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The doctor’s voice trembled.
“The nails penetrated deep into the bone, causing severe fractures and muscle tears. She’s lost a dangerous amount of blood. Another hour, and…”
He didn’t finish. For a second, I thought Peyton would finally believe me.
But after a brief shudder, her face turned cold again.
“Impossible… I clearly instructed…” she muttered.
Maya jumped in, panicked,
“Doctor, are you sure? Lily just fell onto some prop nails!”
Peyton didn’t notice Maya’s voice shaking. Her eyes darted between the doctor and me, in confusion and anger.
Then she slammed the table.
“You’re all lying to me?!”
“Oliver, you’re something else. Even bribed the hospital?!”
I was stunned.
The diagnosis was clear. Lily’s injuries were undeniable.
Yet she still accused me?
“You think I’d believe this?” Peyton’s eyes were full of scorn. “Not a chance!”
My chest felt torn open. I pointed at Lily with trembling fingers.
“Peyton! Look at her! She’s your daughter by blood!”
“You think I bribed a hospital? Is your heart made of stone?!”
I remembered how she cared for me when I had a fever — clumsily bringing water, patting my back.
Her eyes were gentle then.
Now, this woman felt like a stranger.
Peyton snorted, ignoring my tears.
As she ordered her men to investigate the hospital, hurried footsteps came from the hall.
The Grant’s butler rushed in.
He held a tray with blood-crusted steel nails and torn, bloodstained fabric.
“Mrs. Grant!” His voice shook. “It’s terrible… the nails… they’re real!”
