At the hospital, the doctor announced that Vincent was out of danger, and Noreen let out a long, shaky breath. She sent the housekeeper home, choosing to stay until he woke up.
In the meantime, Dylan texted to ask how things were. Noreen explained that a friend had collapsed but was now stable. He then asked which hospital she was at, clearly intending to come by. Noreen sent him the address.
By the time Dylan arrived, Vincent had just regained consciousness. Seeing Noreen’s worried expression, he was filled with guilt. “Miss Gilmore, I’m so sorry to have troubled you.”
“Don’t say that. Just focus on getting better. Your health is what’s important,” Noreen said gently.
Vincent sighed. “It’s my heart. It’s hereditary.” He then looked at her, curious. “How did you know I collapsed?”
“When I visited your hometown to find you, I noticed some heart medication on your coffee table,” Noreen explained. “So I asked your housekeeper to check in on you a couple of extra times each day and to call me immediately if anything happened.”
With his wife and child back in his hometown, Vincent lived alone, with only a part-time housekeeper coming and going. Noreen’s simple request had likely saved his life. The thought of what could have happened sent a chill down Vincent’s spine. He was only thirty-five, with a five-year-old child. If something had happened to him, his family’s world would have shattered.
He owed his life to Noreen’s thoughtfulness. “Miss Gilmore, you saved me,” he said, his voice thick with gratitude.
Noreen just told him not to dwell on it and to rest. She arranged for a diligent nurse to look after him and, after giving him a few more words of encouragement, left the room with Dylan.
As they waited for the elevator, Dylan asked if she was hungry. She had barely eaten anything at lunch before rushing off. After the stressful afternoon, Noreen realized she was starving.
“I figured you would be,” Dylan said with a warm smile. “I’ve already booked a table. We can head straight over.” He raised his hand and, just like he used to, affectionately ruffled her hair.

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