Amelia and I left the Hayes mansion . The next morning , Elias called to apologize again and deposited five million dollars into my account for " medical expenses . " " Kristin , I'm so sorry , " he said . " If ... and I'm just saying if ... I get my family situation sorted out , would you be willing to come back and care for Pearl ? " I didn't answer . " I'm sorry , " he said , his voice weary . " That was inappropriate . Regardless , I owe you . If you ever need anything , please don't hesitate to call . " I politely agreed . Seraphina was released on bail after three days . Amelia was furious , but since no serious harm was done - and thanks to the five million , I had signed a settlement agreement - there wasn't much to be done . " I never would have settled , " Amelia fumed . " I would have made sure she went to jail . " " It's just a scratch , " I sighed . " It's not even a misdemeanor . She wouldn't have served any real time . This way , I get five million and a favor from Elias . " Even though Seraphina was insane , her antics had made me a very wealthy woman . I just felt sorry for Pearl . Amelia found another therapist for her , but apparently , it wasn't going well . Seeing my glum expression , Amelia slapped my shoulder . " I know what you're thinking , but stop . Everyone has their own path . You can't control everything . So , what are your plans now ? Going to come work with me ? " I shook my head . " I'm going back to school . " I had originally taken the job with Pearl because I needed the money . Now that I was a little rich woman , " I could finally pursue my doctorate . But I never expected to see him on my first day , in my new advisor's office . 6 It had only been a week , but Elias looked like he'd been through a war . He was haggard , unshaven , a far cry from the polished CEO I knew . The child in his arms , Pearl , looked even worse . She was so thin she was almost unrecognizable . " Kristin , this is Elias Hayes , " my advisor said . " He's one of our lab's biggest donors . In a way , he's your boss . " I instinctively took a step back . The whole " substitute " ordeal had left me with a serious aversion to him .