Mia quickly snatched the mop from the floor. The sudden scrape of it startled Fulvia, who stirred and shifted her body but was still asleep.

Thank God Madam didn’t wake up, Mia thought with relief. She slipped quietly out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Once outside, she picked up her pace, phone pressed to her ear. “Richard, don’t shout at my son! He’s sick—can’t you just leave him alone to rest?” her voice trembled with anger.

Inside the hospital ward, Nurse Joy stepped forward. “Sir, please... you said you’re John’s father, but his condition has only just stabilized. Could you kindly give him space?” she pleaded, her...