?Chapter 693:

    Darin studied her face. “You’re here because Dobbs contacted you before he died, aren’t you? He gave you the form?”

    Elliana remembered the note. The details of the form.

    “Yes,” she said, steady and low.

    Darin’s face cracked. “Elliana, listen,” he said, desperation slipping into his voice, “if you don’t take over Dobbs’ supply deal, Jones Pharmaceuticals won’tst six months. Thepany will copse. You—”

    A sharpugh stopped him. “So, you’re begging me.”

    Darin didn’t argue and nodded. “Yes. I am. Don’t let Jones Pharmaceuticals fall apart just because of what’s happened between us.”

    Elliana’s eyes narrowed. “And why should I care?”

    Darin’s voice dropped. “Because Jones Pharmaceuticals was never mine. Your mother built thatpany from the ground up. I only kept it going. It’s her legacy. Would you really let that burn?”

    Elliana didn’t answer. Not right away. The truth was, she didn’t n to destroy the Jones family. Not yet. That wouldeter. For now, she’d y along. “Fine. I’ll keep the supply going,” she said tly. She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper filled with venom. “But make no mistake. The fate of Jones Pharmaceuticals is now in my hands. You and your family should tread carefully around me. The moment any of you pisses me off, I’ll burn it all down.”

    Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked away.

    Meanwhile, on the private ind, Cole’s eyes blinked open.

    It felt like surfacing from deep water. His limbs ached, heavy and stiff. A long sleep had drained him. Dreams clung to him like fog—vast, distant, and already fading.

    Elliana had been gone for five days. In that time, Cole had remained in deep sleep. Charlie had kept his body stable with daily nutrient solutions, just as she instructed.

    Seven days in total.

    The moment he stirred, Ruben and Jarrett froze. Their hearts pounded. He was alive. Breathing. Awake. That alone was enough to make their knees weak. But was he still the same?

    They watched silently, afraid to break the moment.

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    Cole blinked again, taking in the room. Slowly, he pushed himself up, wincing as his muscles protested. “Grandpa? Dad?” he said, his voice raw and dry. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

    He recognized them.

    Relief washed over them like a wave. Ruben and Jarrett exchanged stunned nces, barely able to breathe.

    Ruben stepped forward. “Cole,” he said, his voice tight with emotion. “How do you feel? Any pain? Anything wrong?”

    “Grandpa, you really don’t have to worry. It was nothing more than a little car ident. I ended up with a few minor scrapes, but I’m doing great now and feel more alive than ever,” Cole said, trying to reassure Ruben.

    Facing Jarrett, Cole added, “Dad, I didn’t mean to put you through that stress, especially when you need to take care of your own health.”

    Ruben and Jarrett exchanged looks full of disbelief and worry. Though Cole clearly recognized them and even remembered Jarrett’s fragile health, he believed a minor ident had caused his long slumber. Elliana had once warned that the third injection could scramble his memories—he might forget some things, invent others, or have memories out of order. Apparently, the memory of a car ident was one that had appeared out of nowhere.

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