Chapter 1669

Drake's mouth hung open, but no words came out.

"I swapped the drug for saline," Juan said. "You're on your own tonight. You've only had one dose, so there might still be a chance. If you don't wanna die here, suck it up. Don't let Kale die for nothing." For original chapters go to

Juan dropped that and left the room.

Drake slumped on the bed. Old memories came flooding back, from their first meeting to their camaraderie. They had been through thick and thin together.

If it hadn't been for him, Kale wouldn't have been dead.

In the hospital, Liza kept watch outside the ICU where Bert lay.

Two black-suited guards blocked the door. Even after surgery, they wouldn't let her in.

"When can I see him?" she asked, clenching her fists.

The guards stood like statues, ignoring her.

"That's my dad," she shouted, pounding their chests. "I need to be with him. Move. Get out of my way."

"Stop it." Fermin strode up, grabbing her swinging fist. "You're an Eaton. Act like it."

He turned and slapped a guard hard. "You see the lady's upset and don't squat?"

The guard smacked himself. "Sorry, sir."

Fermin softened, coaxing Liza. "See? I handled it. Chill out, okay?"

"I wanna see Dad. Please let me in," Liza begged, tears welling up.

She'd only ever seen Bert through glass, hooked to a ventilator. Every time she tried to get closer, they stopped her.

Fermin fell silent. Then he ordered, "Let her in."

The guards frowned. "Sorry, but without Mr. Austin or Miss Sharp's say-so, we can't."

"Mr. Austin or Miss Sharp?" Liza caught the keywords. "That's my dad in there. Why do they get a say?"

Fermin jumped in. "This is my overseas. Know who is the boss. I said let her in, and you do it."

The guards hesitated. But when Fermin flashed a knife, they stepped aside.

Liza bolted in. Fermin followed, glaring at the guards. "You breathe a word of this, and you're done." "Yes, sir," they mumbled.