“Please,” I said, softening my tone as I addressed her. “My mother’s care is still your priority. Let’s not forget why we’re here.”

There was a moment of hesitation before understanding dawned, and she nodded, stepping forward to adjust the IV she had been instructed to remove. The room buzzed back to life, the familiar sounds of a hospital ward creeping back in, but the air was different now—charged with a sense of justice served and wrongs righted.

Dr. Patrick stood rooted to the spot, the reality of the situation sinking in. “What happens now?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“That depends,” I replied, meeting his gaze. “There will be an investigation, and if it’s found that you’ve prioritized power over patient care, there will be consequences.”