The sharp click of Katie’s heels echoed against the hospital corridor walls as she intercepted them, arms folded across her chest. Her posture screamed defiance, her chin tilted upward, eyes blazing with the same unshakable arrogance that had always carried her through every room she entered.

“Michael Helwart,” she called, her voice loud enough to draw curious glances from nurses passing by. “What you just said—was it true? Are you really married?”

Michael, tall and controlled, ...