Chapter3

Mark strode back, the signed agreement in his hand slapped onto the nurses' station counter with a sharp crack.

He didn't even glance at me, addressing the nurse with his chin raised, his tone as imperious as if commanding his own servant.

"Done. Arrange a VIP room. Best doctors, best medication."

He adjusted his cuffs, brow furrowed tight.

"Once my mother's condition stabilizes, I'm filing a complaint about this hospital's emergency response time. Appallingly low."

"This level of management is a disgrace to the medical profession."

My hands were still trembling slightly from the failed surgery. Hearing his cold, callous words, my heart felt suddenly seized by an icy grip, instantly plummeting.

The air around us seemed to thin in the face of his entitled attitude.

Two nurses who'd just finished their shift stood nearby, heads together, voices low as they discussed this morning's case, full of regret.

"...So tragic. Just because the doctor was a few minutes late, the patient couldn't be saved. They did CPR for forty minutes, nothing worked."

"I know, right? The doctor usually has such a good reputation, but because of this... God..."

Hearing this, Mark's lips curled into an extremely contemptuous sneer. He turned his head, voice pitched just loud enough for everyone nearby to hear clearly.

He brushed off his suit jacket, tone flippant. "That kind of patient—their time was up anyway. When Death calls your name, no one can keep you. If fate won't let you stay, you can't blame anyone. Must've been doing evil deeds all along. Death came to collect. Serves them right!"

I stood beside him, watching his cold, cruel expression—even somewhat gloating—and felt my blood freeze instantly, that chill shooting from my feet to the crown of my head, making me shiver involuntarily.

Was this still the man I'd once loved, the man I'd once thought to spend my life with?

"Mark," I took a deep breath, swallowing the metallic taste in my throat, looking calmly at his profile. "The person who died is your mother."

"Stop cursing my family!"

He whipped around, eyes vicious as a predator, brutally cutting me off.

"This joke has gone too far, Jennifer. I don't have time for your games right now. If you dare spout such nonsense again, don't blame me for what happens."

"She's in there." I pointed to the room behind me, my voice trembling but resolute. "On that bed."

Mark's expression flickered, panic flashing in his eyes, quickly replaced by deeper irritation and humiliated rage.

"Fine, enough theatrics. I'm going to see my mother. Move."

He strode toward the room, reaching for the door handle.

The nurse at the door looked distressed, blocking his path, voice shaking. "Sir, you shouldn't..."

"Get out of my way!" Mark shoved the nurse aside, bellowing righteously.

The nurse stumbled, looking to me for help.

I was silent for several seconds, my gaze moving past her to fix on Mark's arrogant back.

This was my final mercy. And the beginning of my revenge.

I nodded slightly.

Mark shoved aside the obstructing nurse with righteous indignation, his face showing impatience and arrogance as he strode to the room door.

He gripped the cold metal handle and pushed hard.

"Mom, how are you feeling?"