*Consent*

Matteo stepped into the hospital lobby, shaking off the morning chill as he walked up to the reception desk. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes carried the dullness of someone who hadn't had a peaceful night. The young nurse at the desk barely looked up from her monitor.

"Name and purpose of visit?" she asked in a bored tone.

"Matteo Ricci," he said, pulling out his ID. "Here for Elizabeth Caruso."

She tapped at her keyboard, her nails clicking against the keys before nodding ...