Chapter 85

Nicole's brows twitched as she heard Kenneth's words. Her eyes were dark and unreadable, giving nothing away. When Aaron appeared at the hospital room doorway, Kenneth and Heidi exchanged a knowing glance. They quietly stepped out to give Nicole and Aaron some privacy. He politely nodded to them before walking in. Nicole was sitting up in bed. Her hand was still hooked up to the IV drip. The air between them was thick with tension, silent and awkward. Neither of them was willing to be the first to speak. Aaron stepped closer to the bed. His gaze was fixed on Nicole's face. "Were you scared?" His voice was calm and comforting, but Nicole couldn't forget how he had kept things from her. Once trust was broken, it was hard to restore it. She had already learned that painful lesson from Jacob. She cleared her throat, her tone polite and distant. "Thank you for helping me this time, Mr. Compton. If there's anything you need help with in the future, I'll do my part without hesitation."