Liam Hill flashed his police badge. "The family can't be reached right now. I'll sign the surgical consent form."

The doctor glanced at the credentials and immediately went to assemble the surgical team.

As the red light above the operating room lit up, Jenna Roland's phone rang. It was Milo calling to check on Ryan Watson's condition.

"The wound reopened, causing internal bleeding. He needs another surgery." Jenna's voice trembled slightly as she gripped her phone.

Relief was palpable on the other end of the line.

Liam crossed his arms, his dark eyes narrowing. "Your friend seems very concerned about you."

Jenna's fingers tightened around her phone. "What?"

"I said," Liam's lips curved slightly, "you're quite popular."

She forced a dry chuckle. "I guess."

Something in his tone made her wary.

His gaze dropped to the side of her face. "Shouldn't you get that ear checked?"

Jenna touched her swollen earlobe. "I can hear fine. It's probably nothing."

"If you don't examine it now, who will you blame if problems arise later?" His voice turned stern. "Come with me."

The words snapped her to attention. She followed silently.

At the registration desk, Liam efficiently handled everything on his phone. An ENT examination was quickly arranged.

He leaned against the wall outside the examination room, waiting. Thirty minutes later, Jenna emerged with a report.

"Tympanic congestion." She handed him the paper. "The doctor said it's minor."

Liam skimmed the results. "Get the prescribed medication and use it as directed."

They returned to the operating wing just as Ryan was wheeled out. Pale and groggy from anesthesia, he looked fragile.

When Ryan finally awoke in his hospital room, his first words were an apology. "Jenna, I'm so sorry..."

She gently squeezed his hand. "Don't be reckless next time."

The boy's eyes brimmed with guilt as he nodded.