The Day Our Promise Breaks

"Charles!"

Andrew's face drained of color-pure panic. He hurried Charles into the next room, launching into emergency care.

But Charles's body was spent; after endless experiments, pushing himself beyond his limits again and again, he had nothing left to give. Anyone else would've collapsed long before now. The only thing keeping him going was his stubborn will to save Charlie. Without that, he never would've lasted this long.

Now, hearing that Charlie was finally safe, the last of his strength slipped away. Charles collapsed into a deep coma, his breaths growing weaker by the second.

Sweat poured down Andrew's face. At this rate, Charles didn't stand a chance.

"Quick, call Ms. Evelyn!"

Right now, the only people Charles cared about were Ms. Evelyn and Charlie. Charlie had just skirted death; her body was fragile, and it'd be a while before she woke up. Their only hope was Evelyn.

The assistant grabbed Andrew's phone, dialing Evelyn's number-but she didn't have her phone on her. No luck.

Francis stepped in, voice calm but urgent. "I'll go myself."

Half an hour later-

car pulled up at the stadium entrance. The unique plates and

event director hurried out, all deference, ushering Francis inside. Knowing who he'd come to see, the

her to the lounge. She opened

is Mr. Francis," the

confusion. Francis spoke first, "I'm Francis, a friend

wasn't exactly warm, but it was respectful. Evelyn's expression didn't change. She asked, coolly, "Is

She kept her distance.

in a cold sweat, terrified Francis would take offense. Just as he was about to say something, Francis gave his security a

anyone else, Francis would've just taken them

was the woman

to the point. "Charlie was poisoned by Luna-she's in critical danger. Charles risked everything to save her, testing the antidote on himself. Charlie's safe now, but Charles's life is hanging

face changed

In the car-

seat, staring at a

heart felt like it

though the monitors

of danger, even though the doctors said she'd be okay, Evelyn couldn't