CHAPTER 196: SUCCUMBING TO BLACKMAIL

DAMIAN "I don't want you to go!" Julie blurted out, her eyes blazing with determination as she rushed over and grabbed my hand. "I'm sorry, Julie, but what you want doesn't matter right now." She was already shaking her head and tightening her grip. I ignored it and turned to look at Ray. "Could you watch her while I'm out?" "Sure," he nodded. "But where are you going through?" I gave him a pointed look as I gently pulled my hand from Julie's grasp. "I have to rush over to the hospital. Something came up." "With Oslin's family?" Julie asked, and I ignored her again. "Damian, it's almost one AM!" she insisted, her voice dripping with desperation and anxiety. "Whatever the emergency is, it can wait!" "Ray will stay here with you," I told her, then patted her cheek gently. "You're not listening to me!" She reached out to touch me again, but I stepped away. "I'll be back soon." "Damian!" she called after me, but I was already halfway to the door. "Damian, come back!" Even witho