Mrs. Newton couldn’t bear watching Hope “humiliate” her son any longer. Her voice turned sharp as she snapped,

“Get out! We don’t need your help changing his bandages!”

Hope crossed her arms, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Oh, really? And who do you plan to have do it then? A female nurse, so you can accuse her of seducing your son? Or maybe a male one—will you say he’s seducing you next?”

“You—! You little brat, I’ll kill you!”

Mrs. Newton’s temper flared. She raised her hand, ready to slap Hope.

But Hope Newton wasn’t one to just stand there and take it.

She dodged sideways, and with a smooth...