Chapter 216

Chapter 216:

Alex remained motionless, lost in thought for a brief moment.

“So what if they back out? Do you think I’m scared of Noah?” His voice was calm yet resolute. “Sadie and Averi need my support, and I refuse to abandon them.”

His assistant observed him with newfound respect. Though Alex often seemed indifferent, deep down, he was a man who valued loyalty and cared deeply for those close to him.

At the hospital, the elevator doors slid open, and as Sadie stepped out, the sharp scent of antiseptic filled her lungs, adding to the weight in her chest. The hospital corridor was bustling with people. Pulling her coat tighter around herself, she quickened her steps toward Averi’s room. Beneath the sterile hospital lighting, her slender frame appeared even more delicate.

She focused on steadying her breath, determined not to let Averi see the unease she was struggling to conceal.

Just as she neared the pediatric ward, a familiar voice called her name.

She glanced up to see Jim approaching.

He was dressed in a white coat and holding a patient’s chart, his expression gentle but filled with concern.

“Dr. Archer,” Sadie greeted with a strained smile.

The last thing she wanted was for Jim to notice how vulnerable she felt.

But he caught the exhaustion in her eyes, the forced curve of her lips, and his brow creased slightly. “You’re here again? Are you alright?”

“It’s Averi… He’s unwell and had to be admitted.”

Jim’s face turned serious in an instant. “What’s wrong? Is it severe?”

“The doctors diagnosed him with acute lymphoblastic leukemia…” Sadie’s voice wavered, barely audible by the end.

Jim was stunned. He knew exactly what that disease was.

Sadie was momentarily taken aback by Jim’s words.

She lowered her head, her voice rough. “Dr. Archer, I’m aware.”

Jim studied her carefully, his eyes searching for clarity. He knew she was smart—there was no way she was unaware.

“You are?” he asked.

Sadie lifted her chin, meeting his concerned stare. A bitter smile played at her lips. “Of course I am, but… I just can’t go through with it.”

Jim’s confusion deepened. “Why not?”

Sadie exhaled heavily.

If Noah discovered the truth about Averi, everything would spiral out of control.

Three years ago, he had abandoned both her and the child she carried without a second thought. Why would he suddenly change now?

She couldn’t take that risk—it wasn’t an option.

“There are things that are too complicated to explain right now,” she murmured, her tone distant as she avoided Jim’s gaze.

Jim studied her hesitation, a thought forming in his mind.

Sadie, sensing his scrutiny, became even more unsettled.

“Dr. Archer, I appreciate your concern for Averi. I’ll do my best to find a suitable bone marrow donor as soon as possible.” With that, she turned and walked toward Averi.

Jim watched her retreating figure, emotions churning inside him. He had wanted to say more, to convince her, but the words wouldn’t come.

With a heavy heart, he turned and left the hospital room.

Sadie was always like this—fragile yet incredibly strong-willed.

And for some reason, that only made him want to help her even more.

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