Chapter 82

Selah

The hospital corridor was finally quiet at three in the morning. I sat beside Grandfather's bed, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest. The machines beeped rhythmically, confirming he was stable after the surgery. My face throbbed where Desmond—I refused to call him "father"—had struck me.

Gideon leaned against the doorframe. "Miss Vance, I can drive you home. You need rest."

I touc