After I Was Reborn and Gave the Path to Survival to His First Love, He Was Jailed.

: Qin Zheng

After Joel Shepherd left, I immediately ducked into the stairwell and dialed a number I hadn't used in a very long time.

The phone rang three times before it was answered.

A cool, deep male voice came from the other end, tinged with a hint of uncertainty and suppressed surprise.

"Leah Kessler?"

Hearing that voice, I felt a sting in my nose, and tears nearly burst from my eyes.

'Zane Quinn.'

He was a world-class cardiothoracic surgeon and also my childhood friend—the older boy who lived next door.

In my past life, when Andy was critically ill, I had thought about asking him for help.

But Joel Shepherd, out of extreme possessiveness and jealousy, spread rumors that Zane Quinn and I were having an affair. He threatened that if I dared to contact Zane, he would cut off all of Andy's medical funding.

For Andy's sake, and for my own pitiful pride, I really did cut off all contact.

It wasn't until after Andy died that Zane Quinn heard the news and flew back from abroad.

He stopped me at the entrance of the crematorium, his eyes bloodshot as he roared, "Leah Kessler, why didn't you call me? With just one word from you, I would have torn out my own heart to save Andy!"

In this life, I will never again push away the person who truly wants to save us, all for that scumbag.

"Zane."

I tried to keep my voice steady, but it still trembled slightly.

"I remember you mentioned before that a research institute in Eldoria is conducting a Stem Cell Regeneration Trial for pediatric heart failure."

Zane immediately grew serious, his voice turning professional and urgent. "Yes, but there are only three spots available worldwide, and it requires an extremely complex match. Has Andy's condition worsened?"

"Yes." I leaned against the cold wall. "The domestic treatment options have reached a dead end. Joel Shepherd gave the only available valve to someone else. I want to take Andy abroad to find you."

The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds, followed by the sound of something heavy hitting the floor, as if he had shot to his feet.

"Has Joel Shepherd lost his mind? Andy is his own flesh and blood!"

"He lost his mind a long time ago." I let out a cold laugh. "Zane, I've made up my mind. As long as I can save Andy, I'm willing to do anything. Even if it means divorce, even if it means forfeiture of all marital assets."

"Okay."

Zane's voice carried a reassuring firmness.

"I'll take care of securing the spot. Even if I have to fight for it, I'll get it for you. Your job right now is to protect Andy and prepare all his medical records."

"I'll arrange for a private jet to pick you up right away. It should arrive in about a day."

"Two days." I glanced at my watch. "Okay, I'll be waiting."

After hanging up, I let out a long breath.

One day.

As long as I can get through this one day, I can take Andy and escape this hell.

'As for Joel Shepherd...'

I looked out the window at the gloomy, rain-threatening sky, the corner of my mouth twisting into a cruel smile.

'We're just getting started settling the score.'

That evening, Joel Shepherd returned.

He seemed to be in a good mood, carrying a limited-edition Build-A-Brick toy box.

"Leo finished his pre-op checkup today. He's in great condition, and the doctor said the surgery has a very high success rate."

He put the toy on the table and glanced at Andy, who was still on oxygen.

"Andy isn't awake yet? This kid is just too frail, nothing like me."

I was giving Andy a sponge bath. At his words, my hand paused for a moment. I said flatly, "The doctor said he needs absolute rest."

Joel Shepherd frowned, apparently displeased by my coldness.

"Leah, I know you're still angry. But regarding today, Leo's situation really was more urgent. The doctors all said recovery from a minimally invasive procedure is fast."

"Besides, I'm making it up to you. This Build-A-Brick set is the Starfall series one that Andy has always wanted. I specifically had someone bring it back from abroad for him."