Liam sat at the defense table, his uniform pressed, his posture straight.

I sat in the gallery, my hands clasped in my lap.

The board members sat on a raised dais, looking down at the files in front of them.

The chairman, a gray-haired doctor named Bennett, cleared his throat.

“We have reviewed the new evidence submitted by the federal prosecutor’s office,” Dr. Bennett said.

“It has been brought to our attention that the complaints leading to the suspension of Dr. Liam Vance’s license were fraudulent,” he continued.

“The witnesses who testified to his alleged malpractice received substantial financial compensation from accounts tied to Apex Development.”

The room was quiet, save for the hum of the air conditioner.

“The board finds that Dr. Vance’s suspension was a result of targeted administrative interference,” Dr. Bennett said.

“Therefore, we are fully restoring Dr. Liam Vance’s license to practice medicine, effective immediately.”

He struck the gavel, the sound echoing through the room.

Liam let out a slow, deep breath, his shoulders dropping for the first time in months.

He turned back to look at me, a small, genuine smile on his face.