I looked up to find Maureen nestled smugly in Denys's arms, her eyes locked on mine with undisguised triumph. In that instant, I knew—she was faking it. Every single bit of it.
I couldn't afford to care about the throbbing in my skull. I dropped to my knees and grabbed the hem of Denys's trousers, my fingers white-knuckled around the fabric.
"Denys, she's pretending. That medication—my daughter needs it. You have to let me give it to her."
He paused at my words, turning his head just slightly toward me. But Maureen was faster. By the time his gaze reached her, her face had already twisted into a mask of agony.
"Denys, I'm not lying to you. You know I would never—"
She didn't finish. Blood spilled from her lips, cutting off her words mid-sentence. Denys kicked me aside without a second glance and swept her into his arms, taking the stairs two at a time.
Over his shoulder, he threw back a single command: "She doesn't leave this house until Maureen is confirmed stable."
The words had barely landed before hands seized my arms, dragging me backward.
"Denys! You can't do this—I have to get back to Denise—"