Chapter 14 - THE MAN WHO CHOSE A DIFFERENT FUTURE
Adrian began changing his life.
He restructured his businesses.
Separated legitimate operations from criminal activities.
Cooperated with investigations.
And worked to address harm caused by people under his authority.
It wasn't easy.
Some associates resisted.
Others left.
But Adrian remained determined.
Daniel continued recovering.
He returned to school.
Eventually, he began volunteering with a rehabilitation program for young adults.
Elise continued working at Blackridge.
She helped advocate for safer staffing levels and improved reporting procedures.
The hospital established an independent patient-safety review committee.
Elise joined as a staff representative.
One evening, Adrian visited the pediatric ward with permission to deliver books for the children's reading program.
Dorothea watched him carry boxes.
Then leaned toward Elise.
"Your boyfriend is surprisingly useful."
Elise laughed.
"Don't tell him. It'll go to his head."
Adrian looked up.
"I heard that."
Dorothea grinned.
"Good."
Later, as they walked outside, Adrian took Elise's hand.
"Do you ever think about that night?"
"Room 508?"
He nodded.
"Sometimes."
She smiled faintly.
"I remember the wheel."
Adrian laughed.
"Of course you do."
She looked at him.
"It was the first thing you asked about."
He nodded.
"I didn't know what else to say."
Elise stopped walking.
"What?"
Adrian smiled.
"You walked into a room full of armed men and started explaining hospital maintenance problems."
She laughed.
"I was terrified."
"I know."
He looked at her.
"But you stayed."
Elise squeezed his hand.
"Someone needed help."
Adrian smiled.
"And you helped."
Then he reached into his coat pocket.
Elise froze.
May you like
"Adrian?"
He lowered himself onto one knee.
