Chapter 12
He shook his head slowly. “Not yet. But after twenty-five years, I believe the child is dead. The world would have seen her by now if she were alive.”
A flicker crossed my chest, but I kept my face cold. “Sad. If that child had lived, she would have been Austin’s bride. It was arranged before either of them were born.”
‘Let us not speak of dead heirs and ghosts,” he said firmly. “What matters is the wedding. Austin and Yvette. That is the future of this family.”
clasped my hands together, steel hidden behind silk. “Yes. The future belongs to us. And nothing will stand in our way.”
DAHLIA’S POV
sat on a bench in Monaco, trying to look like I belonged, though inside I felt like the smallest peck in the world. Everyone rushed past me in their sharp suits and designer heels, busy with ives I could never touch.
wrapped my thin jacket tighter around me.
Even if I work as a janitress or cashier… it’s fine,” I whispered to myself. “I’ll save, I’ll finish my nedicine studies one day. I’ll rise again.”
But my chest ached. After everything the Livingstons did to me, after Austin threw me away like rash, I felt like nothing. Still, I refused to crumble.
Then it happened.
A well-dressed older woman walking toward her car suddenly clutched her chest and collapsed ight on the sidewalk. People gasped but nobody moved fast enough.
Vithout thinking, I ran.
Ma’am! Can you hear me?” I dropped beside her. Her face was pale, her lips turning blue.
My old lessons in basic medical training came rushing back. I grabbed her phone from her purse vith shaking hands and dialed.
Hello, emergency! She’s having a heart attack, we’re near Central Park in Monaco, hurry please!” placed the phone on speaker, pressed my palms against her chest, and started compressions. Stay with me, ma’am, don’t leave me now, please.”
The operator guided me until the paramedics came rushing.
One of them knelt beside me. “Miss, you did good. Keep her airway clear.”
nodded, sweat dripping down my face. They took over and lifted her onto a stretcher.
‘Please let me come,” I begged. “I found her. Please.”
They allowed me inside the ambulance. I held the woman’s cold hand all the way to the hospital.
Hours later, I sat by her bed when her eyes fluttered open. She looked at me weakly.
“You… you saved me.”
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I shook my head quickly. “No, I only did what anyone should do.”
Her lips curved into a faint smile. “Child, do not be humble. You acted faster than anyone. If not for you, I might have left this world.”
Tears stung my eyes. “I… I’m just glad you’re alive, ma’am.”
She studied me closely. “What is your name?”
‘Dahlia,” I said softly. “I just… came here. I don’t know anyone. I only finished high school, but I’l ake any job. I don’t mind cleaning floors if I have to.”
Her gaze softened. “Dahlia… fate is strange. It led you to me. Perhaps for a reason.”
looked down at my hands. They were trembling, fragile, useless hands.
I don’t think fate cares for me, I murmured.
The woman chuckled lightly, though her voice was still weak. “I think it does. Would you.. consider working for me? I need someone by my side, someone loyal and sharp. You saved me ›nce. Maybe it is a sign.”
My eyes widened. “Work for you? Me? But I am nothing-”
ma’am.”
You are not nothing,” she interrupted gently. “You have courage. That is worth more than gold.” swallowed hard. “If you really mean it… then yes. I’ll work for
She reached out and held my hand warmly.
you. Thank
you,
My name is Dr. Celeste Castillo. I own this hospital, as well as several in London. People cal ne strict, but I prefer to call myself careful.”
almost dropped her hand in shock. “Dr. Castillo? The director?”
She smiled. “Do not be frightened. You will walk beside me from now on. I will guide you. You will not be alone anymore.”
gently smiled.
Austin, Mrs. Livingston, Yvette… erase me if you want. Burn my name, scatter fake ashes, bury me in lies. I will build myself again in this city where real power lives. And one day, I will return stronger.”
Then the door slammed open and I nearly jumped out of my skin. A man strode in, tall, sharp suit, every step heavy with power. His eyes cut through the room like blades. Behind him walked an older man, slower but terrifying in his stillness. That must be Don Wilbert Castillo, the patriarch.
“Abuela,” The young man’s voice was low, tight with anger. “I told you never to go out alone. You need guards, three at minimum. What were you thinking?”
Dr. Celeste only smiled faintly, her hand still resting in mine. “If I had guards, Max, I would never have met her. And if I had never met her, I would not be alive right now. This child saved me.” She tugged me forward gently. “Meet her. Her name is Dahlia. Dahlia, this is my grandson Maximilian Castillo.”
I lowered my head quickly, embarrassed, scared. My palms were sweating in her grip. The older man stepped closer, his stare heavy, unreadable. “You saved my wife’s life. For that, I owe vou a debt. Tell me, what reward do you want? Money? Property? Say the number. I will
Chapter 12
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write the check today.”
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