The Road to Rebirth Her Fresh Start and His Late Sorrow by Helena R. Bates

"Who gave you the confidence to think you could compete with Nancy?" Judson's sharp gaze suddenly focused on Malcolm's face.

"Malcolm, my patience is limited. I'll count to ten, and if you haven't made a choice, I'll make it for you. Rest assured, the man I pick for you will be even less desirable than John."

Malcolm clenched his fists tightly, his face a mask of frustration.

Judson began counting slowly, his voice echoing through the living room with icy authority. "One, two..."

Even Lilly, who had been trying to remain calm, was now panicking. Her eyes welled up with tears as she turned to Hank. "Hank, are you really going to let Judson drive Malcolm to ruin?"

"There's no choice, Lilly. Malcolm, like The Grey Group, can't tell what's important," Hank replied sharply. "If he hadn't provoked Judson, none of this would be happening."

Lilly's face contorted with anger. "Hank, how can you let Judson do this to Malcolm "

Judson cut her off with a sinister edge in his voice. "Eight, nine..."

As the final number was about to leave his lips, Malcolm, who had been silent, spoke up with a cold expression. "I'll go to New York."

Lilly's eyes widened in disbelief. "Malcolm-"

me to lose everything, or worse, my stake in

Malcolm's sharp words stung. "Of

Exile.

Malcolm knew what it

with a steely stare. "Judson, you've won this round, but don't count on

get out," Judson said

protest further, but Malcolm's warning glance silenced

Hank's amused,

and arrange for the doctor to

"Malcolm. Lilly began, but

Malcolme

Hank's unyielding demeanor left her

but to swallow

they had lost this battle, but it was still uncertain if Judson would have

better," Hank nodded approvingly, gesturing to

command, the entourage quickly moved to assist