ised to see Dr.

e, but this time he wasn't alone. Two nurse

in confusion. "Docto

but firm, leaving no room for argument. "We've prepared

an unmistakable, urgent concern that made her hesitate. The nurses moved forward with quiet efficiency, helping her from the

atched the procession with wide, curious e

ey ascended to the top floor of the hospital, a wing Chloe didn't even know existed. The air here was different. I

e sitting area with a plush sofa, a large private bathroom, and an adjoining n

in her chest. This had to be a mistak

silence. He pulled a chair from the sitting area and placed it beside her bed, his movements deli

to tell you may be very difficult to believe. But I need you to

rhythm against her ribs. She watched h

rying and pulled out a single document. He han

hers: Chloe Hayes. The other made her breath catch in her throat: Richard

t the bottom. The clinical, scientific words seemed to

up at Quentin, her mind a maelstrom of confusion. "What is th

ears. He nodded slowly. "He is my older b

efore continuing, his voice thick with emotion.

impossible. I was adopted. My name is Hayes. I..." The words tumbled

as warm and grounding. "Twenty-two years ago, you were taken from a park. A moment of chaos, a crow

ark she'd had her entire life. He told her it was a Beaumon

g through her. It was too much. The sterile smell of the room, the im

t. Tears of shock, of confusion, and of a deep, bu

for so long, child," Quentin

s if approaching a frightened animal. He wrapped his a

eight of twenty-two years of se

never knew she had, Chloe finally let go. The silent tears turned int

one, a small, hopeful smile on his face. "They're all on their way. They're going crazy with anticipat

this man, her uncle, and saw nothing but sincere, overwhelming love in his ey

hesitant nod. It was the first step. Th