Chapter 18

Fabian's hand trembled violently, and his phone nearly slipped from his grasp. His body swayed as Shane's words echoed in his mind. Each syllable was like a knife stabbing into his chest. "T-This can't be real." A sharp pain surged up his throat. Then, with a violent cough, a mouthful of blood splattered against the glass window in front of him. His vision blurred. The world spun around him before he collapsed heavily to the ground. … When Fabian woke, the first thing he saw was white. The sharp scent of disinfectant filled his nose, and the rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor echoed in the room. His head throbbed. It felt as if a boulder was crushing his chest. Every breath was agonizing. At the bedside, Shane sat hunched over with reddened eyes. He was clutching a thick stack of documents in his hands. The moment he saw Fabian wake, he rushed forward and said hoarsely, "Mr. Porter, you're finally awake." Fabian's vision was still hazy. He blinked while trying to focus on Sh