“Mr. Caldwell, I must ask you to leave the room if she becomes agitated,” Dr. Rao said, her hand reaching for the IV line.

Mary did not look at the doctor.

She stared only at Ethan, her eyes wide with a sudden, sharp clarity.

“What are you doing here?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

“You’re safe now,” Ethan said, trying to soften his tone, though he looked entirely out of place in his thousand-dollar suit. “I’m taking care of everything.”

Mary’s hand closed into a weak fist, bunching the fabric of the sheet.

“No,” she breathed. “No, Ethan.”

“The hospital,” Ethan said, leaning closer. “The best doctors. I’ve transferred you to a private wing. You don’t have to worry about Brenner or the rent anymore.”

A look of deep, profound sadness washed over Mary’s face, followed quickly by fear.

“Where is Lauren?” she asked, her voice rising, thin and frantic.

“She is downstairs with Evelyn’s sister,” I said, stepping into her line of sight so she could see a familiar face. “She is safe, Mary. She is warm, and she has eaten.”