Even as his skin reddened from the burn, Richard still refused to release me.
“Claire, calm down, will you? You know Natalie has incredible medical talent. The director of the X-Plus Research Program is arriving soon to evaluate the hospital. Once three billion dollars in funding lands, your old dream can finally be realized. The regret of the past will be made whole again.”
“Don’t you see? Natalie is so much like the woman you used to be. What happened, Claire? You’ve become bitter, lifeless, jealous.”
His incredulous accusation made me clench the scar on my palm until it throbbed.
“Richard, have I changed—or have you simply grown insatiable?”
“You dare talk to me about dreams? Fine. Since you mentioned it, then publicly reveal the truth about Patient No. 23’s malpractice. Handle it fairly, and I’ll sit down and talk with you.”
Like a snake struck at its vital spot, Richard flew into a rage.
“The truth? You dare demand the truth? If not for your recklessness—insisting on performing surgery for a measly benefit—Natalie wouldn’t have been implicated, and Patient 23’s family wouldn’t have been torn apart.”
