Then, the chilling sound of a gun being pulled echoed behind her. Before she could turn around, a cold voice warned, “Don’t move, or I’ll shoot.”

The voice was familiar to Katelyn—it was Austen’s.

She maintained her composure and asked calmly, “This time, what do you want?”

It had been some time since Austen last appeared; she had assumed he had gone back to Yata, yet here he was, still lurking in Granve.

Austen seemed taken aback.

“You recognize my voice?” he asked, slightly surprised.

Unfazed by his firearm, Katelyn faced Austen directly.

“The last time you aimed a gun at me was here at this hospital too. I remember your voice well.”

Austen’s brow furrowed.

“You do have a good memory,” he said.

He examined the woman in front of him. Though their encounters had been few, there was something oddly familiar about her. It was as though he had seen her somewhere before, but he couldn’t pinpoint where.

Katelyn offered a slight smile.

“I appreciate the compliment.”

Austen was momentarily lost for words. This time, however, he put away his gun and regarded Katelyn with earnestness.

“Hades, I’m not sure why you declined to treat Ms. Williams before, but I must ask for your assistance again. Name your price; it will be met.”

Katelyn’s eyebrow arched. The issue still concerned Elora’s health. Katelyn was well aware of Austen’s unwavering devotion to Elora. Yet, witnessing Austen’s selfless dedication each time, Katelyn couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—Elora didn’t deserve such unwavering loyalty at all. And she had no interest in treating Elora.

At that moment, Jeff’s words echoed in Katelyn’s mind. He mentioned that her parents hailed from Yata. Maybe she should consider a trip to Yata once more.

Katelyn murmured, “We’ll see. I’m not ready to make a decision yet.” This time, she didn’t dismiss Austen outright.

Austen, expecting another rejection, was pleasantly surprised and managed a slight smile, a rare break from his usual stern demeanor. He nodded at Katelyn.

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“If you agree, I’ll do whatever it takes, even at the cost of my life.”

Katelyn gave Austen an indifferent glance.

“I don’t need your life.” With that, she turned and walked away.

This time, Austen did not follow her. Since there was a chance that Hades might agree, it was essential not to offend her at this time.

In the regular ward, Katelyn sat beside the bed, watching Vincent’s eyelids flutter open. She adjusted the angle of the bed to help Vincent sit up more comfortably, then passed him a cup of warm water from the nightstand.

Vincent accepted the cup and took a sip, the liquid soothing his dry throat.

“Thank you,” he murmured to Katelyn.

After replacing the cup on the nightstand, Katelyn said softly, “Let me know if you’re feeling any discomfort.”

Vincent gave a slight smile as he replied, “I’m just feeling a little weak, that’s all. Has Sophia escaped again?”

Katelyn didn’t conceal the truth and replied, “Yes.”

She added reassuringly, “It’s fine. We’ll have more opportunities.” Understanding Katelyn’s reasoning, Vincent simply nodded in agreement.

“You are right.”

Katelyn continued, “By the way, Austen came to me again, asking for Elora’s treatment.” She felt it was important to inform Vincent, given that the situation involved them both.

Vincent’s expression turned serious but not surprised.

“Are you considering going?”

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