Page 66 of Fixer for the Billionaire

"Anything could have happened. She could have?—"

"But she didn't. She's okay. She's going to be okay."

"This... all of this." Her brows furrow, her chin dipping toward her chest. "I should have been there. I should have been checking in more. Paying attention. I should have prevented this from happening."

Her voice shakes on the last word, and I hold her tighter, feeling her tremble against me.

"Carmina," I say firmly, tilting her chin up to meet my gaze. "You can't blame yourself for this. You're not going to be there every waking moment. You have a life and a job and responsibilities. And Val... she's strong. She'll pull through."

She stiffens, exhaling loudly. "But isn't that the job? Being a legal guardian? It's more than just paperwork. It's being my sisters' rock, their constant. And after everything with Mamá... Gabi's terrified of being left behind again. I can't. I won't add to that fear. I have to be strong for the girls."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. Here she is, drowning in the pressure of suddenly being thrust into parenthood, yet her first thought is for the emotional well-being of those girls.

It's moments like these that make me realize just how much I admire her. How much I respect her.

How much I...

I shake my head, trying to push away those thoughts.

Now is not the time for that.

"You are strong, Car," I assure her. "You've got more strength and love in your pinky finger than most people have in their whole body. Gabi and Val, they’re lucky to have you. And you have been there for them. You've stepped up in ways most people couldn't even imagine. But it's okay to feel scared and overwhelmed sometimes. It doesn't make you any less of a good guardian or a good sister."

She lets out a shaky breath, her eyes searching mine for reassurance. And I give it to her with every ounce of sincerity in my being.

We stay there in silence for a few more minutes before she finally speaks again, her voice quieter now.

"I probably should call Jen. I haven’t checked in back at the office, and I’m sure she would want to know."

I nod, knowing how difficult and emotional that call will be for her. "I'll go make some coffee," I offer, standing up from the chair next to hers. "You can use my phone if you want. I passed yours to Freddie in the melee, and you still have mine on you."

Wandering through the quiet hospital corridor to the coffee machine, my brain rolls back on the rollercoaster of emotions the day has brought.

My steps slow as I spot Freddie and Gabi in front of the vending machine, their heads close together, sharing chocolate bars and whispers.

It's a scene so normal yet heartwarming amidst our current chaos, and I find a small smile forming on my face. Moments like these—a simple, genuine connection—remind me of what we've built at Hare & Holeton, how much of a family we've become.

With the coffees in hand, warmth seeping through the cardboard cups into my palms, I head back, still riding the high of that tender scene. But the air in the hospital hallway changes the moment I step into it.

Carmina is sitting up, her posture rigid, the warmth in her eyes replaced by a storm.

Puzzled, I hand her the coffee. But before I can even ask, she cuts through the silence, her voice tight, almost cold.

"I started to call Jen,” she breathes. "But you got a text that distracted me, so..."

I take my seat again. "Okay, who’s it from?"

"Delilah." Carmina's earthy brown gaze locks onto mine. "She, uh, is asking about your relationship status again. Wanted to know who you're bringing to Ry and Jen's bachelor-bachelorette party."

I sigh, shoulders sagging. "You’d never guess Delilah would be the spokesperson for relentless. I'm sorry about that."

Carmina stares. "Are the two of you together, Quentin?"

"What? No, absolutely not." I feel my skin heat as I switch the coffee cup from hand to hand. "She's a lovely person. The engagement party came. I needed a date. She was it. That's all. There's nothing going on between us, I promise."

"That's convenient, Quentin. Too convenient."

She sets the coffee down, untouched, and folds her arms, creating a barrier between us. I lean forward, trying to catch her gaze. "What's going on, Carmina? Are you feeling uncomfortable with... us?"

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