"Today, a man armed with a knife stormed into Colorado Hospital and stabbed a doctor who was on duty multiple times. The victim is in critical condition, and the suspect has been apprehended. The police are still investigating the motive..."

As I listened to the news on the television, my hands trembled with anxiety. I looked up at the brightly lit emergency room across from me, my heart racing with fear. "Dad, please be okay."

"A surgeon needs to be called in," a nurse said urgently as she rushed out.

I quickly pulled out my phone, struggling to unlock it after three failed attempts, and frantically searched my contacts.

"Pick up, pick up," I muttered anxiously as I waited for someone to answer.

"Your call cannot be connected at this time..."

Staring at my phone in shock, I repeated the call over and over. After thirteen attempts, I finally got through.

"Aubri, Dad’s been hurt and is in surgery. We need a surgeon, please come back quickly," I choked out.

Aubrey Ramos, my husband, is a renowned surgeon at the hospital, and I was certain his presence would ensure Dad's safety.

After a moment of silence, someone finally spoke, but it was a woman.

"Aubri is driving and can’t take the call right now."

Wynne Vaughn, Aubrey’s ex-girlfriend.

I gritted my teeth, struggling to control my emotions. "Get him to take the call. His professor is dying; he needs to come back immediately."

There was a rustling sound on the other end, but I couldn't make out what was being said.

Then I heard Aubrey’s mocking voice, "Do you think this kind of trick will make me believe you? Such a pathetic excuse. How could someone like you be Prof. Jenner’s daughter?"

Desperately, I shouted, "I’m telling the truth…"

"Beep—beep—"

Aubrey hung up.

I stared blankly at my phone’s dark screen.

"Bailey, I’m so sorry. We did everything we could," said the director, bloodied and standing before me, his voice heavy with grief.

I shuddered, and my phone fell to the floor.