Pretending To Be In A Tight Spot, I Asked For One Safe Night Indoors. My Well-Off Kids Said It Wouldn’t Work. Only My Youngest Son, A Teacher, Took Me In, Ready To Sell His Wedding Ring To Cover Groceries. Next Morning, My Lawyer Arrived With A $100m Check, And Their Expressions Changed…

“Elena,” he said, my name sounding musical in his accented English. “You came?”

“I came,” I confirmed, and then I was in his arms, breathing in the scent of his cologne and the salt air of his homeland. It felt like coming home to a place I’d never been.

“How do you feel?” he asked, studying my face with the kind of attention Sandra hadn’t shown me in years. “Free,” I said, and meant it. He led me to a black Mercedes parked in the pickup zone, handling my suitcase with the casual authority of someone accustomed to taking care of things.

As we drove through Lisbon’s narrow streets, he filled me in on the arrangements he’d made. “I have a house in Cascay on the coast. It’s private, beautiful, with a garden that overlooks the ocean.

You’ll love it. I’ve also arranged for you to meet with Dr. Carvalho next week.

He’s one of the best oncologists in Europe. He’s familiar with your case.”

“How could he be familiar with my case?”

Miguel smiled. “I may have taken some liberties with your medical records, Dr.

Uh Harrison was very helpful once I explained that you were seeking a second opinion for private treatment abroad.”

“You contacted my doctor.”

“I contacted your doctor as your concerned friend who was helping arrange international care. He was actually quite supportive of the idea. Apparently, he’s not impressed with your daughter’s attitude toward your treatment.”

I stared at him.

“You’ve thought of everything.”

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