Three days had passed since Eleanor was brought to Raven's penthouse.
Dr. James had done everything possible to stabilize her, but he wasn't comfortable keeping her there any longer.
"She needs proper observation," he told Raven. "Her body has responded well to the treatment, but the effects of the drug may linger."
Raven nodded.
"Take her to your hospital."
James looked at her.
"I was going to suggest that."
"Then do it."
By afternoon, Eleanor had been transferred to Dr. James's private hospital.
She was placed in a quiet private room away from the main wards.
The doctors continued monitoring her.
Her temperature was normal.
Her heartbeat had stabilized.
And most importantly, the artificial heat had finally subsided.
Eleanor was still weak, but she was awake.
By evening, the room was filled with familiar faces.
Sofia sat beside her daughter, holding her hand.
"My baby."
Eleanor smiled weakly.
"Mom, I'm okay."
Sofia shook her head.
"You don't have to say that just to make me feel better."
"I really am."
Mark stood beside the window.
His expression was unusually serious.
"What happened to the man?"
Eleanor looked at him.
"I don't know."
Mark's jaw tightened.
"We'll make sure he never gets near you again."
Eleanor reached for his hand.
"Dad."
He looked down at her.
"I'm here."
"I just want this to be over."
Mark squeezed her hand.
"It will be."
Charlotte sat on the other side of the bed.
"You scared us."
Eleanor gave her a small smile.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize."
Genevieve nodded.
"We're just happy you're okay."
Eleanor looked around the room.
Her parents.
Her friends.
People who loved her.
For the first time since the incident, she felt safe.
After another hour, Sofia finally stood.
"You need to rest."
"I know."
Mark nodded.
"We'll come back tomorrow."
Charlotte and Genevieve hugged Eleanor carefully before leaving.
Sebastian stayed behind for a few minutes to check her schedule.
"You don't have a schedule," Eleanor told him.
Sebastian smiled.
"That's because I canceled everything."
"Good."
"You're not allowed to work."
Eleanor frowned.
"Sebastian."
"No."
She stared at him.
He stared back.
Finally, Eleanor laughed.
"Fine."
One by one, they left.
The room became quiet.
Eleanor closed her eyes.
She was exhausted.
Then there was a soft knock on the door.
She opened her eyes.
"Come in."
The door opened.
Raven walked inside.
She was dressed simply in a black suit.
Her familiar mask covered her face.
Eleanor smiled.
"You came."
Raven stopped beside the bed.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better."
Raven nodded.
"Good."
For a moment, neither woman spoke.
Eleanor studied her.
"You didn't have to come."
"I know."
"Then why did you?"
Raven looked at her.
"I wanted to make sure you were alright."
Eleanor smiled softly.
"Thank you."
Raven pulled a chair closer and sat.
"You should be resting."
"I've been resting for three days."
"Then rest for another three."
Eleanor laughed quietly.
"You sound like Dr. James."
"That's because he's usually right."
Silence returned.
Eleanor looked at Raven's mask.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Yes."
"Why do you always wear it?"
Raven was quiet.
"You asked me that before."
"And you gave me the same answer."
"Privacy."
Eleanor smiled.
"You're very good at avoiding questions."
"So are you."
Eleanor laughed.
"Fair enough."
She looked down at her hands.
"Raven…"
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
Raven's expression softened slightly.
"You don't have to keep thanking me."
"I do."
Eleanor looked up.
"You found me when I needed help."
Raven didn't answer.
"You protected me."
Still nothing.
"And you stayed."
Raven's eyes remained on hers.
"I wasn't going to leave you alone."
Something about those words made Eleanor's chest tighten.
"Why?"
Raven looked away.
"I don't know."
Eleanor smiled.
"That's the first honest answer you've given me."
Raven looked back at her.
"I usually know exactly what I'm doing."
"And now?"
Raven was silent.
"Now I'm not so sure."
Eleanor's smile faded into something softer.
"Neither am I."
The silence between them felt different now.
Not uncomfortable.
Just intimate.
Eleanor reached toward the table beside her.
Her hand trembled slightly.
Raven noticed.
She reached out and steadied it.
Their fingers touched.
Neither woman moved.
Eleanor looked at their hands.
Then at Raven.
"Your hands are warm."
Raven almost smiled.
"So are yours."
Eleanor's eyes remained on hers.
"I feel safe around you."
Raven's expression changed.
"You shouldn't trust people that easily."
"I don't."
Eleanor's voice was quiet.
"I trust you."
Those words hit Raven harder than she expected.
She slowly withdrew her hand.
"You should sleep."
Eleanor smiled.
"Are you leaving?"
Raven stood.
"I should."
Eleanor looked disappointed.
Raven noticed.
She hesitated.
Then she sat back down.
"I can stay for a while."
Eleanor smiled.
"Good."
Raven looked toward the window.
Outside, the city lights illuminated the night.
For the first time, there were no lawyers.
No contracts.
No business negotiations.
No revenge.
Just two women sitting quietly together.
Neither knew what their relationship would become.
But something had changed.
And neither of them wanted to admit it yet.