Chapter 84

• Howard pushed open the hospital room door with deliberate force, the hinges creaking under his grip as he stepped inside, eyes immediately locking onto the empty chair where Dr. Carmen had just sat. The faint scent of daisies lingered in the air, a mocking trace. Charlotte startled upright in bed, her guarded expression confirming his suspicions.
• "What was he doing in your room?" Howard demanded firmly, voice low and edged with steel, arms crossing as he loomed in the doorway.
• This time, Charlotte didn't shrink or deflect. Fire ignited in her eyes, the cumulative weight of his accusations—past and present—snapping her restraint. She sat up straighter, ignoring the twinge in her side, chin lifting defiantly. "Enough, Howard! I'm done with your baseless jealousy. Dr. Carmen checked on me as my senior—like any good doctor would. Brought tea and flowers. That's it. No secret affair, no betrayal. Stop inventing threats!"