003

The hospital room was filled with a stunned silence, broken only by the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor. Dr. John Stevens and the nurse stood frozen, their expressions locked in disbelief as Ella’s eyelids fluttered open.

“No… this can’t be,” Dr. Stevens muttered, his mouth agape. “She was… gone.”

The nurse beside him shook her head, her eyes wide. “This isn’t possible. She had no vital signs!”

Lucas barely heard them, his entire focus on Ella as she opened her eyes, her voice a faint whisper. “Daddy… don’t… leave me…”

He dropped to his knees beside her bed, tears streaming down his face. “Ella! I’m here, sweetheart. I’ll never leave you again. I promise.” He clasped her tiny hand, feeling warmth rush through him, filling him with a joy he thought he’d never feel again.

Ella’s small fingers curled around his, her voice a little stronger. “Your hand… it feels warm… and safe.”

A soft laugh escaped him, mixed with tears. “You’re safe now, Ella. I’m going to take you home, just like I promised.”

Gently, he reached up, removing the tubes connected to her fragile body. Scooping her into his arms, he whispered, “We’re going home, baby girl. Just you and me.”

But as he turned toward the door, Dr. Stevens blocked his path, arms crossed, a cold look in his eyes. “Not so fast, Mr. Williams.”

Lucas’s face hardened. “Get out of my way. We’re leaving.”

Dr. Stevens sneered, pulling out a list and thrusting it at Lucas. “You owe the hospital $38,880. ICU care, special medications… everything.”

Lucas’s hands tightened on Ella. “Special medications? You told me you’d stopped the treatment because I couldn’t pay!”

Dr. Stevens shrugged, unfazed. “Bills accumulate quickly, Mr. Williams. Medical expenses, you know…”

Lucas’s eyes blazed with fury. “You’re lying! You didn’t give her anything! And yet you had the nerve to add these charges?”

Dr. Stevens smirked. “If it wasn’t for my expertise, your daughter wouldn’t be alive. Consider it a favor.”

Anger surged through Lucas as he grabbed Dr. Stevens by the collar. “You’re nothing but a fraud! And what’s this?” He jabbed a finger at a line on the bill. “A progesterone injection? That’s for pregnant women. You’re falsifying charges!”

Dr. Stevens yanked himself free, his face smug. “Take it up with hospital administration if you feel so strongly. I’m sure they’ll understand your… concerns.”

Before Lucas could respond, the door opened, and Samantha Lewis entered the room, her expression icy and composed.

“I believe the administration will take this very seriously,” she said smoothly, her voice a razor’s edge. Her gaze fixed on Dr. Stevens. “And they’ll be hearing from me personally.”

Dr. Stevens turned, dismissive. “And who are you to—”

Samantha raised a brow, pulling out her phone. “Shall I call the hospital president? Or are you planning to continue defending your actions?”

As the call went through, Sean Davidson, the hospital president, entered the room moments later, his expression shifting to surprise and then deference as he saw Samantha.

“Ms. Lewis,” he greeted, his voice tense, “I wasn’t expecting you…”

Samantha turned to him, her gaze sharp. “We have a serious problem, Mr. Davidson. Dr. Stevens has been overcharging vulnerable patients, falsifying treatment records, and failing to provide care. This behavior is unacceptable.”

Sean’s face hardened. He turned to Dr. Stevens. “Jason, is this true?”

Dr. Stevens stammered, his arrogance vanishing. “I-I was only following protocol. These patients… they’re poor. They wouldn’t pay, so I…”

Sean’s tone was icy. “You’ve dishonored this hospital. Consider yourself fired.”

Dr. Stevens’s face paled. “Wait! Sean, please… I can explain! This—this isn’t fair!”

But Samantha stepped forward, her voice steady. “Fair? You’ve preyed on countless families, exploited their suffering for your gain. It’s time you face the consequences.”

Panicked, Dr. Stevens dropped to his knees, scrambling toward Lucas. “Please, Mr. Williams… I’m begging you. I-I was only doing my job. Forgive me. Please…”

Lucas’s gaze was hard as he kicked Dr. Stevens away. “Forgive you? You made my daughter suffer, and you think begging will change that?”

Sean gestured to a security guard. “Escort Dr. Stevens out. I’ll be arranging a full investigation, and the authorities will be notified.”

As Dr. Stevens was led away, sobbing and pleading, Lucas held Ella close, feeling the weight of relief and justice. Samantha turned to him, her expression softening slightly.

“I hope this has helped, Mr. Williams,” she said quietly.

Lucas nodded, his voice thick with gratitude. “Thank you… for everything.”

Samantha gave a slight smile. “Just make sure she gets the life she deserves.” Her gaze flicked to Ella, and for a moment, something unspoken passed between them.