?Chapter 2974:


    Back in the observation room, the air stayed heavy.


    After making sure Colleen was settled, Hadley forced a small smile. “Get some rest, Colleen. I’ll step out for now.”


    “Okay,” Colleen murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.


    That was when Jorge finally stirred from his silence. “I should be heading out too. Take care of yourself, Colleen. I’lle by again soon.”


    Startled, Louise quickly looked up. “Let me walk you out!”


    She walked at their side, staying with them all the way until they reached the main entrance.


    Louise finally looked Jorge’s way. Up until now, her thoughts had been wrapped around her daughter, and only now did other worries start to surface.


    All of this was sure to hit Jorge hard.


    “What’s your take on everything, Jorge?”


    “Mrs. Hayes…” Jorge paused, a slight frown forming. “I think we should explore other options. Medicine’se a long way—if this ce can’t help, there are specialists out there who might.”


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    Hadley paused before speaking softly. “But this is the top hospital in Srixby. It’s not only the best in Srixby—it’s ranked among the top hospitals in the whole country. Dr. Ramsey’s got the experience and reputation—if there were anywhere else that could handle this, she would’ve pointed us in that direction right away.”


    After that, none of them said another word. They all knew it was true.


    After a brief pause, Louise gathered herself and spoke to Jorge. “This is where we stand for now. I know what your family’s been going through. If you decide to end things with Colleen, I won’t hold it against you.”


    “Mrs. Hayes…” Jorge started to speak but shook his head. “I don’t…”


    “Don’t rush to deny it.” Louise cut him off. “Your rtionship was something your mother and I arranged. Talk it over with your family before making any decisions.”


    Jorge kept quiet, choosing not to push the matter any further. With a troubled look, he gave a small nod. “I should head out now.”


    “Be careful out there,” Louise said softly.


    She watched him disappear down the hall, her shoulders slumping as a sigh escaped her lips.


    “Mrs. Hayes?” Hadley nced over, concern and a hint of guilt clear in her eyes.


    Louise managed a shaky smile. “Colleen and Jorge just aren’t meant tost. At least their rtionship is still new, so it shouldn’t hurt too much.”


    A smile without warmth flickered across Louise’s face. “I should get back to Colleen now… so I’ll stay here instead of walking you out.”


    Hadley didn’t waste a moment—she called Eric the second she left the hospital.


    “So, what happened in there?” Eric asked, already aware of what she was up against. “Did things work out?”


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