"It's okay, Jenarth. I'm not gonna leave you behind." Arthur reached out and drew the boy into his arms. Jenarth immediately snuggled close against his chest and whispered warmly, "Daddy." "Arthur!" He looked up to see Jennifer standing nearby. Her eyes were red-rimmed—she'd clearly been crying. The stubborn way she fought to keep from crying didn't escape Arthur's notice. "Jennifer." He didn't know what to say—especially not after his mother had gone and announced their wedding in front of everyone. He'd tried to give Jennifer the kind of life she deserved. He'd helped look after Jenarth, too. But none of it came from love. What he felt was gratitude. And guilt. If she hadn't saved him back then, he wouldn't be alive.He'd even thought about giving her shares in Myers Group—making sure she never had to worry about money. But his heart... that was the one thing he couldn't give. He knew who held it—Chloe. But here, face to face with Jennifer, what was he supposed to do? "Jennifer... I'm sorry," he said, voice low and helpless. She didn't say much and just offered a faint smile. "I know how you feel about Chloe. I understand, Arthur. You should go after what you want. I'll be okay. I tried to talk your mother out of this, but... it didn't work." She smiled again, but it looked fragile. "The news is already everywhere. I couldn't stop it. But I can choose to walk away. I'll take Jenarth and go. This is my fault—I shouldn't have been so greedy, clinging to fantasies like that." Arthur stared at her, surprised. He hadn't expected her to be so calm. No drama. No scene. She was even encouraging him. So who was the one clinging to a fantasy, after all? Maybe it was him."Daddy Arthur, please don't make us go! I'll be good—I promise! I'll do whatever you want me to." Jenarth tried to grab his hand. But Jennifer gently pulled the boy back into her arms. "Arthur... thank you. For giving me a memory I'll always keep." She lowered her head, took Jenarth's hand, and turned to leave. Watching her walk away—her posture so fragile it looked like she might break—something twisted in Arthur's chest. Without thinking, he reached out and stopped her. "Jennifer." She paused. "I told you I'd take care of you and Jenarth," he said quietly. "You don't have to leave. This is your home now." A happy little cheer burst from Jenarth. "Arthur." The tears Jennifer had been holding back finally fell. "My mother said you could handle the house arrangements. Do whatever you like," Arthur added, his voice flat. "I'm tired. I'm going upstairs to rest." With that, he headed up the stairs. Jennifer stood where she was, watching him disappear from view. She didn't move until he was completely gone. "Mommy, we don't have to pretend anymore, right? We don't have to leave," Jenarth said, a note of triumph in his voice. "That's right. From now on, this is our home. We're not going anywhere. No one can make us leave." A slow smile spread across Jennifer's lips. Arthur, even if your heart belongs to Chloe, so what? From now on, you are mine. ***** At the hospital... Charles lay still in his bed. The room was so quiet. Without the whir of medical instruments, it would give the impression that he was gone. Chloe walked closer. Seeing how frail he looked, she pulled a chair over and sat down. "I came to see you," she whispered, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible—as if speaking any louder might disturb him. He didn't respond. Zachary arrived with a doctor and found Chloe sitting silently by the bedside, keeping watch. "Chloe, Dr. Palma is here," Zachary said, guiding a gray-haired man into the room. Chloe stood immediately. Blaine Palma entered and, after one look at Charles, his expression turned serious. "You paid a fortune to bring me here—so you want me to save him?" he asked, stepping toward the bed. Before Chloe could answer, he took Charles' wrist and checked his pulse.Zachary held his breath as he watched. Blaine was a world-class neurosurgeon. People waited for years and still couldn't get him to operate. For Charles' condition, he was their best hope.