Chapter 68

The days slipped by fast. Adam's condition improved so rapidly that the medical team, under Dr. Nugent's supervision, finally declared the boy well enough to go home and continue recovering back in the city.

Before the discharge paperwork was done, Dr. Nugent came into Adam's room for one last check.

"All your physical markers look excellent, Adam. The stitches on your head are healing without any sign of infection," Dr. Nugent said, clicking off his penlight and smiling warmly.

"Thank you so much, Doctor. It's a lucky thing you happen to have the same blood type as me," Adam replied earnestly, gazing up at the surgeon with admiration.

Dr. Nugent chuckled softly and patted Adam's shoulder with a warmth he no longer bothered to hide. "Maybe that's what people call fate, kiddo. Take good care of yourself. And listen to your dad."

Zach, standing by the bed, stepped closer and held out his hand. The two men exchanged a firm handshake — a wordless gesture of understanding, of maturity, of making peace with the past.

"Thank you again for everything, Dr. Nugent," Zach said, his voice steady.

"You're welcome, Mr. Thorne. Safe travels home," Dr. Nugent replied before stepping out of the room with a relieved smile.

The drive home was safe and full of gratitude. The grand Thorne mansion came alive with noise and warmth the moment the family returned.

Grandma Miriam had the housekeepers prepare a downstairs bedroom just for Adam, so the boy wouldn't have to climb the stairs during his recovery. Ava, meanwhile, stayed glued to her brother's side, clutching the hem of his shirt as if afraid to lose him all over again.

"Adam, you just sit right here! I'll get your drink and your fruit!" Ava chirped, all bustle and energy, and the whole family room burst into easy laughter.