But his voice lacked conviction.

He was a man who had built his life on clever lies, now staring at a wall of facts.

“The state licensing board will be very interested in this report,” Daniel said.

“And so will the hospital’s legal department.”

I watched Mark’s hands clench into fists inside his pockets.

The silence between them was thick and heavy.

For years, Mark had made me feel small, convincing me that I was the failure during our long, painful fertility treatments.

Seeing him cornered by a stranger felt like a sudden shift in the earth.

“You’re making a mistake, Morrison,” Mark said.

He stepped back, his eyes darting toward the exit signs.

“I have deep roots in this city,” Mark warned.

“I have people who support me.”

Daniel did not blink.

“So do I,” Daniel said. “But mine don’t hide behind shell companies.”

Mark looked at me, his eyes burning with anger.

“You think this changes anything, Victoria?” he spat.

“Your little career here is still on thin ice.”

“James Hendricks is the head of the development committee,” Mark added, a cruel smile returning.