My mother-in-law chimed in: "Exactly, exactly. Lexi, your health is fragile—I'll take better care of you from now on."
Watching their performance, I sneered inside.
If they thought I was an idiot, fine. I'd keep playing one.
As long as I stayed alive, he wouldn't see a single cent of that insurance policy.
That was his weakness.
"I want to go home," I said softly.
"Go home?" Ryan's voice pitched with alarm. "Alex, you still need observation!"
"The hospital's too expensive." I looked at Derek. "I don't want to be a burden."
Hesitation flickered across his face. But he quickly arranged his expression into one of anguish. "Money doesn't matter. Your health comes first."
"But…" I let myself cough. "I want to recover at home. With you taking care of me."
That did it. His guard dropped completely.
"Okay. Whatever you want."
He tucked my blanket in gently, but his gaze drifted toward the window.
I knew exactly what he was thinking.
Too many doctors and nurses here. He couldn't make a move.
Home was his territory.
While handling the discharge paperwork, Ryan pulled me aside.
"Alex, are you insane? That bastard almost killed you!"