"Cyanosis. She's going into shock."
"Call the hospital. Have a defibrillator standing by."
"Stretcher. Move!"
Before I could even exhale, Doreen's voice rang out again.
"Ha! You're actually buying this? They planned the whole thing ahead of time, just to fool you."
Every paramedic heading toward my mother stopped in their tracks.
"You—"
I jabbed a finger at Doreen, so furious the rest of the words died in my throat.
Arnold seized my wrist. "Enough. This is a gala celebrating the company's IPO, not a stage for your theatrics."
"Let go of me!" I wrenched against his grip, screaming with everything I had. "I am not making a scene! Mom needs surgery. You were right there when the doctor gave instructions after her coronary bypass. You heard every single word!"
Arnold went quiet. His fingers loosened just enough.
I tore free and ran to the paramedics, my voice cracking with urgency. "Please. Take my mother to the hospital."
"That's enough!"
One of the paramedics cut me off with a sharp bark.
"You show zero remorse. You're getting a formal reprimand today, no question."
He pulled out his phone to dial the police.