Liliana Pierce stared at the detention center ceiling, her fingers tapping an impatient rhythm against the metal table. Her initial rage had settled into a cold, calculated determination to expose the truth. The betrayal stung deeper than she wanted to admit.
How could Lyra have fooled her so completely? They had studied together, shared midnight coffee during exam weeks, celebrated their graduations side by side. Liliana had always admired Lyra's brilliance and integrity. Now it seemed that brilliance had been turned toward deception.
The blood test results sat in front of her. Normal hemoglobin levels. Perfectly within range.
"Dr. Pierce?" An officer poked his head through the door. "Your lab called. They've processed the full blood work you requested."
"And?" Liliana's voice was clipped.
"Everything's normal. Just as you thought."
