insistence maske

jury, drifting in and out of consciousness for a year, clinging to the edge of life. It was Gabriel, a risin

it all with a quiet determination, her resilience forged in the fires of her trauma. It was during those difficult da

n, it had pained Gabriel to let her go. Yet, he had respected her wishes, helping her ob

her role as a caretaker for a man who seemed undeserving of her quiet devotion. He had wanted to interve

s limousine whisked them away to Sanctum, Gabriel's private hospital, a haven for the wealthy and the elite.

sh of memories: the sterile white walls, the constant

hand. 'Don't worry, El. This is just routine

was right. After all, it wasn't the hospital itse

e soft scent of disinfectant. Elodie felt a familiar wave of anxiety, but she

f emotions. She sat on the examination table, Gabriel's gentle touch a comforting anchor. Wi

he said finally, his voice sof

hand. 'I understand,

rological examinations. Each prick of the needle, each scan of the machine,

last test w

an bill of health. Relief washed ov

' he declared, a genuine

a feeling of peace

l seemed to melt away in that moment. She had survived.

rs welling up in her eyes. 'Tha

er. 'You're welcome, little sis. But remember, yo

*

brandy. Elodie leaned back in the plush armchair, her stomach pleasantly full after the gourmet f

ck of papers from a hidden compartment in hi

owed in curiosity.

them, their weight suggesting something signific

anned the documents. 'Everything?' she whi

ng our parents owned, including th

tacles reaching into every lucrative sector – real estate, hospitality, fashion, financ

hers, Gabriel and Oliver, also had a share in the billion-dollar estate. For them to relinquish

to ask, her voice barely above a

agreed on this. With our parents gone, it's our responsibility to loo

a neurosurgeon, and Oliver's too restless to be tied down to one pla

e couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Accepting such a massive responsib

ed a reassuring hand on hers. 'Take your time, E