Chapter 733

Even though Lena and I had been friends forever, this was the first time I’d heard her talk about a childbirth case—especially one with such a heartbreaking ending. Hearing her recount it left a heavy, sinking feeling in my chest. It made sense now why she avoided talking about work. But still, imagining what that family was going through—losing both the mother and the baby—was gut-wrenching.

Even so, it wasn’t Lena’s fault. I knew her too well. She respected life in a way most people didn’t. If there was even the tiniest chance to save someone, she’d fight for it.

“So, what you’re saying is the surgeon didn’t screw up?” I asked.

“Exactly,” Lena said, sighing. “But that doesn’t matter. Someone died, and the family can’t accept it. They keep saying everything was fine until she came here—like it’s our fault she’s gone.” Her voice wavered, frustration and sadness written all over her face.

I’d read about situations like this. These so-called “medical disputes” could ruin careers.

“Dr. Dale’s already suspended, under investigation,” Lena said with a heavy sigh. “Even if they clear her, her reputation’s trashed. She’s done.”

I could see the guilt all over her face. If Lena hadn’t switched shifts, Dr. Dale wouldn’t have been on duty. None of this would’ve touched her.

“No one could’ve seen this coming,” I said, trying to make her feel better.

Lena let out a slow breath, her voice steady but tired. “When the storm hits, all you can do is stand and take it.”

Then, she pivoted. “Demi’s doing great. Healing fast. And her mental state’s solid, which is rare for girls who’ve been through… well, you know.”

Demi’s calm didn’t surprise me. She’d been bracing for the worst long before things hit the fan.

“And Hayden? Still faking unconsciousness?” Lena suddenly asked.

“He’s awake,” I said, keeping it short. She had enough on her plate.

Lena nodded, but I could tell her thoughts were stuck on the whole incident. I couldn’t do much, so I figured giving her space was the best move.

“I’m good. Just came to check on you. I’ll go see Demi now,” I said, heading for the door.

“If you need anything, let me know,” she said, her go-to sendoff.

Before leaving, I glanced at her arm. “If that bruise gets worse, get it looked at, okay?”

Chapter 733

After Keira left, Lena tugged her collar to peek at the damage. The spot where she’d been hit was already a nasty, dark bruise. Her bones were fine, but the soft tissue had taken a hit. Staring at it, something about the mark triggered a weird rush of emotions. On impulse, she snapped a picture and sent it to Nate.

No response.

Lena decided to video call him, but he declined almost immediately. Then came the one-word reply: [Busy.]

Busy? Seriously? Not even a “you good?”

The bitterness hit like a cold draft. She sighed, glancing at her shoulder again. ‘Guess it’s up to me to get some ointment later,’ she thought, still stewing, when a knock interrupted her spiral.

“Come in,” she called.

The door opened, and in walked Aaron. He stopped short when he saw her straightening her clothes. His expression shifted.

“Uncle Aaron?” Lena blinked, caught off guard.

He didn’t say much. Just crossed the room, dropped a bag on her desk, and said, “For the bruise. Ask someone to help you apply it.”

Lena stared at the bag, her words stuck somewhere in her throat. Before she could get them out, he was already heading for the door.

“Uncle Aaron,” she called, stopping him in his tracks.

He turned, eyebrows raised in a silent “what now?”

“Why’d you come to our department today?”

For a second, he hesitated—his Adam’s apple bobbing.