Page 7

She nodded, comforted by the certainty in his voice.

He helped her lie back against the pillows, adjusting the blanket around her. Once she was settled, he turned and walked out.

Esther’s sad gaze followed him until the door closed behind him.

Outside, Lorenzo walked briskly down the hall with Xander trailing behind. They exited the hospital and stepped into the sunlight, heading toward the car parked along the curb.

Just before they reached it, Lorenzo stopped and turned to Xander, his voice sharp and impatient.

“What about Dr. Astra? Did you find her yet?”

Xander shook his head and answered, “She used to keep a low profile. Even then, it was tough to pin down her exact location and send her an invite for treatment. But two years ago, she completely vanished. No one’s seen or heard from her since. I’ve had people looking, but nothing’s come up yet.”

Lorenzo’s jaw tightened, tension flickering across his face. He raised a hand and ran it through his thick dark hair in a slow, frustrated motion. Then his sharp gaze locked onto Xander.

“Put a headhunt on it,” he said, his voice cold and commanding. “Whoever finds her and connects her to us gets a reward.”

“I’ll get it done right away, Mr. Moretti,” Xander muttered, nodding quickly. Then he hesitated and glanced up at him more cautiously. “What about Mrs. Moretti?”

Lorenzo’s teeth clenched. His expression darkened, and his voice dropped to a growl.

“Leave that damn woman alone. When she’s tired of roaming the streets, she’ll come back on her own.”

Xander gave him a sharp sideways look and muttered under his breath, “Scumbag.”

Lorenzo narrowed his eyes. “Did you say something?” he asked, leaning in slightly, his brows drawing together.

Xander straightened instantly, shaking his head. “No, sir. Nothing.”

He rushed to open the car’s back door. “Here you go, sir. Please get in. We’re running late for the meeting.”

***

Krystal collapsed onto the couch, her limbs heavy with exhaustion. She lay there for a moment, breathing in thescent of her own space—a soothing mix of lavender, linen, and something faintly citrusy.

The apartment was a soft haven of calm: muted earth tones, pale sage and cream walls, and plush furniture that invited you to sink in and stay awhile. Lush green plants lined the windowsills and corners, bringing life to the space, while paintings of forests, oceans, and misty mountain paths adorned the walls, casting a serene, almost meditative atmosphere over the room.

“God, it feels so damn good to finally relax in my own place,” she sighed, propping herself up on her elbow. Her eyes drifted to Darren, who sat near the sleek kitchen island, tapping away on his laptop. The kitchen, open to the living area, was modern and spotless—stone countertops, warm lighting, and a neat arrangement of mugs and herbs on floating shelves.

“You have no idea how suffocating that Cactus’ house was,” she grumbled. “I was constantly walking on eggshells, scared I’d piss him off just by breathing.”

Darren looked up from his screen, meeting her eyes. He was seated at the edge of the island, a cup of coffee cooling beside him. “If it was that bad, who told you to marry the guy and live in his house?”

Her eyes narrowed sharply.

Darren leaned back, hands raised in surrender. “Alright, alright! I’m shutting up.”

She let the glare linger for a few more seconds before sighing and collapsing back on the couch. Darren turned his attention back to the screen, fingers tapping as he searched.

Down the hall were two bedrooms—one was Krystal’s, full of soft lighting, pale rose bedding, and more of the same tranquil greenery. The other, Darren’s, was simpler but still comfortable.

“You’ve been gone two years, honey,” he said, not looking up. “In the medical field, that’s a long time. Who knows if anyone even remembers Doctor Astra anymore.”

Just then, a pop-up lit up on his laptop. Darren froze. His eyes widened, jaw dropping as he stared at the monitor.

“What is it?” Krystal asked, flipping onto her stomach and lifting herself up on her elbows again to get a better view.

Darren could barely get the words out. “Someone just placed a headhunt… for you.”