?Chapter 462:


    Stepping out of the hospital room, Hadley drew in a deep breath to steady herself. She intended to check on Elissa next when her phone buzzed to life. It was Mathias calling.


    Likely reaching out to confirm the date of Joy’s surgery, she mused.


    Her tone brightened as she answered. “Dr. Williams?”


    “Ms. Pearson,” came the reply. “Can youe to the hospital?”


    “I’m already here at the hospital!” Hadley let out a softugh. “Just give me a second!”


    After ending the call, she quickened her steps toward Joy’s ward.


    From down the corridor, she caught sight of Mathias. “Dr. Williams!” she called out.


    But the look on Mathias’ face stopped her short. It wasn’t one of reassurance. Slowing her stride, her smile dimmed. “Apologies—I got carried away. I’ll keep my voice down.”


    “It’s okay,” Mathias replied, though his brow furrowed as he motioned toward his office. “Let’s speak privately.”


    “Of course.”


    At that moment, she hadn’t had the faintest inkling of the heartbreak awaiting her.


    “Dr. Williams…”


    After hearing Mathias’ words, Hadley’s face drained of color. She managed a frail smile, clinging to disbelief. “You’re pulling my leg, aren’t you? This can’t be happening.”


    Mathias shook his head, his expression somber. “Since Joy was admitted over six months ago, I’ve held onto the same hope as you—that she would pull through.”


    A sharp pang gripped Hadley’s chest, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Her voice quivered as she spoke. “But… Isn’t there anything we can do?”


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    Mathias let out a heavy sigh, his face etched with both helplessness and remorse. “The donor withdrew at the eleventh hour. It was beyond our control.” He raked a hand through his hair, frustration evident. “I should’ve prepared you for this possibility. It’s not the first time such things have happened.”


    And just like that, Hadley’s hopes were shattered into pieces.


    “Dr. Williams!”


    Hadley squeezed her eyes shut for a brief moment before blurting out, “Who was the donor? Can you tell me? I need to speak with them—I’ll plead if I have to.”


    “NO!” Mathias interjected swiftly, halting her spiraling thoughts. “You need to take a step back! That’s against thew!”


    Hadley froze in ce, her eyes growing even redder as the weight of his words sank in.


    What now? What would be of Joy?


    “Ms. Pearson,” Mathias said gently, understanding the depths of a mother’s anguish. “Don’t let this break you. Other chances wille… Joy’s condition isn’t critical just yet…”


    Joy was fine now, but what about tomorrow?


    Without a surgery to cure her, Joy would be tethered to endless hospital visits and treatments. At best, they could keep her stable—for now.


    But what if that fragile thread of hope unraveled entirely?


    Hadley drew in a steadying breath, pressing her palms firmly against the table as she rose to her feet.


    “Thank you, Dr. Williams. I’ll… go see Joy now.”


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