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    The blood transfusion was finally sessful. As thest drop made its way into Alessia’s veins, Cole felt all the tension drain from his body. He slumped into a chair, utterly spent.

    Susannah Holt was sitting with her mother in a regr hospital room nearby, while Cole leaned against the corridor wall, eyes closed, trying to steady himself.

    In that moment of hesitation from She, he’d already made up his mind that, if necessary, he would force her to give blood. Jail time, scandal, public outrage–none of it mattered to him, as long as Alessia survived.

    Thankfully, it hadn’te to that.

    Yet he knew, even if he had crossed that line, Alessia would never have med him. If their roles were reversed–if he were the one lying pale and still in a hospital bed–she would have done exactly the same for

    him.

    After the transfusion, Alessia’s condition finally stabilized. Still, she’d lost so much blood that no one could say for sure when she might wake up.

    Members of the Morton family, along with Max, Ste, and others, took turnsing by the hospital each day. They all lived nearby, and it was as if they’d silently agreed on a schedule. They were public figures in their own right, prominent in different circles, so word spread fast. Soon, the hospital halls were crowded with curiosity–seekers, and a few shameless reporters looking to turn Alessia’s tragedy into their next headline.

    Ethan, never one to back down from a fight–especially after the scare Alessia had given them all–didn’t hesitate to take legal action. He filedwsuits against the most egregious tabloids, making it clear he wouldn’t tolerate anyone exploiting Alessia’s suffering for clicks.

    Max and Cole were quieter, but no less decisive. Within three days, every gossip rag that tried to profit off Alessia’s story had shut down, seemingly

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    overnight.

    Liam, usually more reserved, had finally had enough of the obsessive stalkers. He went live on social media and called them out directly. But he knew how unhinged some fans could be, so for Alessia’s safety, he left town for a while.

    Zachary didn’t have it any easier. Six couldn’t keep the truth from Xander, and when he found out, he tore into them both. If not for their pleas–and Cole’s calm reassurance–Xander would have been on the next flight over. Now, every day, Zachary had to report Alessia’s status and endure impromptu quizzes on medical terminology. Still, he refused to leave, determined to stay until Alessia opened her eyes.

    Since Cole was the only man in Alessia’s inner circle, Ste and Queenie made it a point to visit every day. They kept things quiet–no arguments, no drama. In all their years of friendship, this was the first time the three of them sat together inplete silence.

    A week passed. Alessia remained unconscious, showing no sign of waking.

    The small–town hospital’s resources were limited. After speaking with the doctors and confirming that a transfer wouldn’t put Alessia at risk, Cole arranged for a private jet to take her to the city. He brought along her personal physician to monitor her throughout the journey.

    Once everything was ready, the group followed Alessia back to The Capital, Hospital policy meant only a few people could stay with her, and Ethan and the others were exhausted. Apart from Cole, everyone else

    was sent home to rest.

    It wasn’t that they didn’t want Cole to go home, too–they all knew he wouldn’t leave Alessia’s side for a second, not until she was awake.

    As soon as they arrived, York and Ivan rushed in with Karen and Brendan.

    The two boys were clearly anxious, but the somber atmosphere kept them quiet. They pressed their faces to the window, watching Alessia’s motionless form, a tangle of tubes and monitors. Their eyes were red,

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    and they clung tightly to each other, unable to look away.

    Brendan and Karen pulled Cole aside to ask about Alessia’s condition. He told them everything, leaving nothing out.

    Karen’s knees buckled, and Brendan caught her just in time.

    Brendan was shaken, too. Up until now, they’d only been able to ask about Alessia through hurried phone calls and text updates. Seeing her in person, so fragile and still, hit him hard.

    He looked up at Cole–unkempt, dark circles under his eyes–and ced aforting hand on his shoulder.