Chapter 4

Eugene paced outside the operating theater. He looked up when he heard us approach and checked his watch. Then, he looked at Michael impatiently. "You're nine minutes late. Take responsibility and accept your punishment in a bit."

Michael's gaze was filled with shock and disappointment. He probably hadn't expected the man he'd been loyal to for so many years to lack so much empathy.

Eugene couldn't care less about him, though. He turned to look at me. Then, he snapped irritably, "What are you guys waiting for? Get her!"

I didn't know what he was talking about, but I sensed it didn't bode well for me. I shook my head and roared, "Are you insane? Ivy isn't sick at all! She's been lying to you this whole time!"

That seemed to strike a nerve. Eugene raised a hand and slapped me hard. "Shut up!"

It was so forceful that half my face went numb, and my ears buzzed. I fell to the floor, and blood trickled down the corner of my lips.

A trace of guilt flashed in his eyes, but it disappeared