Vince frowned, a sense of unease settling over him.


    Mayfield was a shareholder in Stonebridge Construction.


    A darker premonition crept into his mind. Was it just a coincidence? Or something


    more?


    It was still morning in Aetherion when Vince pulled out his phone and dialed


    Sandra.


    Sandra was surprised to see Vince''s name pop up and quickly answered.


    "Sandra."


    "Vince, is there any improvement with Henry''s situation?"


    Sandra and Timothy''s grandfather, Abell Howard, had originally nned to return home with Sallie. But Sallie, not wanting the elderly couple to endure the long journey and emotional turmoil, insisted they stay put. She promised to keep them updated if there was any news. So far, though, Sallie hadn''t reached out.


    "It''s not a terminal illness. The whole Lawson family has been tested as potential donors. Once the surgery is done, Henry should recover."


    "That''s a relief."


    Clearly, the Lawsons still hadn''t told the Howard family about Timothy''s ident. Vince hesitated, then asked, "Has Shee back home?"


    "Yes. After Timothy visited your cest time, I questioned Sallie about it. She said Henry''s been treating She like a mother figure. I called Shete that night and had here back. I asked her about everything. The truth is, she spoils the child too much-lets him have his way, never guides him. I''ve told her to stay home for now."


    Timothy''s mother had died young, leaving a gaping wound in both Sandra and Abell''s lives. When they found She, she became their whole world.


    Sandra''s offhand exnation told Vince what he needed to know—she still sided with She deep down. He let the matter drop.


    "I didn''t have any other reason to call. I just didn''t see her when I came back, so I wanted to ask."


    "Is Timothy still having problems


    with Jessy because of She? If that''s the case, could you talk to Jessy for us? There''s really nothing between Timothy and She. As his family, we would never allow such a thing. For the past seven years, Timothy and She have behaved like any normal siblings. They''re close in age, grew up together, and Timothy is sentimental by nature. She had a rough time back then, and Timothy''s always looked out for her. Please reassure Jessy not to misunderstand. I''ll talk to Timothy as well."


    Sandra''s exnation was polite but firm. Vince could only sigh. "Sandra, their marriage has more problems than just this. I can''t change Jessy''s mind for her. One day, you''ll understand."


    They chatted for a bit longer before ending the call.


    Mayfield was still a shareholder at Stonebridge Construction, and with the recent ident still under investigation, Vince didn''t want to tip his hand just yet.


    He made another call, arranging for two bodyguards to shadow Jessica starting


    tomorrow-to keep her safe, discreetly.


    He didn''t want anything else to happen to her.


    No sooner had he hung up than his phone rang again. Yates was calling.


    "Your nephew''s awake. And today''s his birthday. Sallie just went to buy a cake. Do you want toe to the hospital to see him?"


    Today was Henry''s birthday?


    "No, I''ll pass."


    "What about Jessy? Is sheing? I just stopped by the room-Henry was hoping his mom would visit."


    A tangle of emotions knotted in Vince''s chest. "I don''t know if she wants to go."


    Some dilemmas just cut straight to the heart.


    Timothy and Henry had both hurt Jessica, again and again. Now she had cancer, and neither of them even knew.


    When she needed them most, they were never there not once.