She tried to mask the pain in her chest.

The passerby scrutinized her pale face. "Are you sure? You seem very unwell."

"I'm fine. Thank you," Nicole replied, not wanting to dampen the stranger's kind intentions. She knew she couldn't go to the hospital, not with the crucial trial just two days away and no room for more complications.

Despite the crushing revelation of Roscoe's amnesia, she steeled herself for the challenges ahead.

Summoning her strength, Nicole slowly stood and limped toward a nearby bench to rest.

However, just as she seemed to settle, her strength gave way, and she collapsed from the bench, unconscious.

Alarmed, the passerby shouted for help. "Miss! Miss! Can someone call an ambulance?"

Nicole was rushed to the hospital.

As the doctor administered her IV, Nicole's phone rang.

The passerby who had brought Nicole to the hospital picked it up, saying, "Hello?"

Silence greeted the passerby from the other end, not even the whisper of breath.

Just when the passerby assumed the call hadn't connected, a chilling, authoritative voice demanded, “Who are you?"

The tone was so imposing that the passerby involuntarily shuddered under its weight. "I'm the one who brought the young lady to the hospital. She fainted outside the Peace Hotel, and now she's at a hospital..."

Before the passerby could finish, the line was cut off with a series of abrupt beeps.

The passerby stood there, puzzled, wondering if concerns over medical expenses had caused the swift hang-up.

Since Nicole's phone was locked, the passerby couldn't access any contacts and decided to stay by her side until she woke up.

About ten minutes later, the passerby heard rapid footsteps approaching. Turning around, he saw a sharply dressed man heading his way. To his surprise, he recognized the newcomer. "Mr. Schultz, what brings you here?"

Jarrod frowned slightly, not recognizing the passerby, who then introduced himself. “I'm Dilan Boyd, a sales representative from Artificial Home Furnishings. We recently submitted a real estate project proposal to your company."

Despite the introduction, Jarrod's expression remained blank, overwhelmed by the many minor figures seeking his attention. He couldn't recall them all.

Dilan understood the situation. After all, the event had been bustling, and his company wasn't well-known. It was no surprise that Jarrod hadn't recognized him or remembered any prior interaction.