Chapter 44 It Seems They Had a Falling Out

Zion took Gregory's hand in one of his, Veronica's in the other, then gently placed Veronica's hand into Gregory's palm. The warmth beneath her fingers made Veronica stiffen for a brief moment. "Gregory, Veronica… the two of you must stay well. Take good care of each other," Zion said. His voice was already weak. "Don't worry, Zion," Gregory replied without hesitation, eager to reassure him. Veronica nodded quickly as well. Only then did a smile return to Zion's face. After Zion was wheeled into the operating room, Veronica excused herself, saying she still had work to attend to at the funeral parlor, and left first. She went down to the parking garage, got into the car, removed her makeup in a hurry, changed her appearance, and then headed back toward the operating suite with Minerva. … Under the surgical lights, Veronica's hands were as steady as precision instruments. She didn't need to think. Her fingers moved on instinct. Separation, exposure, cannulation—every motion wa