Chapter 2 - The Hands Behind the Miracle Doctor
For eleven months, Ethan had respected every line I drew. He never stood too close. He never questioned why I always came back to work exhausted after weekends with Adrian. He never let his concern become another burden for me to carry.
Until now.
Trying to pull myself together, I slipped back into the professional voice I wore every day.
"The gala starts in twelve minutes. Your speech cards are backstage. Senator Collins is in the front row, and Dr. Vaughn requested the hospital tribute video play before his acceptance speech."
A bitter smile crossed Ethan's face.
I was bruised. Terrified. Barely holding myself together. And I was still making sure his evening stayed on schedule.
"Ava," he said quietly.
"Yes, Mr. Carter?"
"Who did this to you?"
"No one you can punish."
For the first time, he turned and looked directly into my eyes.
"Try me."
I struggled to steady my breathing as applause echoed from the ballroom below.
"You can't."
"Why not?"
I looked toward the stage where hundreds of guests were already taking their seats.
"Because the man who did this is downstairs..." I swallowed hard. "...and in a few minutes, your foundation is about to honor him as the greatest doctor in the city."
Ethan went completely, dangerously still.
The polished, composed corporate titan who commanded three global conglomerates dissolved in a single breath, replaced by an aura of lethal, unyielding steel.
"Adrian Vaughn," Ethan whispered.
"He threatened to ruin my brother’s medical residency at Columbia if I left," I choked out, the tears I had suppressed for six months finally spilling over my eyelashes. "He told me that in this city, a world-famous pediatric surgeon's word is gold, and an assistant's word is garbage. He said no one would ever believe me."
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Ethan took two slow, measured steps toward me. He didn't touch my bruised shoulders; he gently, reverently reached out and cupped my cheek, wiping away a stray tear with the pad of his thumb.
"I believe you, Ava," Ethan murmured, his deep baritone vibrating with absolute conviction. "And before midnight, this entire city will know exactly who he is."
