“I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

Six hours later, Claire woke after surgery.

By seven that evening, she could sit upright for short periods.

Lena brought discharge information to review even though Claire would remain overnight for observation.

“No lifting over ten pounds,” the nurse said.

“No driving while taking the stronger pain medication.

Walk a little, but don’t push yourself.

And if the pain suddenly increases, you call us.”

Claire nodded.

“How long before I can work?”

“Depends what you do.”

“Veterinary clinic.”

Lena raised an eyebrow.

“Then definitely not tomorrow.”

Claire gave a weak smile.

The door opened.

Vanessa entered wearing a beige trench coat darkened by rain at the shoulders.

She stopped just inside the room.

Her eyes moved over the IV, the monitoring wires, the flowers on the table, and the hospital folder in Claire’s lap.

“You look terrible,” she said.

Claire waited.

Vanessa set her purse on the visitor chair.

“How long are they keeping you?”

“Overnight.”

“And after that?”

“I go home.”

“For how long?”

Claire frowned.

“What do you mean?”

“Until you go back to work.”

Lena glanced over from the computer.

Claire answered slowly.

“I don’t know.

At least several days.”

Vanessa sighed.

“Wonderful.”

Claire stared at her.

“I almost died.”

“You did not almost die.”

“The surgeon said I lost a lot of blood.”

“People say dramatic things in hospitals.”

Lena turned from the computer.

“Actually, the blood loss was clinically significant.”

Vanessa looked irritated by the interruption.

“I’m sure it was.

I’m discussing practical matters.”

Claire felt heat rise in her face.

“What practical matters?”

“Your income.”

“My income?”

“Your father has expenses.”

“I pay rent every month.”

“You pay something.”

“Six hundred dollars.”

Vanessa leaned closer.

“And you think that covers your share?”

Claire’s pulse quickened.

“Can we not do this here?”

“That depends on you.”

“No.

It depends on you leaving.”

Vanessa blinked.

“What?”

“I said leave.”

The nurse stood.

“Ma’am, the patient needs rest.”

Vanessa’s mouth tightened.

Claire pushed the blanket aside and tried to shift herself upright.

Pain stopped her halfway.

Vanessa grabbed her upper arm.

“Stop performing.”

Claire recoiled.

“Let go of me.”

“You have always exaggerated everything when you want attention.”

“Let go.”

Claire pulled back.

Vanessa shoved her.

Her shoulder slammed into the wall beside the bed.

The impact sent a white flash of pain through Claire’s abdomen.

She cried out.

Lena crossed the room instantly.

“Step away from her.”

Vanessa stared at the nurse.

“She barely moved.”

“You put your hands on a postoperative patient.”

“She’s dramatic.”

Lena reached for the phone.

Vanessa lowered her voice.

“Claire, you are making a mistake.”

Claire held one hand against her abdomen.

“No.

You did.”

Hospital security arrived first.

A police officer followed several minutes later because Claire told Lena she wanted the incident documented.

Vanessa became calm again the moment authority entered the room.

“This has been blown completely out of proportion,” she said.

“There was an argument.

She lost her balance.”

Lena shook her head.

“I witnessed it.”

Vanessa’s expression barely changed.

“It’s a private family matter.”

The officer replied evenly.

“Not inside a hospital when someone alleges assault.”

The elevator doors opened down the hall.

Noah appeared first.

Behind him was Martin in a wheelchair.

Claire’s heart dropped.

“Dad?”

Martin looked pale and