?Chapter 691:


    “Why did you lie to Freya?” Jacob’s eyes were deep and emotionless.


    Lawrence froze, caught off guard for half a second.


    But his mind snapped back quickly. After a beat, he pulled on a mask of confusion. “Lie about what?”


    “Kristian,” Jacob answered tly.


    “She told you I lied?” Lawrence let out a short, dryugh, though something in him twisted. “Believe it or not, I told her everything. I didn’t leave anything out.”


    And if there was something missing, well, that was on Kristian—not him.


    Jacob’s lips tightened into a thin line.


    Lawrence’s smile was faint and a little sad. “Jacob, in your eyes, does nothing I say ever weigh as much as one word from her?”


    “Yes.” He didn’t miss a beat. That one wordnded like a blow.


    Lawrence just stared at him, looking into those deep, steady eyes.


    Jacob didn’t blink. Didn’t look away.


    Lawrence’s gaze flickered with emotion—anger, sadness, resignation—but Jacob’s remained ice cold.


    In the end, it was Lawrence who looked away first. He dropped his eyes and gave a bitter smile. When he looked up again, his expression was back to neutral. “I’m sorry, but I can’t give you the answer you’re looking for. Whatever Freya chooses to believe, I’ve told her the truth about Kristian.”


    “I want to see him,” Jacob said.


    Lawrence’s voice turned razor-sharp. “No visitors.”


    “What are you hiding?” Jacob cut straight through him.


    “I’m not hiding anything.” Lawrence met his eyes squarely. “Kristian is my patient. It’s my job to make sure he recovers quietly, without disruptions.”


    “And what if I don’t back down?” Jacob’s calm finally cracked.


    Lawrence gave a cool smile. “You still won’t get in. There are three locked doors between here and Kristian’s room. Each needs its own password.”


    Jacob rose slowly, his hair still a mess, his movements unhurried. He nced at Lawrence once, then walked out of the lounge.


    Lawrence thought he was finally leaving—that he was done with this ce, like he always wanted. But Jacob walked straight toward the first security door.


    Facial recognition, iris scan, fingerprint, password—just one needed to work.


    Jacob’s pale gaze rested on the panel. After a moment’s pause, he typed something in.


    First attempt—denied.


    Second attempt—denied.


    Lawrence listened to the cold voice reporting failed entries, a strange mix of relief and weariness curling in his chest. Jacob couldn’t get in.


    Then the voice spoke again.


    “Password epted. Please enter.” The door slid open.


    Jacob stepped through, untouched by emotion, moving like he belonged there.


    Lawrence stood frozen. Password epted?


    His eyes widened as the realization mmed into him—Jacob remembered everything.


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