(Daisy's POV)

Mara's sharp, mocking laughter felt like nails on a chalkboard. I took a deep breath and tried to stay calm.

Maybe things weren't as bad as she made them sound. Director Ben was a fair man. I trusted his character.

Still, unease gnawed at me. My dad getting detained had already drained me emotionally. If I lost my job, too—

"Dr. Daisy?" the nurse urged from the door.

"Coming," I replied, straightening my back and walking out with as much ...