At the end of it all, Ralph said in a low, firm voice, “My thoughts are aligned with Sophia’s. I believe Jacqueline is the most likely suspect.”

The others nodded.

Johnny replied respectfully, “We’ll do everything in our power to get to the bottom of this case.”

Thinking of Caleb in the hospital, counting down his final days, Ralph’s expression turned sorrowful. His voice carried a deep sense of helplessness and grief. “Thank you for your efforts. Please find the truth as soon as possible.”

At the very least, Caleb deserved to know who was behind his poisoning. He couldn’t die without answers.

The men nodded solemnly and responded in unison, “Understood.”

Stephen added coldly, “I’ll assign people to assist with your investigation.”

…

Tessa remained in the ICU for three days.

On the fourth day, the doctors said she could finally have visitors.

Visiting hours were from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm each day just 30 minutes.

On the first day, Stephen wanted to see her, but Samuel firmly refused to let him

in.

Stephen didn’t try to push his luck.

Tessa had nearly lost her life more than once now. And this time, she had been teetering on the edge of death.

If he were in Samuel’s shoes, he wouldn’t let a man like himself anywhere near Tessa either.

He understood, but that didn’t make it hurt any less.

These past few days had been emotionally and physically exhausting for him.

First, Tessa had nearly died, pulled back from the brink only after a desperate fight. Then, Caleb’s condition took a turn for the worse.

All of it was because of James, who had brought chaos to everyone’s lives, turning the Jacobson family upside down.

Stephen exchanged a few words with Samuel, then walked away.

He hadn’t even reached Caleb’s room yet when he heard shouting from down the hall. It sounded like Sophia was arguing with someone. He quickened his pace, turned the corner of the hallway, and arrived at the door to Caleb’s ward.

From a distance, he’d only heard Sophia’s voice. As he stood closer now, he could clearly make out both voices. Caleb’s weak and trembling voice filtered through with sharp intensity.

Caleb said, “Why are you stopping me? Living like this is worse than death. I might as well end it now. It’s not like I’m going to make it anyway.”

Sophia’s voice cracked as she cried out, “Have you thought about your parents and Stephen? How are they supposed to handle losing you like this?”

“What good is that going to do?” Caleb’s voice rose slightly, hoarse and ragged. “The doctors said have no more than a month left. Whether I die today or a month from now-it’s

the same ending!”

“A month is still time!” Sophia sobbed. “Every extra day you’re alive is still another day!”

Caleb’s voice broke, thick with tears and unbearable pain.

“Being alive is nothing but suffering. I wake up in the middle of the night from the pain. I’m on painkillers and injections nonstop. My hair’s falling out in clumps. I can’t even eat anymore.

“What’s the point of staying alive like this? I might as well die! Every day I open my eyes, all I do is count the days have left. I’m sick of living like this. Just let me die. Dying would be easier than living.”