Chapter 45: The Authority's Assessment

Alison didn’t want to dwell on the issue any further. She felt that the truth was something she wasn’t ready to confront. Jane, unaware of Alison’s inner turmoil, casually picked up an apple from the fruit basket and started peeling it with a knife. She spoke offhandedly, “Oh, by the way, I ran into Oliver in the parking lot earlier. What do you think he’s doing at the hospital so early in the morning? Could he be sick? Or maybe he’s just been overworking lately.” “Oliver?” Alison looked surprised. Glancing out the window, Alison noticed a familiar figure leaning against a car, smoking. Could it be that Oliver was the one who had been by her side all this time? Alison shook her head vigorously, trying to dismiss such an absurd thought. That was impossible. Oliver hated her. There was no way he cared about her. Before she could process her thoughts further, Jane continued, “Jenny was at the hospital last night. Oliver was probably here to see her. But I don’t understand—Jenny’s arm