When morning arrived, Calvin woke up to find himself on the sofa in Lizzie's room. The early sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. He rubbed his eyes and looked around, his gaze falling on Lizzie, who was smiling at him from her bed."Sleepyhead, what are you doing here?" Lizzie teased, her eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and affection. "Do you think I'm going to have nightmares like when I was little?"Calvin chuckled, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. The tension from the previous night seemed to ease just a bit. "Maybe I was worried you'd need your big brother to chase away the monsters," he replied, his tone light-hearted and teasing.Lizzie laughed softly, her laughter like a balm to his worried soul. She sat up, her hair tousled from sleep but her eyes bright and alert. "Calvin, you should be more worried about yourself right now," she said, her expression turning serious. "I saw something very disturbing in that vision. But I'll
In another part of the city, Alana Perry received a phone call in her sleek, modern office. The room was adorned with minimalist decor, a large window overlooking the city, and a polished mahogany desk that commanded attention. As she listened intently to the caller on the other end, her expression remained unreadable, though her eyes gleamed with a calculated intensity."Yes, I understand," she said, her voice smooth and controlled. The caller detailed Calvin's unauthorized medical activities, each word fueling her satisfaction. Her lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Thank you for the information," she replied crisply before hanging up.Alana leaned back in her leather chair, fingers steepled thoughtfully. "Calvin will need my help now," she murmured to herself, already plotting her next move. The prospect of having Calvin back in her life, under her terms, filled her with a sense of power.Without wasting any time, she grabbed her phone and composed a message to Calvin. Her finger
Alana leaned forward, her demeanor unwavering. The light from the café’s window cast a soft glow on her determined expression."Calvin, I'm the right person for this. I can influence the Health Department. I have numerous connections there, people who owe me favors. Lionel Lang was on board because of me. The Perry Pharmacy has been on the board for generations," she said, her voice steady and assured.She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "I can help you, but you have to promise that we can remarry after you have your license back."Calvin felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The café's warm ambiance felt suffocating as he processed her proposition. He knew Alana’s capabilities and her influence; she had always been a force to be reckoned with. But the cost of accepting her help was steep, a price that went beyond mere professional aid.He took a moment to gather his thoughts, the implications of her offer swirling in his mind like a storm. The chatter of other patr
The next morning, Calvin woke up early, feeling a mixture of anxiety and determination. He dressed in his best suit, the dark fabric giving him a semblance of confidence he sorely needed. He stood in the kitchen, sipping on a cup of black coffee, the bitterness grounding him as he tried to steady his nerves. The kitchen was quiet except for the faint hum of the refrigerator and the occasional chirp of birds outside the window.Lizzie entered the room, her eyes filled with concern. She wore a simple outfit, her hair tied back in a loose ponytail, and she looked at Calvin with a mix of worry and determination. "Calvin, I want to go with you. You need support, and I can't just sit here and do nothing."Calvin shook his head, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. The warmth of his touch was a small comfort amidst the chaos inside him. "Lizzie, it's better if you stay home. The pressure in that room could trigger something. I don't want to risk you floating or glowing green in front o
Everyone in the room was astonished. The board members leaned in, scrutinizing the documents Alana presented. The silence was thick, filled with disbelief and a newfound tension.Kevin stammered, his face turning red. "I-I... I didn’t pay her. You absolutely don’t have evidence on that!""Oh, you’re right, I don’t have concrete evidence of you paying her. It’s just my assumption because she is one of your employees," Alana replied smoothly, her tone dripping with calculated insinuation. Her words hung in the air, deliberately planting doubt and suspicion.The murmurs among the board members grew louder. Alana's calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the rising tension. "Whatever the case, those were false accusations," Alana continued, her voice steady and composed. "None of Mr. Hudson’s patients have experienced any danger after his treatments."Kevin's expression remained stern, but he said nothing further. Lionel Lang's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind clearly racing, but he too rem
Calvin remained silent and nodded, acknowledging the difficult truth. He had no other choice. He could win back his license and reopen his clinic now, but remarrying Alana was the consequence. He couldn't break their agreement.Alana, sensing his conflicted emotions, put on her most reassuring smile. "How about we grab some lunch together, Calvin? Let's celebrate our success."Calvin shook his head slightly. "The journey is still long, Alana. My license hasn't been reinstated yet, so it's too early for a celebration.""Come on, Calvin," Alana coaxed. "Besides, we need to reconnect before we get married. Think of it as a chance to start over."Calvin hesitated, uncertainty clouding his mind. But eventually, he nodded. "Alright. Let's go."They walked to a nearby restaurant, one that Alana had chosen for its quiet ambiance and excellent cuisine. The place was familiar, bringing back a flood of memories. As they were seated at a cozy table by the window, Alana ordered a bottle of their f
Alana was dragged away by Beatrice and James, their insistent demands drowning out her protests. Her voice, pleading and desperate, echoed in Calvin's ears as he watched helplessly. Alana’s defiant words faded into the distance, replaced by the harsh commands of her family. The sight of her being pulled away was like a punch to his gut, leaving a hollow ache in his chest. He knew this confrontation was inevitable. The disdain from Alana’s family had always been palpable, simmering just beneath the surface, ready to erupt at any moment.Calvin sighed deeply, the weight of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders. He had hoped for a smoother path, one where they could navigate their complicated relationship without such open hostility. But it was clear that their journey would be fraught with obstacles. The dream of reclaiming his license and rebuilding his clinic seemed increasingly distant, overshadowed by the familial discord that threatened to derail their plans.He stood alo
Calvin gripped the amulet tightly, its cool surface a reassuring presence in his palm. He looked at Lizzie, his eyes serious and filled with a mix of determination and vulnerability. "Lizzie, you have to promise me something," he began, his voice low and urgent. "The power and the system I've gained from this amulet—it's crucial that you keep it a secret. If anyone finds out about this and takes it from me, I won't be able to do anything. I won't be able to prove myself or get my clinic reopened."Lizzie's face softened with understanding. She reached out and placed a comforting hand on Calvin's shoulder. "Of course, Calvin. I promise. I won't tell anyone. I care about you too much to risk it." Her eyes met his with unwavering sincerity. "You're my brother, and I'll do whatever it takes to help you."Calvin felt a surge of gratitude and relief at her words. He knew he could trust Lizzie completely. "Thank you, Lizzie. Knowing I have your support means everything to me."Lizzie suddenl