linic was a sterile blend of antiseptic

guards. Her new job, she was informed, was to provide 24-ho

shment disgui

hispered as she passed, their eye

her to hear. "I can't believe Mr. Beaumont is letting her take care

palms. There was nothing she could do. Nothing bu

ore like a five-star hotel suite than a hospital room.

aceful. As if she were merely sleeping. This was Stella Sharp,

inside her. This was her half-sister, the one the Beaumonts had rais

Stella's arm with a damp cloth,

fell silent, the only sound th

d off in the chair, only to be jolated awa

ped her

of cold, mock

e in a deep coma, was propped up on her elbows, wat

med to pour down her spine. She tried

s ever, but each word was a poisoned needle. "T

ted at Stella, then at the door, trying

room. "Don't waste your energy. The doctors, the nurses... they're all a

admiring her nails. "And you, my dear Chloe,

A monstrous, two-y

ing in ragged gasps. She gripped the chair to ste

not. In his mind, I'm still his fragile, inn

iumphant pride. "He'll only believe that you, the evil

"he'll only cherish me more and despise you further

knew about the pregnancy. She hadn't just woken

e, Stella calmly reached for the

lying back down, her expression instantly shi

ust before the door burst open, "

s a mask of shock and elation at the sight of the "awa

racle!" Dr. Wallace exclaimed, r

Her first words were a faint whispe

Chloe with expressions of awe and gratitude

nessed a miracle. She had just fallen int