Elena’s POV

The moment Dr. Li saw me enter his office, his expression changed.

It was subtle—so quick that most people would have missed it—but I didn’t. A flicker of guilt crossed his face, and for a brief second his lips parted as if he wanted to say something.

But no words came out.

The air inside the office turned strangely quiet.

I noticed the awkwardness immediately.

Rather than letting the silence stretch any longer, I spoke first.

“Dr. Li, I twisted my ankle,” I said ...