Chapter 2 - THE SECURED WING
The rain poured heavily over the sleek glass structure of Saint Jude’s Private Hospital. This was not a standard medical facility—it was an exclusive, ultra-expensive clinic owned by the Vance Empire.
Mia stood outside the ICU doors on the third floor, wearing her civilian clothes after rushing from the chapel. She knew she was risking her job, perhaps even her life, by coming here. But the memory of Emily’s desperate eyes in that chapel kept her moving forward.
"You're not supposed to be here," a cold voice said behind her.
Mia turned to see Dr. Richard Thorne, the Vance family’s personal physician—the very man who had signed Emily's death certificate just thirty-six hours prior.
"I... I brought her personal bag from the estate," Mia lied, holding up a small tote bag. "How is Mrs. Vance?"
Dr. Thorne stepped closer, towering over her. "She is in a critical, drug-induced coma. Her body suffered severe hypoxia inside that box. She is delusional and unable to speak. Mr. Vance has placed a strict ban on all visitors. You are to return to the estate immediately, pack your things, and consider your employment terminated."
"Terminated? I saved her life!" Mia shouted, unable to hold back her frustration.
"You staged a scene that ruined the dignity of a grieving family," Dr. Thorne replied coldly. "The autopsy report clearly showed heart failure. What happened today was a freak muscle spasm caused by trapped gasses. She isn't 'alive' in the way you think, child. It's temporary cellular activity."
Mia felt her blood run cold. He was lying. She had felt Emily grip her hand. She had heard her whisper. They were planning to finish what they started!
Suddenly, a commotion broke out down the hallway. A squad of police officers, led by Detective Thomas Sterling, marched down the corridor.
"Dr. Thorne!" Detective Sterling called out, pulling a badge from his coat. "We received multiple 911 calls regarding a woman waking up inside a coffin at the Grace Funeral Chapel. I need to see Emily Vance immediately."
Julian Vance stepped out of the ICU room, looking remarkably calm, wearing a fresh tailored suit. "Detective, please, keep your voice down. My wife is barely hanging on."
"Mr. Vance," Sterling said sternly. "A woman was pronounced dead, placed in a coffin, and then woke up screaming. This is now a criminal investigation into potential medical negligence or attempted murder."
Julian let out a bitter, sorrowful sigh. "I am as shocked as you are, Detective. We trusted Dr. Thorne. It appears there was a gross medical error. Dr. Thorne has already submitted his resignation and is cooperating fully."
Mia watched in horror as Julian neatly threw his own doctor under the bus right in front of him. Dr. Thorne’s eyes widened, but he remained silent, a muscle twitching in his jaw—clearly bound by some sinister leverage Julian held over him.
"I want my own medical examiner to look at her," Detective Sterling insisted.
"Of course," Julian replied smoothly. "Tomorrow morning. She is too unstable right now. But Detective... before you go, you should know that this young maid here, Mia, has been exhibiting strange behavior lately. She was fired this morning for stealing from the estate. I suspect she staged the entire scene at the funeral for money."
Detective Sterling turned his sharp gaze toward Mia. "Is that true, miss?"
Mia’s voice shook. "No! He’s lying! Look at this!"
May you like
She thrust her hand into her pocket to pull out Emily's note—the proof that would tear Julian’s lies apart. But as her fingers searched the inside of her jacket, her heart dropped into her stomach.
The note was gone.
