Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 645 Nicholas' POV "The waking process is gradual," the doctor explained, gesturing calmly with his hands. "We'll reduce the sedative medication progressively over the next twelve to twenty-four hours. It's not like waking from normal sleep. It's more like... slowly surfacing." He looked at each of us to make sure we were following. "She may show small signs at first. Involuntary finger movement. Reflexes returning. Breathing becoming less dependent on the ventilator.

Eventually, attempts to open her eyes." "How long until she's fully awake?" Zoey asked, gripping Christian's hand tightly. "It's impossible to say exactly," the doctor admitted. "It could be hours. It could take days. Every patient responds differently. What matters is that all her vital signs are stable and strong. Her brain activity is responding well. There's no indication of permanent neurological damage in the most recent scans." Christian let out a long breath that seemed to carry days of tension. "So she's going to be okay." It wasn't a question. It was ---- confirmation he needed.

"The odds are very favorable," the doctor said carefully. "But we'll continue monitoring her closely. Any significant change, you'll be informed immediately." Mia hugged Matthew and buried her face in his shoulder. | saw silent tears slipping down her cheeks. Marcus pulled Madeline closer and kissed the top of her head. Annabelle and Nathaniel exchanged looks of palpable relief. Dante smiled openly, the kind of smile that only appears when an impossible weight finally lifts. For the first time in days, the room seemed to breathe together. "She's coming back," Zoey said, her voice thick.

to wake up. She was going to open her eyes. She was going to look at me again. The doctor kept explaining protocols, but | barely heard him. | ---- was already imagining that moment. What would | say? What,

me," | murmured, stepping out into the hallway while the others continued talking with the doctor. | answered in the quiet corridor. "Paula?" "Nick," she said, her voice tense, too controlled. "Listen, don't panic when | tell you this. Everyone's physically fine, but... we have a serious problem at the estate." My stomach dropped instantly. "What kind of problem?" "There was

mom? The guests who were staying there?" "Like | said," Paula repeated firmly, trying to steady me, " everyone is okay. Bella and Martina are at my house while the firefighters finished up. The guests have been temporarily relocated. No one was hurt. But..." "But what?" | pressed, panic rising. "The police are investigating it as a likely case of arson," she said carefully. | stood there, trying to process.

wouldn't endanger her own daughter. Would she? "| don't know, Nick," Paula sighed on the other end. "But the estate needs you here. Now. There's insurance to deal with,