Chapter 197

Beside her, Zandrie quietly reached for her hand.

His grip was firm. Grounding.

And in that small, silent gesture, Cassie found just enough strength to steady herself-just enough to keep from breaking The receptionist watched her for a long moment. Silence stretched between them.

Then, with a soft exhale, the woman turned back to her terminal.

“We strictly follow the appointment schedule,” she said, her tone returning to professional neutrality as her fingers hovered over the keyboard.

“I can place you in the next available slot… which is in a week.”

The faint clicking of keys filled the space.