For the first time that day, Isabelle felt safe.
Later, as she rested, Marcus sat beside her, still in his suit, tie loosened. His expression was a mixture of tenderness and restrained fury.
“I’ll file a formal complaint,” he said softly. “No woman should go through what you just did—ever. Especially not you.”
Isabelle squeezed his hand. “Thank you for standing up for me.”
“You should never have needed me to,” Marcus replied. “But if I have to remind the world who you are, I will. Every time.”
She smiled faintly through her exhaustion. It wasn’t just about the suit he wore or the power he carried into a room. It was about the man who had promised, years ago, to be her partner in every storm—and who had just proven it again.
Word of the incident spread. Patients who had sat silently later spoke up, recounting what they had witnessed. The hospital administration launched an investigation. Brenda Wallace was placed on leave, her conduct scrutinized against the values of care and respect the hospital claimed to uphold.
