Chapter 544:
He attempted to offer some reassurance, his voice softening slightly.
âDonât worry. The staff are top-notch professionals. The transfer will be safer than keeping him in the ICU!â
âThenâ¦â Harlee opened her mouth to speak, a flicker of question in her eyes.
However, Baldrick cut her off with a wave of his hand.
âWhat now? No punishment. Iâd hate for you to end up seriously injured, especially when the hospitalâs equipment is due for an upgrade!â His tone mixed irritation with a begrudging sense of responsibility.
Harlee erupted into peals of laughter, boldly interlacing her arm with Baldrickâs as she quipped playfully, âTo an outsider, it would seem weâre sworn enemies. Is this peculiar way your method of showing concern?â Her voice, usually serene, unexpectedly took on an adorable inflection.
âHarlee, somethingâs different about you,â Baldrickâs expression softened, his eyes warming with fondness and joy as he beheld her transformation.
Gone was the icy demeanor she once wore like armor. In its place, a subtle sweetness had emerged. It appeared her return to the Sanderson family had indeed softened her edges.
Baldrickâs heart swelled with happiness at Harleeâs change, though his own nature shied away from overt displays of emotion. Quickly, he steered the conversation away from personal reflections, adopting his habitual stoic tone.
For hours, they delved into discussions about updates to hospital equipment and strategies to counter the biochemical threat posed by Uwhor.
As the conversation drew to a close, Baldrick noticed Harleeâs attention waning, her thoughts clearly preoccupied with Rhys undergoing surgery.
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With a dismissive yet concerned gesture, he suggested she wait by the operating room door. When Tonya finally emerged from the operating room after a grueling seven and a half hours, she leaned heavily on Harlee and declared with a weak but triumphant smile, âIâve saved your man. You owe me dinner!â
Harlee released a deep sigh and nodded.
âAlright then.â She was reassured by the sturdy car Baldrick had arranged, dismissing any lingering concerns about their next move.
âLetâs go grab some food!â Tonya exclaimed, enthusiasm bubbling in her voice.
Harlee slipped her arm around Tonyaâs slender waist, and together they made their way out of the hospital.
As they settled into the car, Harleeâs phone chimed with a message from Ritchie.
âMiss Sanderson, Miss Wallace is stable now.
As for your brother⦠The doctor wants to keep him under observation for another night.â
A shadow crossed Harleeâs face, her fingers clenching the steering wheel with a flash of dark intent. Tonya, noticing the shift, gently grasped Harleeâs hand, her voice soothing.
âWhy donât we skip the restaurant? Letâs pick up something quick and head over to Bellflower Hospital to see your brother.â
Harleeâs face softened as she turned toward Tonya, a wave of gratitude washing over her features.
âAre you getting sentimental on me? Thatâs not the Harlee I know,â Tonya teased, a playful grin dancing on her lips.
âAnd remember, Iâm practically family. Iâm the Sandersonsâ goddaughter after all!â
Their shared laughter filled the car, weaving a moment of lightness between them.
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