“Fiona, Fiona, I don’t want to go to prison—least of all to die,” Maria Long persisted, still refusing to accept reality.“You don’t want to die—does that girl?” Fiona replied, weary resignation edging her voice. “You’re my mother, but saying something like that is too much, isn’t it? In your eyes, is your life the only one that matters?”“Dad, Mom, just wait here for news. We’ll keep you informed,” Heidi said at last. It was all she could manage.“Let’s go,” Fiona said, taking Heidi by the hand. After a few steps, she turned back to Stephen Cooper. “Dad—take care of yourself.”“Do what you can. I’ll accept whatever comes,” Stephen murmured, lifting his eyes, sorrow swimming in them.“I’ll do my best,” Fiona said with a small nod, then led Heidi away.“You’ll stay here tonight,” Captain Christopher added. “Tomorrow you’ll be transferred to the detention center. And stop daydreaming—this is serious. No one can save you.”Maria Long’s face crumpled into utter despair.“Useless old man—w

“Grandfather, that’s not what I meant,” Fiona said, shaking her head lightly.“Then what is it you want me to do?” old Mr. Cooper asked.“Leaving aside the gravity of their crimes, there’s no lawful way to get them out,” she replied evenly. “And even if there were, there’d be no need for you to intervene—because they’re simply not worth it.”“If you already know that, why bring it to me at all?” he pressed.“I only think you and Grandmother have a right to know,” Fiona answered plainly. “You are, after all, my father’s parents.”“They’re both old enough to be responsible for their own actions,” old Miss Cooper said at last. “It’s not that your grandfather and I are heartless—we’re powerless. We can’t spend our lives cleaning up after them, enabling them to run wild.”“I understand, Grandmother,” Fiona replied softly. “I don’t blame you. In truth, I feel the same.”“You can hire the best attorneys and argue the case on its merits—that’s one of the few things we can still do,” old Mr. C

“What is it?” Charles Martin asked.“Since the girl is involved in a criminal case, our hospital has to cooperate with the police,” the attending physician said, precise and formal. “We’ve already submitted a written report on her condition to the department. I wanted you to be aware, to avoid any misunderstanding.”“I understand. That’s reasonable,” Charles replied with a nod. “As for treatment, I need time to consider. Once I’ve decided, I’ll let you know.”After a brief exchange, Charles left the office.Not long after, he received word that Peggy had been moved out of the ICU. When he reached her room, she was still unconscious. According to the nurse on duty, she wouldn’t be waking soon—her body was too weak.Charles sat quietly by the bed. With nothing else to do, he turned the treatment options over and over in his mind.Nova City, the Cooper family residence.Fiona hadn’t gone to work that day; Heidi was home as well. Fiona was on the phone in the living room.“Thank you, Capt

“So yes—it’s a fanciful idea. Theoretically sound, but practically next to impossible,” Joseph said with a nod.“And you still want to wade into it?” Mason Alvarez countered.“I’ll take a look and do what I can,” Joseph replied.“All right. If you need help, say the word,” Mason murmured, then lay back with her head pillowed on Joseph’s thigh, perfectly at ease. She peeled another grape and offered it to him. He felt a touch awkward, but in the end he didn’t refuse her.Time slipped by, and when Joseph saw it was nearly time, he headed out.By the time he pulled up at Nova First Hospital, Heidi and Fiona had not yet arrived. He was about to wait in the car when Fiona’s vehicle turned in.“Brother-in-law, you’re fast,” Heidi said as she hopped out, instinctively looping her arm through his. Fiona was used to it; Heidi had always been unusually close to Joseph, though Fiona had never understood why.“Mr. Wilson, my apologies,” Fiona said as she approached. “Traffic was heavy. I hope you

“Professor Wilson, it seems everyone has great confidence in your skill,” Forrest remarked, moved. “I’ve always felt that the happiest moment for a physician is when patients acknowledge your work. To ease their suffering and earn their trust—that’s the highest praise a doctor can receive.”“I’m only doing what I can,” Joseph replied with humility.Before long, the three of them took the elevator to the seventh floor and headed for the conference room. By then, the consulting specialists had begun to arrive one after another.“Professor Wilson, a pleasure indeed. You’re even younger than you appear on your streams,” said a man in a white coat with graying hair as he approached. He looked to be in his fifties—vital, robust, still in his prime.“This is Dr. Lorraine, our head of Orthopedics at Nova First Hospital—Director Lorraine, a seasoned expert in the field,” Forrest said quickly, making introductions.“An honor, Director Lorraine,” Joseph said, offering his hand.“Never thought I’