The surgeon seemed to understand immediately. He nodded and turned, his tone shifting into something more professional.
"The results are in," he said. "The reanimation factor inside is slowly degrading…"
He gestured for Dominic to follow him deeper into the clinic.
Concerned about exposure, Dominic turned slightly toward Celeste, his voice softening again.
"Wait outside," he said gently. "It's not safe in there."
Celeste nodded obediently, her expression sweet and compliant.
He hesitated for a fraction of a second, then followed the surgeon inside.
The moment he disappeared through the doors, everything changed.
Celeste's expression snapped.
The softness melted away like a mask breaking apart, revealing something cold and sharp beneath.
She reached into her purse and pulled out a small bottle of pills, her fingers steady, her gaze fixed on me with quiet malice.
"Serafina," she said slowly, her voice no longer gentle, "you're really hard to kill."
Her lips curled slightly.
"After everything… you're still alive."
There was no warmth left in her tone. Only contempt.
"Let's make a bet," she continued, tilting her head slightly, her eyes gleaming. "Let's see who Dominic really cares about."