Chapter 29

The sound of steady, powerful footsteps echoed from the end of the hallway.

Emily Smith looked up to see William Johnson striding toward her with a silver-haired elder. Behind the elder trailed a group of white-coated doctors, their presence so commanding it stole the breath from the air.

She recognized the elder instantly—Professor Johnson, the foremost authority in neurosurgery.

As Professor Johnson approached, the previously noisy corridor fell silent. Doctors and nurses gathered around him, respectfully reporting the patient's condition.

"What's the blood pressure?"

"How are the pupillary responses?"

After a few brief questions, Professor Johnson led his team into the emergency room.

Only then did Emily notice William standing nearby. His suit was immaculate, exhaustion shadowing his brow, yet he remained tall and unyielding like a pine tree.

He stepped toward her and gently wiped the tear tracks from her cheeks.

"Don't be afraid."

Two simple words, yet they sent a tremor through Emily's heart.

He took her hand and guided her to a bench. The warmth of his palm inexplicably soothed her.

"Rest for a while." He patted his shoulder.

As if under a spell, Emily leaned against him. William wrapped an arm around her, his long fingers lightly stroking her hair.

The faint scent of cedarwood clung to him, and her tense nerves gradually relaxed.

Before she knew it, she had fallen into a deep sleep.

When she woke, she found herself on the sofa in the hospital room. Dawn light filtered through the window, and her sister lay quietly in bed, the monitor displaying steady vital signs.

For a moment, she thought it had all been a dream.

Then she heard low voices outside the door.

"...The blood clot is compressing the brainstem. Cardiac arrest could happen at any moment."

"Success rate of the surgery?"

That was William's voice.

"Craniotomy carries extreme risks. Even if successful, the patient may be permanently disabled."

"What do you advise?"

"Terminate treatment."

Emily shoved the door open.

"I won't give up!" Her voice rang through the hallway. "As long as my sister is still breathing, I won't give up!"

Every head turned toward her.

Surprise flickered in William's eyes before softening into a gentle smile. He stepped to her side and spoke with quiet conviction.

"If you don't give up, then neither will we."

Those words were like a beam of light piercing the darkness of Emily's world.

She gazed up at him, her eyes burning.

"And this is...?" Professor Johnson asked curiously.

"Someone very important," William answered.

Professor Johnson nodded in understanding. "I'll do my best."

"Thank you," Emily whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

William gently squeezed her trembling hand.