The hospital floor was reserved for VIP patients, ensuring Nick had the ce all to himself. When Mirabe walked in, she checked his pulse, feeling relieved at its steadinesspared to right after his surgery. Finally, she could breathe a sigh of relief.


    "How''s he doing?" As asked, his voice tinged with concern as Mirabe pulled her hand back.


    Mirabe gave him a reassuring nod. "He''s stable, should be waking up by tomorrow."


    "That''s a relief," As replied, visibly rxed.


    Mirabe dug into her pocket and handed As a small bottle of pills. "I won''t be here tomorrow. Make sure he takes one of these dissolved in water every day."


    As nodded, tucking the medicine away carefully. "Got it."


    "Good," Mirabe replied softly, casting another nce at Nick lying in the hospital bed. "As, let''s chat outside. I have a few questions."


    As had a hunch about her queries, so once they were outside, he broke the silence. "Nick had a reason for heading to the research institute, but I''m afraid I can''t share the details."


    Mirabe paused, then asked, "Was returning for medical school part of his n?"


    As shook his head. "Not quite. He had other ns toe back."


    Mirabe nodded, mulling over something before asking, "Is Chester involved?"


    As lowered his gaze, offering no reply.


    Seeing his reaction, Mirabe decided not to push it. "Alright, I get it."


    As watched her, his heart torn between wanting to share and knowing he shouldn''t. After Nick''s close call, he realized some things were best kept from Miss Mira. She was better off managing the family business without theseplications.


    After delivering the medicine, Mirabe didn''t linger at the hospital and soon drove home.


    **


    The following day, just past 10 a.m., Nick finally woke up.


    As, remembering Mirabe''s instructions, stayed by his side. As soon as Nick stirred, As promptly called Dr. Ray.


    Dr. Ray examined Nick again, amazed at how fast he was recovering, and ordered the nurses to remove the venttor and other support equipment.


    After briefing As, Dr. Ray left without further ado.


    Nick, still groggy, never thought he''d open his eyes again. Even during Dr. Ray''s check-up, he was a little out of it.


    He tried to lift his hand to his chest, wanting to feel his heartbeat, but the effort was too much, and his hand dropped back down.


    Seeing this, As assumed he needed something. "Mr. Nick, do you want some water?"


    Nick turned his head slightly towards As, his voice strained, "Did you tell Mira?"


    As was taken aback that this was Nick''s first concern. He shook his head. "No, you told me not to before you went under, so I didn''t."


    "Really?" Nick''s pale face showed no color, each word pulling painfully at his chest despite the painkillers.


    As, noticing Nick''s difort, advised, "You should rest. Dr. Ray barely pulled you back from the edge. If anything happens again, we can''t keep it from Miss Mira."


    Nick closed his eyes, something on his mind. After a moment, bearing the pain, he asked, "The person who set up my escape from the research institute, where did you find them?"


    As, clueless about any such arrangement, was momentarily stumped. Regaining hisposure, he guessed it must have been Mirabe. "I don''t know. We couldn''t reach you at all while we were outside."