The chatter faded as I answered. “This is Olivia.”
The doctor’s voice was firm and urgent—and loud enough for those nearby to catch every word. “Ms. Carter, your daughter’s condition has stabilized. She’s breathing independently now. She just woke up and is asking for you.”
For the first time that evening, my calm broke. I shut my eyes as relief flooded through me. “Thank you,” I breathed.
Victoria rolled her eyes. “There you go again—making a scene for attention.”
I turned to face her, slow and steady.
“No,” I said evenly. “That was Lily’s ICU doctor—the one none of you ever came to see.”
A ripple of whispers spread across the room.
Before anyone could react, a man in a perfectly tailored suit approached me. “Ms. Carter,” he said with polite confidence, “I didn’t realize you were Victoria’s sister. I’m Daniel Wright, with the investor group. We’ve been trying to reach you about the acquisition.”
My father stiffened. “Acquisition?”
Daniel nodded. “Your company is impressive—seven figures annually and growing fast. We’re very interested.”
The room fell silent.
My mother stared at me, stunned. “What… what does he mean?”
I met her gaze, years of buried hurt finally surfacing. “I make a million dollars a year. I always have. I just never thought it mattered enough for you to ask.”
Victoria’s face drained of color.
