Chapter 204

Madison

I stood there, watching until the sleek black car disappeared around a corner. Only then did I release the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

The evening air had a crisp bite to it, and I wrapped my coat tighter around myself as I flagged down a taxi. Twenty minutes later, I was walking through the sliding glass doors of Hallmark Hospital, the antiseptic smell hitting me immediately.

The receptionist greeted me with a smile. “Good evening, Ms. Harper. Are you here to see your mother?”

“Yes, thank you.” I signed the visitor log, appreciating the now-familiar routine.

As I headed toward the elevator, I spotted Anthony coming out of a patient’s room, his white coat pristine despite the late hour.

“Ms. Harper,” he called, changing direction to intercept me. “Perfect timing. I was just about to call you.”

My heart skipped. “Is everything okay with my mother?”

“Everything’s excellent, actually.” His smile was reassuring.