The accusation hung in the sterile hospital air. My expression turned to ice as I faced Joanna. I demanded to know the basis for such a filthy claim.
Immediately, she shrank behind Jesse, eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I'm a doctor. I have no conflict of interest here. I'm simply interpreting your physical condition truthfully. Why would I need to frame you?"
My gaze dropped to the ID badge pinned to her white coat.
Joanna Fox.
The name hit like a physical blow. Memories of the nightmare from ten years ago surged back—the men who had kidnapped and destroyed me. Their leader was Isaac Fox.
Ten years ago, Isaac's sister would have been just a teenager, spared from the legal fallout. But Jesse had sworn to me—promised he had exiled every member of the Fox family so I would never have to face that trauma again.
So why was Joanna Fox standing here, in Harbor City Hospital?
I looked at Jesse, disbelief chilling my blood. I needed an explanation. More importantly, I needed to know if he actually believed her lies.
He didn't answer. Instead, a faint, condescending smile played on his lips as he pulled me into his arms.