Catching on quickly, Alfy said to Bernie, “I’m not sure where she is. She might have left right after the surgery.”

Suspicion flickered in Bernie’s eyes. He gazed at Alfy with probing eyes. “Is that true?” He suspected that Alfy was not telling the truth.

Alfy realized that lying to Bernie was useless. She explained, “To be honest, I don’t know for certain. She was here before I fell asleep for the surgery.” She faced Bernie, her expression earnest.

Katelyn observed Bernie’s unusual excitement. Rather than showing relief that Hades had been involved, he seemed thrilled, as if he had been searching for her.

Katelyn eyed Bernie curiously, pondering his reaction. She asked, “Mr. Norris, are you searching for Hades for a particular reason?”

Bernie paused briefly, masking his emotions, and offered Katelyn a warm smile. “Hades saved Alfy. I owe her my thanks!”

Katelyn nodded, appearing to understand, though her suspicions only deepened.

Bernie shifted his attention back to Alfy without elaborating further and instructed, “If you encounter Hades, make sure to inform me, alright?”

Alfy responded with a smile, “Okay.”

She harbored no doubts regarding Bernie’s intentions, yet she chose to remain silent. Committed to respecting Katelyn’s wishes to keep secrets, she decided to withhold any information.

Bernie seemed reassured and looked at Alfy with concern. “Are you still in pain?”

Alfy had recently undergone surgery and was unable to eat, forced to rest quietly. She shook her head slightly and reassured him, saying, “No, it doesn’t hurt. Hades is a skilled doctor. I feel fine even though the anesthesia has worn off.”

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This confirmed to Alfy that Katelyn had been truthful. Surprisingly, it didn’t hurt all that much.

Understanding that Bernie wished for some private time with Alfy, Katelyn said to her directly, “Alfy, make sure you rest well. I’m going to catch some sleep myself.”

Alfy realized that it was already quite late. She didn’t insist on keeping Katelyn, knowing that performing surgery was incredibly draining, both mentally and physically. “Okay, Katelyn, rest well.”

As Katelyn prepared to leave, she reminded Alfy, “Make sure you call me if you need anything.”

Alfy nodded in agreement.

With a wave, Katelyn exited the room.

However, just as Katelyn stepped out of the ward, she overheard Bernie asking Alfy once more, “You’re sure you didn’t see Hades?”

Katelyn’s brow furrowed. Could it be that there was truly nothing wrong with Bernie?

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