Tessa had no idea what tests the doctor was talking about. She was sure she hadn’t given permission, didn’t even remember anyone taking her blood. But when she lifted her arm, the faint sting of a needle mark was still there.

Of course. They’d already done the tests. On Nathan’s orders.

“I have to go,” she said to Nathan without looking at him.

She walked straight toward Smokey. But as she bent to scoop the cat up, Nathan’s cold voice cut her off.

“They won’t let a cat in the hospital.”

Tessa looked up at her ex-husband. “How do you know that’s where I’m going?”

“I know everything about you.” His stare was sharp, flat, without a flicker of emotion. “Leave the cat here. Go to the hospital. He’ll wait for you.”

Her eyes moved from Smokey to Nathan. There was nowhere else to leave the cat, and Nathan didn’t look like he intended to harm him.

“If you so much as touch a hair on him, I’ll burn all your crap,” she snapped before storming out.

At the hospital, she was led to a quiet consultation room and told to wait.

Tessa let out a long breath. She had always hated hospitals, hated doctors and their treatments. Herbal remedies and faith gave her more comfort than pills ever could. She hated taking medication, always forgetting to finish a course.

“Mrs. Caldwell?” A short, gray-haired man greeted her with an outstretched hand. His white coat made his role clear. “I’m Dr. Bennett.”

“Nice to meet you,” Tessa said, shaking her hand.

She sat down. Time seemed to drag, the silence heavy.

“Has my gastritis gotten worse?” she asked, impatient.

Bennett shook his head. “That’s not it. This is about your liver.” His eyes were steady, serious. “Your liver enzyme levels are dangerously high.”

“My liver?” Tessa blinked. “Why would they test my liver when I’m here for gastritis?” She shook her head. “You must’ve mixed me up with someone else.”

“No, Mrs. Caldwell. Mr. Hale asked us to run a full panel, just to be sure. The results came in last night, but he requested we run them again to confirm. We did. The results are the same. Your enzyme levels are alarming. We need to do a biopsy.”

“A biopsy?” Tessa recoiled, pressing a hand against her stomach. “You can already see it from the test results. Why take it that far?” Cold sweat gathered at her temples.

“I’m afraid not. The only way to be certain is a biopsy.” Bennett’s voice was calm, but it made her want to bolt from the chair. “It could be an infection. But with levels that high… I worry it’s something more serious.”

Her heart hammered so hard she could hear it in her ears. “What do you mean?” Her voice was barely there.

“It could be drug-induced liver damage. Or even liver cancer.”

The room spun. Bennett’s lips kept moving, but his words blurred into static. “Cancer?”

“It’s only a possibility, not a certainty.” His gaze was firm but not unkind. “We have to do a biopsy. But there’s a problem. You don’t have insurance. The biopsy would cost ten thousand dollars.”

“Ten thousand?” Tessa’s voice broke into a scream. “I can’t even pay for my gastritis meds, let alone a biopsy that insane. I don’t have that kind of money.”

Bennett didn’t flinch, as if her outburst was nothing new. “I understand. Mr. Hale spoke to me last night. He said he would cover all of your medical expenses… if you agree to his terms.”

“Terms?” Her brow furrowed.

“I don’t know what they are. I assumed he’d already explained.”

The truth hit her like a slap. It had all been arranged. The contract. The medical bills. Even Smokey held hostage. Every step designed to trap her in Nathan’s game.

“Mrs. Caldwell, you need to think carefully.” Bennett’s voice was patient, but firm. “We should do the biopsy soon. But first your gastritis has to be managed. Normally we’d proceed immediately, but with your uncontrolled symptoms, the risk is too high. It could skew the results.”

Tears spilled down her cheeks before she could stop them. She sat there sobbing in front of the doctor, caught in a vision of a bleak future.

She might die. Or maybe the disease could be treated if she got help now. Either way, it all came down to money she didn’t have.

It felt like life itself was whispering in her ear: collapse.

How could her entire world fall apart in just one year?

With heavy steps, Tessa returned to Nathan’s estate. She had no choice but to collect Smokey. Each step felt heavier, her body weighed down with pain.

When she entered his study, Nathan was on the balcony, staring out at the view. Tessa tried to move quietly, reaching for Smokey. But as she bent down, a stabbing pain shot through her stomach and forced a groan from her lips.

“Painful, isn’t it?” Nathan’s voice was cold as he turned toward her.

“It’s not cancer. Don’t get too happy,” she growled, forcing back her rage.

His eyes burned as he crossed the room. In one swift motion, he yanked her up. Her back hit the desk. His fingers tangled in her hair, forcing her chin up.

“You’re testing my patience, Tessa.” His lips hovered a breath away. “I’m giving you the chance to get better, to live. But you’d rather cling to your pride. I remember a year ago you stood right in front of me, fearless. You said you’d prove your life would turn out just fine.”

Tessa pushed against his chest, trying to shove him back, but it was useless.

“But look at you now.” His eyes blazed with anger, mixed with something she couldn’t name. “You’re a coward. If you were truly brave, you’d do whatever it takes to survive. You’d fight. Instead, you’re ready to quit when you have a chance.”

She lifted her chin, her eyes fierce through the tears. “I’d rather die than accept your help.”

Nathan’s lips curved into a faint smile, his brow arching like he relished her fury. “Is that so? Then what about your father?”

“My father will be fine without me. Don’t pretend you care,” she shot back, though her voice trembled.

“So you haven’t heard?” Nathan’s tone was calm, but it pressed down on her like a weight.

Her eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about?”

“I just got word from the prison. Your father’s kidneys are failing.” Nathan didn’t hesitate. “He needs regular dialysis if he wants to survive. They can transfer him to a hospital, but it’s expensive. Without a guarantor, it won’t happen.”

Her face drained of color. “That’s… not possible.”

“It is.” Nathan cut in, his smile icy. “I can arrange everything. The transfer, the treatment. But there’s one condition. You sign the contract with me. If not, fine. You can watch your father die slowly in there.”

Tears streamed down her face, unstoppable.

Nathan’s jaw tightened as he watched them fall. “Think about it, princess.” Then he let her go, turned, and walked out of the study, his curse slicing through the silence.