But he lacked the capacity to make sure his newly operated-on wife and five-day-old son reached their home safely.”

Natalie rolled her eyes aggressively. “Oh, please, are we seriously still on the bus ride? Are you actually going to destroy your husband’s entire career over a single transit trip?”

I looked at her for the very first time, hitting her with a glacial stare that killed the words in her throat.

“When you delivered your daughter, Natalie, didn’t your mother keep you cloistered for forty days without letting you lift a single finger? Didn’t this family bring you hot meals, fresh juices, and organic linens directly to your bedside?

But when it came to my recovery, fifty dollars and yesterday’s cold rice were deemed sufficient. Is that how you calculate the value of women in your dynasty?

Some deserve premium care, and others are designated for public transit?”