The morning of the big day was already hectic as Xavier's assistant prepared for the schedule ahead. Just as he adjusted his boss's suit, there was a sharp knock at the door. Not wanting to provoke Xavier's irritation so early, he hurried over and pulled the door open to find a young woman standing there, her brows knitted in confusion.
"Tori?" he asked, recognizing her as Zara's assistant from the previous interactions at the hotel. Her expression shifted from confusion to anxiety.
"Where's Zara? She was supposed to check in last night. I didn't hear from her this morning." Tori's voice trembled slightly, and the assistant saw worry flash in her eyes.
He cleared his throat, carefully choosing his words. "Miss Zara… had a bit of an incident last night. She's currently at the hospital," he explained, softening his tone to prepare Tori for the news. "Nothing too serious," he added quickly, seeing the alarm that crossed her face. "She was just exposed to the cold for too long and collapsed."
Without a moment's hesitation, Tori turned on her heel and rushed to the hospital, anxiety and guilt filling her mind. Why didn't I keep my phone on? Why did I take her instructions so literally?
When she arrived at the hospital, the familiar building felt strange, now clouded by her panic. She hurried to the reception, where a nurse directed her to Zara's room. Zara lay unconscious in a private suite, an IV drip connected to her hand, her face still pale but peaceful.
Tori sighed in relief, grateful they were in one of Zara's hospitals—a place Zara had funded to support her younger sister's future career in neurosurgery. At least here, she knew Zara would be in capable hands.
Meanwhile, Xavier's assistant, after ensuring his boss was properly prepared for the day, made his way to the hospital's front desk to settle the medical bill. But as he opened his wallet, the receptionist shook her head, glancing at the name on the records.
"It's already been taken care of," she said, handing him a receipt. "All covered by Mr. Xavier Steele."
The assistant paused, surprised. He hadn't expected Xavier to bother covering the bill, not with his dismissive attitude from earlier. But there it was, signed and processed, his boss's name in bold letters. Shrugging to himself, he pocketed the receipt, not thinking much of it—just another layer of complication in what was already shaping up to be an interesting day.