Bethany took one last good look at Dean before yanking her hands away from Fred's grip.

Her eyes darted toward him as she summoned the courage to speak. "You might want to attend the meeting alone," she said firmly.

Fred was taken aback by her audacity. How dare she leave him? Worse, how dare she leave with Dean?

"So… where are you going?" His loud, angry voice cut through the tense air.

With a sophisticated sigh, she replied, "I’m taking him to the hospital. You can start the meeting without me!" And with that, she left his office.

MERCY HOSPITAL

Bethany sat in the waiting area, ready to check on...