Chapter Five: The Man Who Wouldn’t Stay Gone
Dawn came through the blinds like a wound.
Lian hadn’t moved.
Mikhail’s hand was still in hers.
The door opened.
She expected Kael.
Instead, a nurse walked in with a tablet.
“Dr. Harper? There’s a visitor for Mr. Vex. He’s insisting on seeing the patient.”
“Who?”
“The name is Dante Vex. He claims to be the boy’s uncle. He has a document — looks like a forged guardianship petition. Security is verifying.”
Lian’s blood turned to ice.
“Tell him the patient is in critical condition. No visitors except the father.”
“He’s threatening to go to the hospital board. Says he has photos of you and Kael from five years ago.”
Lian took the tablet.
Dante Vex stared back at her.
He had her eyes.
Her exact eyes.
But colder. Sharper.
Brother.
She had a brother.
And he looked like a predator.
“Dr. Harper,” Dante said smoothly. “I’ve heard excellent things about your work. I’m relieved my nephew is in such capable hands.”
“He’s stable. That’s all I can tell you without the father’s consent.”
“The father is a criminal. I’m filing for emergency custody today.”
“Then file. Don’t threaten me with photos. I don’t care what the board sees.”
Dante’s smile thinned.
“You will care when you lose your medical license.”
“I’ll risk it.”
She ended the call.
“Get me Kael,” she said.
