again, shut the medical file, and

e was ready to move on to the next patie

shing along the edge of her form while her thoughts l

ng between that w

d it into her pocket, drawing in a

s, why should it

hat she needed was leverage-something that w

sh things a l

, wouldn't this entire

before. "You examined me and treated my injury tonight. I've already taken up enough of your time

s hand

n. His expression suggested she had just presented him with something

measured smile-warm enough to seem sincere,

er?" he said, his voice f

posed. "It's only fair. You helped me, so I return the

the reasoning

ad, he leaned back in his chair and brought

st night means you can act like we're close? Or are you assuming that bec

n Nathan's lips, but ther

lipped. She quickly regained control,

way her intentions so directly, layin

steadied her voice. "I only wanted to thank you. That's

ting a look of casual indifference,

there's nothin

aze, opening the next patient's file. His tone s

days, on time. As for dinner, there's no need

lean, leaving no sp

she stood, her nails p

ng-anything-to make her e

oved steadily across the page, as if she h

ake up any more

e turned and left, closi

conditioning, and a cold draft br

er heels echoing across the floor as she replayed everyt

moved to

ter a few flattering words. When Nathan looked at someone, it felt as though he c

, but standing before him made it clear, whateve

down her spine at

, quick and deliberate, followed

, hold on

features were polished, almost elegant, yet there was a sharp, calculatin

only the department print

n her away, because he stopped

robably don't remember. Daniel Palmer-Nathan's assistant. I was nearby ear

rhe

'd lingered

nstead, something else clicked into plac

ing him. "Then Vi

sist

as the co

, circles were small

ished and cared for deeply. Back when the Reed family still stood tall, her father had partnered with Victoria

d. The doctors here weren't just doctors, they were heirs. An

... exce

dy been pushe

eeting second before she lifted her

d something,

oat pockets, tilting his head as he

t know me, but I know enough about you. So let me give you some advice-s

laugh. To her, his warning felt intrusive, but

made Nathan

d of predator lurk

inking back

ctly been har

the daughter of Nathan's old mentor. The t

bringing this up because you know my sister, and Nathan happens to be a friend. He's not the type

r or later in the same circles. I'd rather clear things up now than le

at her side, though her expression re

r. Palmer. I only intended to thank Dr. Sp

er. Take it easy. I'll see you around." Dan

second. "Oh, and don't neglect that injury on your back. If you push it, it'll on

casual wave and strolled

g his figure recede down the corridor until it disappea

already someone

tion not just because he saw through h