Evelyn’s expression hardened to stone.

“You are in no position to give orders,” she said.

And at that exact moment, the recovery-room door opened.

Chapter 6 — Julian Mercer

A tall man in a dark, tailored coat stepped inside, followed by a hospital executive and two attorneys.

The instant his eyes found Noah, sleeping in my arms, his whole expression softened into something tender.

And then his gaze shifted to my parents, and every trace of that warmth vanished, replaced by something cold and absolute.

I watched my father slowly lower his folded arms.