you did what good would it do? Can you give her the answers she wants?"

"She loves you more than her own life. What have you ever done for her?" Xavier's face twisted with emotion, but he couldn't find a single word in reply.