an eye, and the long-awaited day of

hospital bed, much as she had for days, idly s

eholders into placing their trust in him, and how, at the press conference scheduled for

ely, she resolved silently, then she wou

cross the screen, a glint of something cold

gentle knock ech

e sounded from the corridor,

Ashlyn repl

slid the phone beneath the co

red bearing a steaming cup of brot

ry simply isn't enough," Carl murmured, his tone measured and considerate as he extende

yn answered, accepting the cup with a sere

arl's sudden attentiveness sprang from genuine concern-especially not when

The broth was heavily laced with sedatives-enough in a single c

ry least I can do. Go on, drink it. It will make

ised the cup to her lips and drained its

ressing a hand to her temple, "perhaps I'm still not

sing promptly, he adopted an expression of tender concern. "Then re

l Ashlyn's breathing slowed and deepened into the steady rhythm of sleep. Only when he was u

.

ughes Group press conference comme

ectacle, drawing nearly every prominent

, Hughes Group would

reamed into the hall in waves, cameras

er today, you'll be the youngest

e. Truly remarkable. One can't h

le Ms. Marsh lay in a coma, he remained at her s

Marsh's greatest blessing. Even if she were to awaken

of adulation, Paulina radiant beside him in an exquisite gown, as

rl experienced such

ed solely around Ashlyn. He had trailed quietl

toward Oliver. "Mr. Hall," he said with a confident smile, "th

aring witness, I wish to make an official announcement. Owing to ongoing health concerns, Ms. Ashlyn Marsh is regrettably unable to continue fulfilling h

he grand hall, a wave of approval t

sign the equity transfer agreement," Oli

scended the steps with barely contained exhilaration. His pulse raced as h

seconds from becomi

ure line, ready to commit his name

n's voice-cool, composed, and laced with a subtle, chilli

ous. Why was I not informed of this pre

swiveled toward the sour

cusp of victory, felt a f

ince when did the Hughes Group owe anyone outside t

a sudden, profound hush descen

ance. The instant he recognized the woman framed in the do

sweat prickled a

acking with disbelief. "How...