LeftWith Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 277
Chapter 277 The Codes
If Freya had been a little calmer back then-sharper, more attentive-she might've picked up on the gaps, the odd
bits that didn't quite add up.
But people weren't machines. Even the smartest, most logical minds could miss things, and sometimes, life
didn't hand you a second chance to double-check.
Over the next two days, Freya got things in order at Anita International before meeting up with Jacob.
Kristian's bullet had already been taken out, and technically, Jacob's role was done. Still, she wanted to see
things for herself.
She and Jacob had always been tight, and he answered all her questions without holding back. He also agreed to
the favor she asked before he left.
Lawrence spent every waking hour glued to Kristian's case-tracking his vitals, digging through his medical
records.
Then one day, he finally caught a lead. Just as he did, his assistant burst in, clearly rattled. "Mr. Hayes,
someone's here to see you."
"Just send them away. No need to lose your head," Lawrence said.
"This one's... different," the assistant muttered, his expression uneasy. "You'll wanna see him."
That caught Lawrence's attention. "Who is it?"
"Dr. Prescott," the assistant replied, eyes cast down.
Lawrence went quiet.
Jacob had never liked him. Every tthey crossed paths, Jacob was sarcastic. Why was he suddenly here now?
"Mr. Hayes?"
"I heard you."
Lawrence set down what he was working on, straightened his white coat, and stepped out.
His face was nothing like the casual one he wore around Kristian, or the easygoing version he showed Freya. He
looked like a man walking into a room to face someone he'd rather not see.
When Lawrence stepped out, he found Jacob lounging in the waiting room-a space as polished and high-tech as
the rest of the facility, all clean lines and quiet hums of machinery.
As Lawrence drew near, the glass doors parted with a soft hiss, revealing Jacob slouched on the couch, wearing
the shalf-drowsy look he always did, like he'd just rolled out of bed. "What brings you here?"
Jacob didn't reply. He was in a pale gray knit sweater, every inch of him giving off lazy indifference.
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< Chapter 277 The Codes
"You wanted to see me?" Lawrence asked again when the silence dragged.
"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 fast. After a beat, he pulled on a mask of confusion. "Lie about what?"
"Kristian," Jacob answered flatly.
"She told you | lied?" Lawrence let out a short, dry laugh, though something in him twisted. "Believe it or not,
| 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 | say ever weigh as much as one
word from her?"
"Yes." He didn't miss a beat.
That one word landed 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 stayed 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 | can't give you the
answer you're looking
for. Whatever Freya chooses to believe, I've told her the truth about Kristian."
"| 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 | 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, hair still a mess, his movements unhurried. He glanced at Lawrence once, then walked out of
the lounge.
Lawrence thought he was finally leaving-that he was done with this place, 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.
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Chapter 277 The Codes
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 accepted. Please enter."
The door slid open.
Jacob stepped through, untouched by emotion, moving like he belonged there.
Lawrence stood frozen. Password accepted?
His eyes widened as the realization slammed into him-Jacob remembered everything.
He remembered!
Forgetting all else, Lawrence darted after him. By the the caught up, Jacob
had already opened the second door and was heading toward the third.
"Jacob!" Lawrence called.
Jacob didn't slow down.
Lawrence lunged forward, blocking his path, his expression still clouded with
emotion. "You remembered the password. Does that mean-"
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"No," Jacob cut him off coldly.
Lawrence wanted to say more.
But Jacob cut deeper. "I remember it because | was stupid enough back then, so |
made sure I'd never forget
the lesson."
"Jacob, back then-" Lawrence started.
But the look Jacob gave him was colder than anything. Colder than a stranger's
glare. Lawrence couldn't speak.
Jacob had never cared for his explanations.
To him, they were just excuses.
Brushing past, Jacob walked up to the third door and entered the scode.
This time, password incorrect.
Lawrence didn't move. Didn't stop him. Didn't speak. He just stood there, strangely hollow.
Every tthey met, things only got worse. If Kristian hadn't been in such a dangerous state, he never would've
contacted K, and he definitely wouldn't have asked her to bring Jacob into it.
That thought lingered as he watched Jacob keep trying codes.
"Don't waste your time." Lawrence leaned against the wall. "You'll never guess
that one. Not in a lifetime."
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Jacob looked at him.
Lawrence didn't budge.
"Go back and tell Freya-Kristian still owes me. I'll fix him up, whether she asks
eye. "But if she sends you again, I'll make sure Kristian forgets her completely."
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