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-

at the stadium entrance. The unique plates and

inside. Knowing who he'd come to see, the staff

details when someone called her to the lounge. She opened the door to find a strikingly

this is Mr.

polite confusion. Francis spoke first, "I'm

was respectful. Evelyn's expression didn't change. She asked, coolly,

She kept her distance.

director broke out in a cold sweat, terrified Francis would take offense. Just as he was about to say something, Francis gave his security a look. In an instant,

it had been anyone else, Francis would've just taken them away by force.

woman Charles cared about

danger. Charles risked everything to save her, testing the antidote on himself. Charlie's safe now, but

face changed in a

In the car-

at a photo of Charlie

like it was

though the

was out of danger, even though the doctors said she'd