"How dare she?" she seethed, her hands clenched into fists. "Targeting my daughter like that – it's unforgivable."

Marcus watched her with a worried frown, his customary calm demeanor shaken. "Aria, please, try to remain calm. Ava is receiving the best medical care."

"Calm?" Aria whirled on him, her eyes flashing with fury. "How can I be calm when that vile woman nearly harmed my child?"

Before Marcus could respond, the door flew open, and Ryker strode in, his expression thunderous. In his grasp, Selene struggled futilely, her eyes wide with fear.

"Let me go, you brute!" she spat, but Ryker's grip remained unrelenting.

"Selene Blackwood," Aria growled, advancing on...