Chapter 57

Elbert nervously said over the phone, "Mr. Rivera, I'm the only one here right now. How about I take you to the hospital?" He hung up quickly, dashed to Patrick's bedroom door, knocked, and asked. "Mr.Rivera, are you ready? Let's get to the hospital!"

Patrick replied, "Give me 10 minutes!" Elbert stood there, fidgeting and adjusting his clothes, trying to make a good impression.

In the parking lot outside Rivera Manor. Elbert was all set,waiting for Patrick. Sunlight streamed through the car window, glinting off the bottled water Elbert had prepped for Patrick. As Patrick walked down the steps, Elbert jumped out to open the car door for him.Once they were settled, Elbert eagerly handed the water to Patrick,who hesitated before taking it.

Elbert stammered, "Mr. Rivera, this spring water is for you. I went through a lot to get it!" Patrick's lips curled into a smile,remembering how Elbert had once risked his life for him. Feeling a warmth in his heart, Patrick unscrewed the cap and took a sip. He looked at Elbert, touched by his genuine kindness despite his quirks.It was very sweet.

In the rearview mirror, Elbert noticed Patrick's cheeks turning red,which freaked him out. He quickly asked, "Mr. Rivera, are you feeling okay?" Patrick, looking restless, tossed his suit jacket aside.Elbert's mind raced, not sure what was happening.

Suddenly, Elbert recalled what Shirley had said last night:"Dad,if Patrick feels unwell tomorrow, call me right away!"

With that in mind, Elbert dialed Shirley's number. "Dad, what's wrong?" she answered expectantly. Elbert, panicking, said. "Mr.Rivera seems off. What should I do? We were heading to the hospital for his infected wound, but now he seems really uncomfortable!" His voice was filled with genuine concern and fear.

Shirley replied softly, "Dad, only I can help Patrick. Bring him to Maple Peak Apartments, and don't waste any time. Don't take him to the hospital or call anyone else." Hearing this, Elbert glanced at Patrick, who was mumbling in the back seat, then turned the car around and sped towards Maple Peak Apartments.

Though puzzled. Elbert trusted Shirley. He believed she had a way to help Patrick. He floored it, praying silently for Patrick's safety.

Meanwhile,Melissa was casually brushing her teeth and walked over to Emily's house. Seeing Emily rummaging through boxes, Melissa,still yawning, asked groggily, "Why are you still home? Don't you have work today? And what are you looking for?" She yawned again,her hair a mess, eyes half-closed with laziness.

Emily, looking frantic, said, "I can't find my bracelet! The one I've always worn!" Her eyes darted around the room, hoping to spot it somewhere. That bracelet wasn't just any pieceof jewelry; it was a keepsake from her dad, filled with memories.

Melissa suggested, "Maybe it got lost in the move?" She joined Emily in the search, feeling the urgency too.

Emily's mind was in a tangle, 'How could I lose something so important? I haven't even been back to the old apartment, and the

only other place I've been is Maple Peak Apartments!' She realized she needed to check there. The property management had mentioned the place was sold, and she worried she might be too late. The idea of her dad's keepsake being treated like trash made her anxious. She clenched her hand, her brow furrowed with worry.

Checking her work list, Emily saw she only had to drop off a sample accessory at the workshop this morning. She could swing by Maple Peak Apartments first. Grabbing some milk and bread, she hugged the still-groggy Melissa and rushed out. Emily walked along.munching on her bread, her mind filled with silent prayers. She hoped for good fortune from the divine, wishing desperately not to lose it. Yet, when she finally arrived at the Green Forest Apartment.she found herself hesitating to enter. In the past, her visits had always been shrouded in secrecy, lacking any joyful memories. Still,during the days she spent waiting for Lu Wen, she had indeed felt a flicker of happiness.

Even though it had been a while since she last visited, Emily still parked in her usual spot, as if it held some kind of hope for her.Waiting for the elevator, a strange sense of anticipation grew. Would

she run into Patrick? Probably not. He always returned to Rivera Manor, no matter how late.

In the past, after their intimate moments, she had begged him to stay the night, only to face Patrick's disdain and mockery. The pain of his indifference and scorn cut deep, leaving her feeling lost and sad. A wave of sorrow washed over her as she wondered why she had fallen for someone who caused her so much pain.

Trying to shake off the memories. Emily squeezed her wrist. As the elevator arrived, she stepped in, wearing her comfy flats, and soon reached the apartment door. She wondered if Patrick had changed the fingerprint lock after she left.

Hesitating to use her fingerprint, she suddenly heard faint sounds from inside: gasps, moans, and Shirley's pleading voice.