Laurel''s voice was t. "Even if he kills me, I''m going to tell you everything I know. If even you can''t figure out a way to save him, then nobody else stands a chance."


    Ste said softly, "I don''t want to just give up on Joshua."


    Laurel corrected her. "It''s not giving up. It''s saving him."


    Ste fell silent.


    Naturally, Laurel understood her inner turmoil. Softening her tone, she tried to offer


    a shred offort.


    "We still have three months. If we can actually find another way, maybe..."


    Always rational and clear-headed, Laurel found herself unable to finish the sentence. The chances of finding a cure were abysmally thin.


    A whileter, Dr. Winter arrived.


    Seeing Laurel, Joshua didn''t say a word. Ste had already given him a heads-up that she wanted Laurel to observe as well.


    Laurel exchanged a few words with Dr. Winter and quickly realized the woman was genuinely professional and skilled.


    Whenever Dr. Winter conducted a session, Ste usually stepped out to avoid distracting her. Laurel followed Ste out of the room.


    Inside, Joshua sat in his chair, watching Dr. Winter prep her equipment. Suddenly, he spoke up. "Dr. Winter, have we met before?"


    The pen in Dr. Winter''s hand paused. She looked up, her blue eyes meeting his with a confused expression.


    "I don''t have any recollection of you, Mr. Gardner."


    Joshua leaned back in his chair, his tone dangerously casual.


    "I know exactly what you''re capable of, better than anyone. You''re just in this for the


    fame and the money, and I don''t mind ying along for a few acts."


    He narrowed his dark eyes, a faint, predatory smile ying on his lips.


    "But you better drop whatever shady little motives you''re hiding. I''m nowhere near as kind-hearted as Star."


    The only reason Joshua allowed Dr. Winter to treat him was to keep Ste from worrying too much Even. if the treatment was useless, it offered Ste some psychologicalfort.


    Dr. Winter gave a helpless sigh. "Mr. Gardner, I know your condition is incrediblyplex, and my abilities are indeed limited. I might not be able to cure you. But I''m not here with some hidden agenda, nor am I doing it for the money. I''m simply fascinated by your case and see it as a challenge in my medical career."


    Joshua let out a low scoff. "You can feed that nonsense to Star, but do you really think I''d buy it?"


    Unfazed, Dr. Winter asked evenly, "If you think I''m up to no good, Mr. Gardner, have you found any proof?"


    Joshua answered bluntly. "No."


    Dr. Winter smiled. "Since you don''t, your suspicion is rather baseless... Or does Mr. Gardner believe that his word alone is the absolute truth?"


    Joshua smirked. "Of course not."


    Dr. Winter tilted her head. "Then what is it?"


    "Instinct," Joshua said simply.


    Dr. Winter looked intrigued. "Instinct?"


    "I may not have any hard evidence, but my instincts have never been wrong."


    Dr. Winter nodded, showing not a trace of anger or surprise.


    "Many patients struggle to trust their doctors. It''s apletely normal phenomenon."


    Joshua didn''t bother arguing with her. His only goal was to put her on notice-he


    had his eyes on her, and she needed to watch her step.


    ...


    Meanwhile, shortly after Joshua''s


    session began, Ste turned to Laurel. "Ms. Quinn, I left something pay


    inf


    room I''m going to run up and grab it. Could you keep an eye on things here for a moment? I''bbe right back."