Rowan shook his head as he walked away. What a piece of work. She's completely unhinged. Sometime later, the hospital room door opened again. Annie, who had been burying her face in her pillow, looked up, hope flashing in her eyes. "Jethro. He must have come." She turned. It was Jasper. The faint smile on her lips froze and then disappeared. Jasper placed a bouquet and a fruit basket on the side table, then sat on the edge of the bed. He reached out, his touch gentle, to stroke her pale cheek. "Annie, the caregiver told me you'd returned. Why didn't you let me know? I only found out you were here because Jenna mentioned you were in the hospital. What happened? Are you alright? The Group has a private hospital. I can arrange a transfer, get you the best private nurses."His stream of concerned chatter didn't touch her; it only grated on her nerves. She'd orchestrated all of this to reconnect with Jethro. She wasn't about to be shipped off to some private facility. And Jenna—that idiot. She'd told her not to spill anything to Jasper, yet she still did. Looks like I need to have a serious talk with her. A cold glint flashed in Annie's eyes before she looked up again, her expression softening into its usual delicate helplessness. "Jasper, thank you for your kindness. But I can't go to a Blackwood hospital. I only came back to visit my dad's grave. He came to me in a dream, said I was unfilial for not paying my respects. My conscience won't let me ignore it. But I also know what my dad did to your family. Nothing can ever make up for that damage. I don't deserve your family's care. I can't face them. From now on, it's better if you keep your distance from me." Her eyes grew moist, and she looked down, a picture of tragic sorrow.Jasper's heart ached. He pulled her into a hug. "Annie, I've told you a thousand times. You are not your father. What happened was a tragic accident. No one wanted it. You can't carry that guilt." Annie frowned inwardly. She'd said all that hoping he'd leave quickly, not to invite his pity party. The man really knows how to convince himself, doesn't he? Jasper held her, asking repeatedly where she was hurt, how bad it was, and how it happened. His questions began to irritate her. Of course she couldn't tell him his cousin had hit her—the fool might go and pick a fight. "Jasper," she interrupted softly, "if you have time, could you take me for a walk? I'd like some sun. The doctor said it helps with healing." "Of course I have time! For you, I always have time." She forced herself not to meet his adoring gaze. Jasper gave a slightly sad smile, ruffled her hair gently, and went to find a nurse to borrow a wheelchair. Outside, the day was bright and sunny—not scorching hot. Worried that Annie might get sunburned, Jasper opted for a shaded path. To lift her mood, he told her some corny jokes he'd found online. Annie chuckled, a bright little giggle. "Annie, you actually get these jokes?" Jasper said, surprised. "It took me a while after coming back to understand the local humor." Annie blinked a bit stiffly. "I'm just a quick study." "Right, of course. You and Jethro were always at the top of the class back then..." He caught himself and abruptly changed the subject. "Look at the lotus flowers over there. Aren't they beautiful?" Annie's gaze drifted to the distant pond. It reminded her of the summer after graduation, traveling with Jethro. They'd found a similar pond, rented a small boat, and lay back among the lotus leaves. He'd leaned over and kissed her cheek when she wasn't expecting it.Such a perfect memory. If not for that incident, they'd be married by now, with children. Too bad—everything was just ashes now. As she sighed inwardly, a figure caught her eye—Darcy. "Jasper, I'm a bit thirsty. Could you get me some water?" Thrilled that she was asking him for something, Jasper nodded eagerly and hurried off toward the building. The moment he was out of sight, the softness vanished from Annie's face. She maneuvered her wheelchair directly into Darcy's path. Darcy was at the hospital to pick up a prescription for her mother. She was just leaving when the wheelchair blocked her way. "Ms. Gale. We meet again." Annie tilted her chin up, her expression haughty. Darcy gave a curt nod. "Ms. Roby." She moved to step around, but the wheelchair rolled forward, trapping her. Darcy stopped, frowning. "What is the meaning of this?" "The pictures I sent you," Annie said, a sly smile playing on her lips. "You saw them, didn't you?" Darcy pressed her lips together, saying nothing. Annie's smile widened. "Your silence says yes. That night, when Jethro stood you up, he was with me. We... spent the entire night together."