Just then, Emily’s phone rang. Olivia glanced at the screen, “It’s Jackson…” “Olivia, I need to take this call.” “Alright, I’ll head back to the room and wait for you,” Olivia hugged her. “If you really can’t return Jackson’s feelings, make sure you’re clear with him, okay?” Olivia returned to the hospital room. Emily’s phone kept ringing persistently, reflecting the urgency of the caller’s emotions. She finally answered, “Jackson?” “Emily, where are you right now?” “I…” “I’ve been thinking. Vincent specifically gave you this project because he has ulterior motives! Quit the project, okay? I’ll take you away. Tell me where you are, and I’ll come get you right now. Let’s just leave—just the two of us. We can go somewhere no one knows us and live quietly. Isn’t that what you always wanted?” His voice sounded desperate, and Emily could hear car horns blaring in the background. “Are you driving?” “Yeah, I just got home and had a huge fight with my family. Emily, there’s nothing left for me here. I just want to run away with you, to a place where it’s only the two of us, where we can live in peace. That’s what you’ve always wanted, right?” He wasn’t wrong. Emily had always longed for peace and stability, especially after a childhood filled with chaos. But life had never granted her that wish. Her thirty years had been more tumultuous than any drama. “Emily, you haven’t answered me. Where are you right now?” “I’m… at the hospital.” “Hospital?” Jackson’s voice shot up several notches. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?” “Don’t worry, it’s not me. I’m fine…”Jackson seemed slightly reassured. “As long as you’re okay. But Emily, I’m serious. Let’s leave. Please?” Emily took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “I can’t leave, Jackson. I took this job, and I have to see it through. I’ve spent over three years studying architecture, and I’m finally being recognized for it. I can’t just walk away.” “Is this about money? If you’re worried about that, you don’t have to. Even if you never work again, I’ll make sure you live comfortably.” Emily realized they were on completely different wavelengths. “It’s not about money, Jackson. It’s about responsibility—toward Stardream, the Great Wall Group, and most importantly, myself.” There was silence on the other end, but she could hear his labored breathing. The car horns and traffic noises on his side were growing louder and more frequent. Concerned, Emily asked, “Jackson, are you alright? I can hear a lot of traffic. Please, focus on driving. We can talk when we meet, okay?” “Emily.” “I’m here.” “Do you still care about me?” “Of course I care about you. You’re my…” She hesitated, her words trailing off. Jackson pressed on, not letting it go. “I’m your what? Emily, say it.” “You’re my…” “Boyfriend, or… just a friend?” “Jackson, please calm down.” “I can’t calm down!” Jackson said, his voice rising. “You’re at the hospital because of Vincent, aren’t you?” “Jackson…” “He’s manipulating you! You can’t see it, but I can! Let me guess—he probably had you visit his grandmother too, right? He’s trying to soften your heart!” Suddenly, Emily heard the distinct wail of police sirens through the phone, growing louder and more urgent.“Jackson, are there police near you?” “I might’ve driven a little fast and sideswiped a few cars. Looks like the cops are here to deal with me.” Panic hit Emily. “Jackson, listen to me. Hang up right now and pull over! You’re in danger. If you hit someone—” “Emily, you never really loved me, did you?” BANG. A loud crash rang out. Then, silence. “Beep, beep, beep—” The phone call had ended. "Hello? Jackson? Jackson, are you okay? Jackson!" Emily’s heart raced. She tried calling him back several times, but each attempt failed to connect. She bolted out of the hospital room, panic gripping her chest. “Allen! Jackson might be in trouble!” Emily burst through the hospital room door but found no trace of Allen or Olivia. Only Satan was there, sitting alone. His eyes lit up with joy when he saw her enter. “Where’s Allen? Did he leave?” Emily asked, her voice urgent. Satan nodded, holding up five fingers to indicate they had left about five minutes ago. *"Why would they leave now?" she thought. "Do you have Allen’s phone number?" she asked. He shook his head. Of course. The only number saved in Satan’s phone was Emily’s. That’s why the hospital had called her when he was admitted. But now, with Jackson in potential danger, who could she contact? “What’s wrong, Emily?” Satan couldn’t help but speak, even though he knew he wasn’t supposed to."Jackson called me earlier. I heard police sirens and then a loud crash before the call cut off. I think he might have been in an accident, but I don’t know how to reach his family…” Emily’s words tumbled out, and then she noticed, with concern, “Why are you talking? The doctor said you shouldn’t be speaking right now.” “This is an emergency,” Satan replied, quickly getting out of bed and grabbing her hand. “I’ll take you to find him.” Satan pulled her out of the hospital and into the car. “No, wait,” Emily protested, grabbing his arm. “You’re supposed to be resting. You can’t drive in your condition!” “Emily,” Satan gently pushed her hand away, “if you really care about me, please don’t make me speak any more.” Emily bit her lip, torn about what to do. The car engine roared to life as they sped out of the hospital parking lot. Satan, his voice steady, instructed her, “Call Dylan. Have him contact Allen and look into tonight’s traffic accidents. We should have an answer soon.” Time was of the essence, so Emily quickly followed his instructions. She called Allen first and then contacted Dylan. Dylan didn’t seem surprised by her call and immediately began his investigation without any questions. Fifteen minutes later, Dylan called back, his voice grave. “Ma’am, we found him. Jackson was involved in a major accident on the east side overpass. He hit eleven cars. So far, the report lists eleven fatalities and nine serious injuries, with seven still in critical condition…”