More Than A Favor

A Favor 142

Ethan and Tessa had always treated me like family. The thought of suspecting them, even for a moment, filled me with guilt and unease.

Yet, Nora's hesitation-and her unspoken suggestion-planted a seed of doubt in my mind.

My heart felt like it was in freefall, plummeting from a towering height. Panic washed over me, but I forced myself to steady my thoughts.

"I have to," I whispered, more to myself than to Nora.

The more my suspicions grew, the stronger my determination became. I needed to find the truth-not just for my father's sake but also to clear Ethan of any potential involvement.

Nora, perceptive as ever, read the turmoil in my mind. She didn't try to stop me or argue. Instead, she offered quiet support. "I'm here for you," she said softly.

Her words carried weight, but they also revealed something else. Perhaps Nora had already drawn her own conclusions. But those were hers, not mine. I needed the truth, no matter how painful it might be. After leaving the emergency ward, I hailed a cab. As I waited, I spotted Ben lingering nearby, pacing as he spoke on the phone.

"Yeah," he said, his voice low but clear enough for me to hear. "She fiddled around with the screen. Said she was trying to play some music.'

A chill ran down my spine, despite the sun beating down on me.

It was disturbingly clear who Ben was reporting to. But why?

If there was nothing to hide, why would my actions in the car-even something as simple as touching the console-be worth reporting?

thoughts spiraled into chaos, and I watched Ben until he disappeared

Sanatorium. I couldn't afford to waste time. If I delayed, I might lose the

soon as I arrived, I was stopped by the guards at

and room number, please," one of

even if I did, I couldn't risk using his name. If the guards called to confirm my visit, I would

quickly, I said, "My family sent

isn't a public facility. We don't accept consultations without a prior appointment," he replied

this was an

up, I lingered nearby, trying to come up with

a car pulled up to the gate. The window rolled down, and I immediately recognized the man

was the bald man who had led the

the man said, his voice carrying an air

and opened the gates without

my suspicions. This man worked

then Alfred was undoubtedly the person Ashton had been investigating the one

too strong to ignore. Could Alfred also have been involved in my father's car

these coincidences pressed down on me. I hadn't even met Alfred yet, but the sight of the bald man-someone I'd already encountered in such a violent context-was enough

unease.

my thoughts tangled