Isaac, having other commitments later, handed Joe over to Rowena.

"Can I talk to you?" she asked tentatively.

Glancing at Joe, Isaac responded, “We'll talk when I return tonight.”

He probably didn't want Joe overhearing.

"Okay," Rowena agreed, understandingly.

At the hospital, Alick stepped out of the ward before Annis woke up.

“Please look after her," he said.

“Don't worry. I'm here looking after her," Camila assured him.

Alick paused at the door, looking back, then left decisively.

Camila called out to him, "I've booked two plane tickets. I'll personally hand her over to her father. Having someone she cares about with her might help her recover faster."

Alick halted, humming in acknowledgment, but only lingered for a moment before moving on.

When Annis woke and recovered a lot, Camila took her to Faymoor.

Before boarding the plane, she messaged Hyman, “I won't be at the research institute for the next couple of days." There was no immediate response. He must have been busy.

After a moment's hesitation, she sent a message to Isaac. "Taking Annis to Faymoor."

As she heard the boarding call, she switched off her phone, helped Annis to the gate, and checked in.

“I can manage on my own," Annis said, settling by the window.

Camila, sitting beside her, draped a blanket over her. “I'm just concerned about you," she said.

Annis leaned against the window, her gaze distant.

“Are you thirsty?" Camila whispered.

Annis shook her head. After a pause, she asked, "Does Alick know I've left?"