004

Outside the hospital room, Lucas took a deep breath, glancing at Samantha Lewis. “Thank you… for everything in there. I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help.”

Samantha crossed her arms, offering him a half-smile. “Don’t mention it. After all, you’re kind of mine now.” Her tone was light, but her gaze held a hint of something unreadable.

Lucas felt a mixture of awkwardness and amusement. “Yours, huh? Well, that’s… unexpected.”

She chuckled, shaking her head. “Relax. I meant it as a joke… mostly.” She quickly changed the subject, her expression turning thoughtful. “I have to ask—do you know anything about medicine? What happened with Ella… it was nothing short of miraculous.”

Lucas hesitated, unsure how to explain. “I know a little… but nothing like what you’re thinking.” He glanced at his hand, remembering the warmth that had surged from him to Ella.

Samantha’s gaze sharpened. “Interesting.” She looked at him intently, her mind clearly turning over an idea. “I may have a way for you to… put that knowledge to good use.”

He looked up, intrigued. “What do you mean?”

“There’s a potential business partner, Adam Elliott,” she explained, her voice taking on a serious tone. “His son is sick—leukemia, just like Ella. If you can help the boy, it would mean a lot to him… and to me.”

Lucas frowned, doubtful. “I don’t know if I can, but if it means saving a child’s life, I’ll try.”

Samantha’s face softened as she glanced back toward Ella’s room. “Then let’s not waste time.”

After reassuring Ella and soothing her back to sleep, Lucas followed Samantha to a sleek black car that whisked them to an exclusive private hospital on the other side of the city. Unlike the public hospital, this facility gleamed with high-end technology and the quiet bustle of discreet, efficient staff.

As they approached the hospital room, Samantha lowered her voice. “This isn’t just about the partnership, Lucas. Mr. Elliott’s son means everything to him. If you can help, it’ll be more than just good business—it’s personal.”

They stepped into the room, finding young Liam lying on the bed, pale but stable. His father, Adam Elliott, was speaking with the doctor.

Dr. Atkinson nodded reassuringly. “We’ve managed to stabilize Liam, and with continued treatment, we should be able to maintain this phase for at least a couple of years.”

Mr. Elliott’s shoulders sagged with relief. “Thank you, Doctor. Whatever it takes, I’ll do it.”

Just then, Samantha cleared her throat, and Mr. Elliott looked up, nodding politely. “Ms. Lewis. I appreciate your concern, but this isn’t really the time for business discussions.”

Samantha gestured to Lucas, starting to introduce him. “This is my—”

But Lucas interrupted, his eyes locked on Liam. “Your son… he’s in serious trouble. He doesn’t have years… he has minutes.”

The room fell silent as everyone turned to Lucas in shock. Mr. Elliott’s face darkened. “Excuse me? What did you just say?”

Samantha’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I… I apologize, Adam. Lucas is new to… well, to everything. He meant no offense.”

Lucas, undeterred, took a step forward. “I’m sorry, but your son’s condition is far more severe than anyone realizes. If we don’t act immediately, he may not survive the next twenty minutes.”

Mr. Elliott clenched his fists, his voice a low growl. “Is this some kind of trick? A ploy to pressure me into a deal?”

“No!” Lucas held up his hands, his gaze sincere. “I know how this sounds, but please believe me. I can feel his life slipping away. He needs help right now.”

Samantha, her expression torn, tried to ease the tension. “Mr. Elliott, please, Lucas has… unique insight. We didn’t come here to play games.”

Adam looked from Samantha to Lucas, his skepticism barely contained. “Dr. Atkinson just told me Liam’s condition is stable. Why should I trust you over a trained physician?”

“Because I’m not asking for trust—I’m asking you to let me try,” Lucas replied firmly. “If I’m wrong, there’s no harm done. But if I’m right… you could lose him. I can’t stand by and do nothing.”

Mr. Elliott hesitated, his fatherly instincts battling his distrust. Finally, he turned to Dr. Atkinson. “Doctor, what do you think?”

Dr. Atkinson crossed his arms, a faint smirk on his face. “This man has no medical qualifications. I’d advise against it.”

But Samantha interjected, her eyes flashing with determination. “We’re wasting time debating. Adam, I think you should listen to him.”

Mr. Elliott’s expression softened, and he gave a brief nod. “Fine. Do what you need to, Lucas. But if this is some kind of ploy…”

“No ploy,” Lucas assured him, moving to Liam’s bedside. “Just… faith.”

He placed a hand over Liam’s chest, closing his eyes, focusing as he had with Ella. Slowly, he felt a familiar warmth rise within him, flowing from his hand to the boy’s fragile body. His mind seemed to connect with Liam’s, a faint pulse of life that flickered like a struggling flame.

Seconds ticked by, the room silent as Lucas concentrated. He could sense the boy’s energy shifting, stabilizing as his own strength flowed into him.

After a few tense minutes, Liam’s pale cheeks gained a faint blush, his breathing easing. Slowly, he opened his eyes, looking around with confusion and a hint of strength.

“Dad?” Liam’s voice was soft but clear.

Mr. Elliott’s eyes filled with tears as he rushed to his son’s side. “Liam! You’re awake… I can’t believe it!”

Dr. Atkinson stared in shock, his smug expression replaced by disbelief. “This… this defies everything I know.”

Lucas, exhausted but triumphant, stood back. “It wasn’t just me. Liam had the will to fight, too.”

Samantha’s voice broke the silence, her tone softer than Lucas had ever heard it. “Thank you, Lucas. That was… remarkable.”

Mr. Elliott rose, facing Lucas with a newfound respect. “I don’t know who you are or what you did, but you’ve given my son a second chance. I’m… indebted to you.”

Lucas shook his head, feeling a mix of relief and humility. “I’m just glad he’s okay.”

As they left the room, Samantha gave him a sideways glance, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You’ve made quite an impression tonight, Lucas. But remember—this isn’t over. There’s more to this… ability of yours, and I intend to find out exactly what it is.”