Chapter 4

Gabriel’s playful insistence masked a deeper concern. When Elodie was just seventeen, a car accident had shattered their world. She had sustained a severe head injury, drifting in and out of consciousness for a year, clinging to the edge of life. It was Gabriel, a rising neurosurgeon, who had refused to give up on her, pulling her back from the brink when all hope seemed lost. The recovery had been long and arduous, filled with gruelling physical and psychological therapy. But Elodie had faced it all with a quiet determination, her resilience forged in the fires of her trauma. It was during those difficult days that she had developed a keen interest in medicine, learning from Gabriel and absorbing his knowledge like a sponge. When she finally expressed a desire to leave Los Montical and find some solace on her own, it had pained Gabriel to let her go. Yet, he had respected her wishes, helping her obtain a professional nurse’s license and setting her up with a comfortable life in Danning. Despite the miles separating them, Gabriel kept tabs on his sister. He knew about her unusual marriage, her role as a caretaker for a man who seemed undeserving of her quiet devotion. He had wanted to intervene, to protect her, but he knew better than to interfere in her grief. Everyone mourned in their own way. Now, a year later, with Elodie finally ready to return, Gabriel wanted to ensure her well-being. The luxurious limousine whisked them away to Sanctum, Gabriel’s private hospital, a haven for the wealthy and the elite. Bathed in natural light and adorned with exquisite artwork, the hospital exuded an air of calm and exclusivity. Elodie hesitated. The sight of a hospital brought a rush of memories: the sterile white walls, the constant hum of machines, the year spent fighting for her life. Seeing her apprehension, Gabriel squeezed her hand. ‘Don’t worry, El. This is just routine. I want to make sure you’re fully recovered.’ Elodie nodded, taking a deep breath. She knew he was right. After all, it wasn’t the hospital itself that held the pain, but the memories it evoked. They entered the spacious lobby, greeted by the hushed voices of nurses and the soft scent of disinfectant. Elodie felt a familiar wave of anxiety, but she pushed it down, focusing on the reassuring presence of her brother beside her. In the examination room, the familiar array of machines and equipment brought back a flood of emotions. She sat on the examination table, Gabriel’s gentle touch a comforting anchor. With the assistance of Dr Thorne, he ran a series of tests, his brow furrowed in concentration. ‘I know this isn’t easy, El,’ he said finally, his voice soft. ‘But I need to be thorough.’ Elodie squeezed his hand. ‘I understand, Gabriel. Thank you.’ Hours passed as Elodie underwent a battery of tests, from blood work to neurological examinations. Each prick of the needle, each scan of the machine, was a reminder of the fragility of life, a constant echo of the past year. Finally, the last test was completed. Gabriel presented Elodie with a clean bill of health. Relief washed over him, his earlier tension easing. ‘You’re good to go, sis,’ he declared, a genuine smile gracing his lips. Elodie smiled back, a feeling of peace settling within her. The years of fear, the uncertainty about her future, all seemed to melt away in that moment. She had survived. She was strong. And she was ready to start living again. ‘Thank you,’ she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. ‘Thank you for everything, Gabriel.’ He pulled her into a hug, his warmth enveloping her. ‘You’re welcome, little sis. But remember, you’re not alone in this. I’m always here for you.’ *** The air in Gabriel’s opulent study hung thick with the scent of vintage leather and after-dinner brandy. Elodie leaned back in the plush armchair, her stomach pleasantly full after the gourmet feast. Gabriel, his face relaxed and content, sat across from her, a glint of mischief in his eyes. ‘Alright, El,’ he began, pulling a thick stack of papers from a hidden compartment in his mahogany desk. ‘I have something for you.’ Elodie’s brows furrowed in curiosity. ‘What is it, Gabe?’ He placed the papers on the coffee table before them, their weight suggesting something significant. ‘This,’ he announced, ‘is your inheritance.’ Elodie gasped, her eyes widening as she scanned the documents. ‘Everything?’ she whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief. Gabriel nodded solemnly. ‘Everything our parents owned, including their stake in Northstar Corporation.’ The magnitude of the gift hit her like a tidal wave. Northstar, a behemoth with its tentacles reaching into every lucrative sector – real estate, hospitality, fashion, finance – was now hers. It was an empire built by her parents, a legacy entrusted to her care. A wave of emotions washed over her – gratitude, surprise, and a touch of fear. She knew her brothers, Gabriel and Oliver, also had a share in the billion-dollar estate. For them to relinquish their claims and entrust everything to her was a testament to their love and unwavering support. ‘But why?’ Elodie finally managed to ask, her voice barely above a whisper. ‘Gabriel, shouldn’t you—’ Gabriel cut her off with a gentle smile. ‘El, both Oliver and I have agreed on this. With our parents gone, it’s our responsibility to look after you. We want to give you the most comfortable life possible.’ He chuckled softly. ‘Besides, you know I’m only interested in being a neurosurgeon, and Oliver’s too restless to be tied down to one place. We just don’t have your brains for running such a huge business.’ His words were filled with sincerity, and Elodie knew he meant them. Yet, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. Accepting such a massive responsibility felt overwhelming, and she wasn’t sure if she was ready for the burden. Gabriel must have sensed her hesitation. He placed a reassuring hand on hers. ‘Take your time, El. You don’t have to decide anything right now.’