Chapter 189

• Charlotte's fingers trembled as she yanked the IV needle from her arm, tape ripping free with a sharp sting. Blood welled in a bright bead, but she ignored it, swinging her legs over the bed's edge. She had to find Max—by any means, no matter the cost. What if Anastasia orchestrated this? Kidnapped him? Anything's possible, and that innocent child's life hangs in the balance. Max, just nine years old, had barely clawed his way back from the brink—his heart surgery a hard-won victory, mending what doctors deemed fatal. In days, he'd run and play like any normal kid, full of life again.
• Anastasia had no right to steal that from anyone, to snuff out a second chance at innocence. Fury and fear propelled Charlotte upright, the room tilting briefly. She stumbled from the ward, bare feet slapping cold linoleum.
• "Dr. Carter! Wait—you can't—" The nurse lunged from her station, arms outstretched, voice sharp with alarm.