Ruby's POV

I leaned back into the hospital pillow, ignoring the dull pain in my chest as Wendy’s sharp voice cut through the room like broken glass.

“You need to take the blame for the fire,” she said, cool and confident, as if the decision was already made. “John’s reputation can’t afford this kind of scandal. But don’t worry, I have connections. You’ll be protected.”

I blinked slowly at her, stunned for only a second before the absurdity of it set in. “Protected?” I ...