The Maybach moved silently through the streets of New Coast. Robert sat beside Eliana in the front seat, staring out the window as the high-rises blurred past. His mind wasn't on the skyline, it was on the safety of his sister.
"Have you transferred the money?" he finally asked.
Eliana didn't look away from the wheel. "It was sent the moment we left the restaurant. The hospital's billing system should already be cleared. I told you, Robert. I keep my promises."
Robert nodded slowly, still not ready to relax. After so many disappointments, trusting anyone, especially someone tied to his past was like walking blindfolded across a minefield. But he didn't have time to second-guess.
Minutes later, the car pulled up to the hospital's private entrance. Robert stepped out before Eliana could turn off the car, practically jogging through the glass doors. Eliana followed at a calmer pace through the hallway.
Inside, a nurse at the front desk looked up and immediately stood. "Mr. Cruise, we've been waiting for you. Please, this way."
They were led down a corridor lined with polished floors and soft lighting. When they reached the executive wing, the hospital director himself stood by the ICU door, bowing politely.
"Mr. Cruise," the director said, a trace of awe in his voice. "The payment for Miss Jenna's surgery arrived less than thirty minutes ago, fully cleared and processed. We've moved her to the top of the surgical schedule. She's already being prepped for the operation."
Robert let out a shaky breath, tension slipping from his shoulders like a weighted cloak. "Who is the head surgeon?" he asked.
"The best in the state," the director replied. "Dr. Holland personally agreed to take the case when he saw who made the donation. Vanguard Holdings carries a lot of influence around here."
Robert turned briefly to Eliana, who gave him the faintest nod. Though she didn't need the thanks.
"Can I see her before they take her in?" Robert asked.
"Just for a moment."
They opened the ICU door where Jenna lay in the hospital bed, her face was pale and her lips were dry. Machines beeped softly around her, tubes ran to her arms, and an oxygen monitor glowed at her finger.
But her eyes opened when she saw him. "Robert." Her voice was barely a whisper, but it was enough to break him.
Robert moved to her side and knelt, taking her cold hand into his. "I'm here," he said softly, pressing his forehead to her fingers. "You're going to be okay now. The surgery is happening very soon. The money came through. Everything's in place."
Her lips trembled. "How?"
Robert hesitated, then smiled faintly. "Let's just say someone who owed Dad a favor came through for us."
A small tear slid down Jenna's cheek. "I was so scared…"
"You don't have to be anymore," he whispered. "You're not going anywhere, Jenna. Not on my watch."
She squeezed his hand gently, even as the nurses arrived to wheel her toward the operating room.
Robert stood back, watching silently as they pushed her away. And when the doors shut, when she disappeared behind sterile glass and swinging panels, he stood still with his fists clenched at his sides.
"She'll be fine," Eliana said beside him.
"I know," he replied. But his voice was hoarse.
They moved to the waiting area and stayed there for hours. Robert stood the entire time, staring through the windows, unmoving.
A nurse eventually entered, calling his name. Robert turned, heart in his throat.
"The surgery was successful," she said with a wide smile. "She's in post-op recovery now. The doctor said the growth was removed entirely, and with rest and treatment, she should recover fully in the next few weeks."
Robert's knees buckled, and he collapsed into a nearby chair, burying his face in his hands.
Eliana moved beside him but said nothing. She just sat, quietly.
He stood slowly and walked to the glass window that looked into Jenna's new ward. She was asleep now and her color was slowly returning to her cheeks.
Robert eventually spoke. "I really thought I was going to lose her…"
"You didn't," Eliana said. "Because you didn't give up on her."
He looked at her, and for the first time, he didn't see a stranger. He saw someone who stood in his corner, not because she had to, but because she chose to.
"Thank you," he said finally.
"You're welcome," she replied simply. "But we're not done yet. It's time for you to complete the other end of the bargain."
"I'm sorry?" Robert asked surprisingly.
Eliana reached into her bag and took out an envelope. She handed it to him without a word.
Robert opened it and saw a legal marriage agreement contract, already signed by her.
"I told you earlier," Eliana said calmly, "our fathers made a vow to unite our families. This contract seals it. If you sign this, you will become my husband and our alliance will become unbreakable. You'll gain immediate legal protection over York assets, and Vanguard will merge with your inheritance claims. No court in this country will deny you after that."
Robert stared at the contract for a moment. Then he looked up and tore the paper in half. "I'm not selling myself to you, not even for power," he said coldly. "If you thought I'd be that easy to control, you don't know me at all."