Rhett shook his head, stating, "Thus far, only the low-grade fever."

Nicole felt a slight sense of relief but remained concerned. Indeed, even a mild fever was cause for concern.

Observing Nicole's troubled expression, Rhett reassured her with a smile, "Miss Lawrence, please don't worry. I've come to terms with whatever fate has in store for me. Whatever may happen, it's my destiny. Don't blame yourself."

Yet, the more Rhett expressed this sentiment, the heavier Nicole's guilt weighed upon her. She uttered softly, "Mr. Bates, please refrain from comforting me. I carry a profound sense of responsibility. Had I not fallen ill suddenly, you wouldn't have escorted me to the hospital, and you wouldn't have encountered that altercation with the intoxicated man. Let's simply hope for the best outcome. Regardless of the outcome, I am indebted to you. If ever you require assistance in the future, I will spare no effort."

Rhett remarked, “It appears no matter my efforts to persuade you otherwise, you'll still harbor that sense of responsibility. Well, if I ever find myself in need, I'll certainly reach out to you for assistance."

His jesting tone eased Nicole's apprehension regarding the pledge.

She nodded. "Without a doubt!"

At that instant, Nicole's phone rang. It displayed an unfamiliar number.

Stepping outside to answer, Nicole was met with silence on the other end.

Nicole asked, "Hello, who is this?"

Nicole was left speechless. "If you remain silent, I will terminate the call."

As Nicole prepared to end the call, a voice broke through the silence. "Nicole..."

Nicole was startled. She recognized the voice instantly. It belonged to Callie.

It had been days since Ethel mentioned that Callie's family had secluded themselves at home, exhibiting no signs of activity. And Brett had not made a single appearance. It appeared their previous actions had put him on guard. Brett had grown wary.

Nicole understood that fretting would serve no purpose. If Brett remained elusive, they had no means to track him down.

Yet, Callie's unexpected call sparked a renewed sense of hope within Nicole. She inquired cautiously, "Is that you, Callie?"

"Yes, Nicole, it's me.”

Nicole probed, “What's happening?"

Callie lapsed into silence once more.

Undeterred, Nicole questioned, "Do you require my assistance?"

After a pause, Callie responded, "No."

"Then..." Before Nicole could complete her thought, Callie interjected once more. "Nicole, my... My dad intends to take me away."

Nicole was rendered speechless. It appeared Brett was making arrangements to escape. Brett couldn't bear to abandon Callie, thus he resolved to take her along.

Nicole inquired, “May I have the opportunity to meet your father?"

Callie paused briefly before questioning, "Nicole, is everything you said true? Is my father truly implicated in your father's demise?"

Rather than a direct response, Nicole remarked, "Callie, I also seek the truth. Hence, I require your father to disclose it himself."

In the subsequent silence from Callie, Nicole continued, "Do you have faith in me, Callie?"

Nicole added, “I assure you, I'll only engage with your father. His whereabouts will remain undisclosed. Does that meet your approval?"

Following a moment of contemplation, Callie agreed. “Very well, I shall disclose. But you must come alone."

"Understood." Nicole tempered her excitement.

Upon her return to Rhett's ward, Nicole informed Rhett of an urgent matter demanding her attention.

Rhett grinned and said, “Please proceed. I'll manage here."

Once Nicole departed, Rhett's gaze assumed a profound, contemplative demeanor.