Chapter 77. Escape.

Rio ended the call without responding. Leaning against the hospital hallway wall, he closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh. Lost in his thoughts, he began to walk away, unaware that Andrea was observing and eavesdropping on him. Andrea casually slipped his hands into his pockets and calmly spoke into the phone, "I need you to do something for me," before ending the call.

*******

Elena sat alone at the bar, her gaze fixed on the drink that had been sitting in front of her for the past hour. She sighed once again, feeling a mix of desperation and uncertainty. Coming here had been a reckless decision, and actually drinking that beverage would only amplify her recklessness. But she felt an overwhelming need for it.

Just as she was about to reach for the bottle, a hand intervened, preventing her from doing so. She looked up to see a stranger standing before her, bearing an uncanny resemblance to her father. His eyes, his hair—it all echoed familiarity.

Confusion furrowed her brow. "Who a