So far, Adam has recommended three people to Caroline.
The first was Mrs. Davidson.
Her husband—poor guy—got killed on his way to work because of that cursed Death Baby Car Race. A reckless bike racer slammed right into him, and that was it. 😔
What was once a happy family of three turned into a shattered widow and orphan in an instant.
She was left with a grieving daughter and the heartbreaking reality of her husband—kissed goodbye that morning—now brain-dead, his body carved up. His heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, corneas, even his skin, were taken to save other patients.
Even Christina, the coldest and most surgery-obsessed doctor around, couldn't face the devastated widow and daughter. Adam had to step in.
Afterward, feeling bad for them, Adam quietly called Caroline and asked her to help the pair through the Ellis Charity Fund.
They donated $50,000 to Mrs. Davidson, who couldn't even afford a proper burial for her husband. It covered the funeral costs and gave her some breathing room for a while.
If she wanted to work, Caroline even offered her specialized training.
"Mrs. Davidson chose to work," Caroline said with a smile. "Thanks to our quick help, she's super devout now—thinks good people get good karma. She's doing great in the nursing department. If we expand later, I'm thinking of promoting her to branch director."
"That's awesome," Adam replied, grinning. 😊 "What about Mr. Gale? Is he still around?"
Mr. Gale was that intense guy who couldn't resist his stepmother's temptations. To avoid some messed-up family drama, he tracked down Adam and asked for chemical castration. Talk about commitment!
Adam saw his strong moral compass—definitely not your average dude—and recommended him to Caroline.
Back then, though, he was about to start college.
"Gale still drops by during his free time," Caroline said with a chuckle. "He's pretty solid, but you know how college kids are—living day-to-day, no clue what's next. We'll see how it goes."
"Fair enough," Adam nodded. "It's all up to him, but with that moral streak, if he stays the course, he'd be a great help to you."
"I think so too," Caroline agreed.
"And what about Mr. Dorn?" Adam asked.
Mr. Dorn was the middle-aged Black guy who spent two whole years by his dying son's side, never leaving—until he finally broke. He left his son at the hospital and walked away.
But Adam caught him lingering outside, unable to fully let go, and gave him a chance.
"He's in the nursing department now," Caroline explained. "His son, Ben, is settled in Happy Home—that's the kids' welfare branch under the Ellis Charity Fund. Oh, and he's got a little spark going with one of the nurses there who looks after Ben. Might not be long before they start a new family."
"That's great news!" Adam said, nodding approvingly. 😊
Mr. Dorn had totally collapsed before because he'd been raising his kid alone for two years, cut off from the world.
For a guy in his prime, that's pure torture.
Add in the mental agony of watching his son waste away with no way to help? The fact he lasted two years puts him above 90% of people out there.
Now his son's cared for—and by a woman he's flirting with, no less. Both those burdens? Gone, just like that.
You don't even need to guess—compared to when he was stuck outside the hospital, torn between staying and leaving, he's gotta feel relieved and happy now.
"Here's hoping he treasures it and spreads that happiness to others," Adam said.
"I think he will," Caroline replied with a smile. "Jenny's got a big heart too—she wouldn't be at Happy Home otherwise. Our pay's just average, nowhere near those big charity outfits."
"Maybe we can bump it up a bit down the line," Adam suggested. "Charity can't just run on love. We've gotta ease their worries so they can focus on doing what they value."
Caroline's one of those idealists you see in American TV dramas—not rare, but sticking with it when reality hits? That's another story.
She can't do it alone, though. They need more full-time staff to pitch in.
Of course, Caroline only picks people with heart.
Still, pay's gotta be fair—you can't expect these big-hearted folks to keep running on fumes forever.
Otherwise, that love's gonna burn out one day with nothing to show for it.
"I get it," Caroline said. "But we can't set wages too high either, or we're missing the point."
Charity funds come from donations, and usually, 10% of that goes to running the operation.
Staff salaries eat up most of that.
If the fund's small, the donations are too, and 10% doesn't stretch far.
No big deal.
But if the fund's huge, raking in tons of cash yearly, that 10% can mean the charity workers end up pocketing more than the donors gave.
Awkward.
People donate to help the needy, not to bankroll some cushy gig.
It's all about balance.
Caroline's plan is to match average salaries—do well, get a raise, room to grow, but nothing crazy.
Enough to live comfortably, not to splurge on sports cars or mansions.
Save what's left, build a foundation to help more people later.
No rushing to burn through that 10% just because it's there.
"Got it," Adam nodded. "It's a fine line. How about this—I'll have Juno study it as a project, figure out how to max out that balance."
Caroline burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?" Adam asked, puzzled. "You don't like the idea? Trust me, Juno's a pro at this stuff."
"I know Juno's the best in psychology!" Caroline said, still grinning. "I'm laughing because you and Juno are so in sync. She already brought it up last night—said she's working on a system to balance heart and human nature. Should be ready soon."
One's Adam's good friend.
The other's his best friend.
Of course they know each other.
During holidays, Juno even calls Caroline to invite her over.
But Caroline prefers spending them with the elderly, kids, and women under the Ellis Charity Fund.
Her words? "They need me more, especially at times like this."
It's a touching detail of how she treats these vulnerable folks like family—something she's always lived by.
Juno totally admires that about her.
And seeing what Juno's up to, it's no wonder Caroline sees her as a soulmate-level bestie.
"Really?" Adam laughed too. "How'd I miss that?"
Last night, he was busy chatting with Kate about her checkup. Given Kate's special status, even though he slept great afterward, he skipped his usual nightly call with Juno.
Wouldn't want Kate overhearing certain things—could get messy.
Mid-conversation, a figure—strange yet familiar—popped into Adam's view, making his eyes widen.
That face? Way too shocking to forget.
"Magical Amy…"
(Chapter End)