Joaquin sat quietly by Faye’s bedside, his hand wrapped around Serena’s.“She’s waking up,” Serena said softly.Joaquin glanced at the monitor again — her vitals confirmed it. The anticipation was eating him alive.Moments later, Faye’s eyelids fluttered open.“Ms. De Vera?” Joaquin called gently.Faye let out a weak sound, her face twisting as she tried to clear her blurry vision.Serena sighed in relief. “I’ll call the senator.”Joaquin nodded, his attention immediately going back to Faye, checking her breathing. She was stable now.“D-Dad?” Faye’s voice was hoarse and barely audible.Joaquin’s gaze softened. “We’re calling him, Ms. De Vera.”“What… what happened?” she asked, her voice weak and confused.Joaquin’s throat worked, his jaw tightening as he tried to suppress the anger simmering just beneath the surface.“You had a reaction… but it’s over now. You’re healing. Are you in pain?”Faye closed her eyes again. She was so exhausted — her body felt like it had been run over by a

After everything that had happened, Joaquin felt like he could sleep for an entire day. Faye De Vera was finally stable — safe and far from danger. They still didn’t know who had tried to harm her, but Joaquin was sure the truth would come out eventually.For now, though, all he wanted was to go home and rest. He hadn’t had a proper night’s sleep in days, and exhaustion weighed heavily on his body.He was waiting at the bus stop outside the hospital when a sleek, expensive car pulled up in front of him. He instinctively took a step back, assuming the car had stopped for someone else. But his eyes widened in surprise when the driver’s side window rolled down, and he saw Serena behind the wheel.“Joaquin! Are you heading home?” she called out cheerfully.Joaquin gave her a small, tired nod. “Yeah. What about you? Are you waiting for someone?”Serena shook her head and reached over to push open the passenger door from inside. “Get in! I’ll drive you home.”“W-What? Oh, you really don’t h

Joaquin’s phone buzzed just as he was reviewing a patient’s chart. When he saw Rick’s name on the screen, he answered quickly, his tone casual.“Hey, Rick. What’s up?”“Joaquin,” Rick’s voice was low and serious. “Miguel Suarez wants to see you tonight. At his mansion.”Joaquin froze for a moment, his fingers tightening around the phone. The mention of Miguel Suarez’s name sent a chill down his spine — it was never good news when that man wanted a meeting.“Tonight?” he repeated, keeping his voice steady.“Yes. He said it’s important,” Rick confirmed. “Don’t be late.”“Got it. I’ll be there.”As he ended the call, Joaquin leaned back in his chair, his mind already racing. What did Miguel Suarez want with him? He had a feeling this meeting wouldn’t just be a friendly chat.But before he could dwell too much on it, his pager went off.“Dr. Joaquin, please report to hospital security immediately.”Frowning, he stood up and made his way to the security office. The air grew heavier with ea

The Villareal mansion stood like a fortress — grand, imposing, and steeped in quiet power. Its sprawling estate was a reflection of the family that owned it, a dynasty built on influence, wealth, and ruthlessness. Inside its gilded walls, whispers of power struggles and secrets often drifted through the air like a permanent haze.In one of the opulent sitting rooms, James Villareal lounged on a velvet armchair, a glass of whiskey in his hand, the corners of his mouth curled into a satisfied smirk. Across from him, his mother, Gracia Villareal, watched him with approval, her eyes gleaming with the kind of pride that only came from seeing her schemes unfold perfectly.“I told you patience would pay off,” Gracia said, her voice smooth and warm with satisfaction. “Look at what’s happening now. Joaquin Lopez’s name is being dragged through the mud. His reputation is in ruins.”James chuckled, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “It’s about time. He’s been a thorn in my side for far too

The whispers had already started by the time Andrew stepped into the hospital’s main lobby. Nurses gathered in small clusters, their heads bent together, their conversations urgent and hushed. The air was charged with tension, and there was only one reason for it.Joaquin Lopez was back.Andrew’s lips curled into a sneer. He moved through the crowd like a shark scenting blood, his eyes scanning the familiar faces until he spotted his target.There he was — Joaquin, standing near the nurses’ station, his posture straight and his expression calm. Too calm, considering everything that had happened. It made Andrew’s blood boil. After everything — the scandal, the suspension, the accusations — Joaquin still had the audacity to show his face here?Andrew didn’t wait. He stalked toward him, his voice loud enough to draw attention. “Well, well, look who decided to crawl back,” he sneered. “I didn’t think you’d have the guts to show your face around here, Lopez.”Joaquin turned slowly, his