"I'm almost there, Mother. What's the update on Dad?" Ava quickened her pace, weaving through the crowded sidewalk.
"Stable, but critical. Your father's condition is worsening. Please hurry," Elisabeth urged, her voice trembling.
Ava's anxiety intensified. She pushed through the hospital doors, rushing toward the ICU. The antiseptic smell and sterile atmosphere heightened her unease.
As she turned a corner, a strong arm grasped her elbow, spinning her around. She collided with a broad chest. Apologetic eyes met hers.
"Oh, I'm-" he began.
Ava's apology froze as she met piercing blue eyes. Chiseled features, sharp jawline, and a captivating smile left her breathless.
"Are you okay?" he asked, releasing her elbow.
Ava nodded, composing herself. "Yes, thank you."
The stranger handed her a dripping umbrella. "You dropped this."
Their fingers touched, sparking an electric connection. Ava felt an inexplicable sense of trust.
"Thanks," Ava said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The stranger smiled and disappeared into the crowd. Ava watched, mesmerized.
The ICU doors swung open, breaking the spell. Ava's focus returned to her father.
Inside, Elisabeth paced beside James Morales's hospital bed. Machines beeped, monitoring his fragile state.
Ava's determination intensified. She vowed to protect her family's legacy.
Ethan Thompson, her father's protégé, stood beside her mother. His smile sent shivers down Ava's spine.
"Ava, we need to discuss the company's future," Ethan said, his voice dripping with condescension.
Ava's eyes narrowed. "Not now, Ethan.
Elisabeth intervened, placing a calming hand on Ava's arm. "Ava, Ethan's concerns are valid. Your father's health-"
Ava cut her off. "Mother, I understand, but Father wouldn't want Ethan making decisions without me."
Ethan's smirk infuriated Ava. What secrets was he hiding?
Determined to uncover the truth, Ava began questioning hospital staff. She discovered inconsistencies in her father's treatment and suspicious transactions linked to Ethan.
Ava encountered Dr. Lee, her father's primary physician. "Dr. Lee, what's the prognosis?" Ava asked.
Dr. Lee hesitated. "Ava, your father's condition is complex. We're doing everything possible.
Ava pressed on. "Is Ethan involved in Father's treatment?"
Dr. Lee evaded her question. "Ava, focus on your father's recovery."
Ava's suspicions grew. Ethan's influence seemed pervasive.
As Ava pondered her next move, the stranger reappeared. "Ava, can I talk to you?" he asked softly.
Ava's curiosity piqued. "What is it?" she whispered.
"Ethan Thompson's not who he claims. Be cautious," he urged.
Ava's determination hardened. She would uncover Ethan's secrets.
"Who are you?" Ava asked.
"My name is Liam. I have reasons to distrust Ethan."
Ava's eyes locked onto Liam's. "Help me expose Ethan."
Liam nodded. "Together, we'll uncover the truth."
Hospital Corridors
As Ava and Liam formed their unlikely alliance, they navigated the hospital's labyrinthine corridors.
Whispers and