Rain poured down as I finally caught a cab to the hospital.


    Mom was still in surgery. I waited outside for three hours.


    At 4 AM, the doctor finally emerged.


    “She’s stable for now, but she needs cardiac bypass surgery ASAP. We’re looking at about three hundred thousand.”


    “Yes, I’ll get the money together.”


    I immediately checked our bank ount, only to discover Jaxon had invested everything in various financial products.


    [Education Fund (future children): $500K, matures 2035]


    [Retirement Fund: $1M, matures 2050]


    [Health Insurance: $20K monthly premiums, 30–year coverage]


    Early withdrawal would mean massive penalties.


    I called Jaxon. It rang forever before he picked up.


    “What?”


    His voice was still impatiently.


    “Mom needs surgery–three hundred thousand. You’ve got all our money tied up in investments…”


    He cut me off: “The portfolio can’t be touched. It’s an optimized allocation based on actuarial analysis.”


    “Liquidating now would cost us at least twenty percent in returns. It’spletely irrational.”


    “But-”


    “Use a credit card or medical loan. Hospitals have payment ns withpetitive rates.”


    “Jaxon! This is life–or–death money!”


    Silence, then I heard Melody’s voice in the background.


    “Jaz, the data’s recovered! You’re amazing–without you, tomorrow’s presentation would’ve been toast.”


    “Good.” After responding to her, he said to me: <b>“</b>Iris, learn to handle problems rationally. The hospital has financing options–that’s the optimal solution. I’m still dealing withpany issues.”


    He hung up.


    I sat numbly in the hospital corridor chair.


    At 5 AM, <b>I </b>got a text from Jaxon.


    10:18


    Hell Yeah. Forget <b>the </b>Other Woman My <b>Smart </b>House Was Cheating On Me<b>! </b>


    9.1%


    [Had Melody transfer $50K deposit to hospital. Finance the rest–most rational use of capital.]


    Right after, Melody’s Instagram updated.


    [All–nighter sess! Crisis averted! Thanks to Jax’s trust and guidance<b>–</b>couldn’t have done it without you! :>]


    The photo showed them at the office, both smiling.


    Melody looked radiant, and Jaxon wore a rare genuine smile.


    He’d liked the post andmented:


    [Great work. You’re exceptional.]


    Iughed bitterly.


    So he knew how to express appreciation–just not to me.