Thirty two

Belle’s POV

I noticed my father's lips begin to move in defense again and since I did not have the strength to reply anymore, I turned away.

I paused just before reaching the door of my father’s office, something inside me compelling me to turn back. The words were on the tip of my tongue, and I couldn’t walk away without saying them. My father had already returned to his seat behind his desk. was bowed, his eyes fixed on his desk as if he couldn’t bear to look at me anymore.

“Dad,” I called out, my voice surprisingly steady despite the turmoil inside me. He looked up, his eyes weary and lined with concern. “You should have let them revoke my license.”

I saw the shock register on his face, but I didn’t stop.

“Deep down, I know it wasn’t my fault,” I continued, my voice growing firmer with each word. “They called it malpractice, but it wasn’t. I’ve performed that surgery dozens of times, and none of those patients died. I ran every test, checked every box. I did everything right. But