chapter585

"Then why are you choosing to leave now? Are you trying to make things harder for me on purpose? I'm warning you, if you walk out at this moment, you won't get a single cent of your bonus, your year-end pay, or even your salary."

Harry didn't even flinch. He sounded calm, almost like he'd already expected this. "I understand. Don't worry. I'll wrap up everything and make sure all my work is handed over before I go."

Jenson slammed the phone down, so angry he nearly threw it across the room. The truth was, the only reason he could afford to have so much free time was because Harry handled everything at the company. Harry might have been called his driver, but really, he was more like Jenson's right hand. He took care of everything-big or small-without Jenson even having to ask.

Especially during the recent financial crisis, Jenson had barely been at the office. Harry kept him updated on every little thing, handled all the messes, and made sure nothing fell apart. He did it all so well.

So why was he suddenly quitting?

Milana, watching Jenson pace around, couldn't keep quiet. "Do you think Harry's just using the company's problems as an excuse? Maybe he wants a raise or a better position, so he's threatening to leave?"

She knew just how much Jenson relied on Harry. If Harry really left, Jenson would be stuck at the office day and night, with no time for anything else.

Jenson thought about it. Maybe that was it. "I'll go talk to him at the office," he said. The company had already lost a lot of people lately. If Harry left too, it would be a nightmare to find someone who could actually replace him.

Three days went by in a blur.

Mrs. Smith was finally moved from the ICU to a regular room, but there was still no telling when she'd actually wake up. Lydia finally let out a breath she felt like she'd been holding forever. As long as her grandmother was alive, there was hope.

Connor looked at Lydia, noticing the circles under her eyes and how tired she looked. His heart ached for her. "I'll stay here with Grandma tonight. You should go home and get some real sleep, okay?"

For the past three days, Lydia had barely left the hospital. She ate there, slept there, barely even closed her eyes terrified something might happen if sh? let her guard down for even a second. She was exhausted and felt like she hadn't showered in days. Maybe she really did need to go home and rest.

"You should get some sleep too. You've been here with me this whole time. I know

it's been hard on you," she said softly.

Connor shook his head. "I'm fine."

"The nurses can keep watch for a while. Dr. Hady is still here, and nothing's going to happen." Lydia was determined not to make the same mistake twice. She wasn going to let Jenson, Milana,

anyone

else disturb her

wre

grandmother's rest ever again.

"It's okay. I want to be here tonight. You go home," Connor insisted. He knew how much Lydia worried. The only way she'd really rest was if he stayed and watched over Grandma himself. He could see how much she blamed herself for everything that had happened. She was just so tired. He just wanted her to have one peaceful night.

Lydia understood and nodded. "Thank you. Really."

Connor smiled. "Compared to what you've been through, this is nothing."

Before going home, Lydia made her way down to the basement to see Sandy.

Sandy had been locked up down there for three days, trapped in a tiny, filthy room with no light. She ate, slept, and took care of everything in that tiny space. She looked absolutely miserable.

The second she heard the heavy door creak open, Sandy scrambled up from the corner. When she saw Lydia, her lips-dry and cracked-barely moved. Her voice was rough and weak. "Lydia, please let me out. I'm innocent."

Lydia's face was stone cold. Her words held no warmth at all. "Really?"

Sandy started to cry, her voice trembling. "What do I have to do to make you believe me? You can't do this. It's illegal..."