The tension in the hallway was heavy. No one spoke after my blunt refusal of any reward. Yun Si glanced at me as if checking whether I was alright, and Wen Hao kept fidgeting with his tie, clearly unsure what to say next.
Finally, Gu Yan cleared his throat, loudly enough to slice through the silence. "So," he said, looking directly at Wen Hao, "what about Mr. Mo's family? Have they been informed?"
Wen Hao exhaled in relief, grateful for something neutral to latch onto. "Yes, yes. I've already contacted them. Madam Mo is already on her way here."
Madam Mo.
The mere mention of that woman turned every muscle in my body stiff.
Even the chilly hospital air felt scorching hot against my skin as the name echoed inside my mind, dragging buried memories up like rusted hooks.
Vixen.
Shameless woman.
Clinging to my son.
You're nothing but trouble.
Her voice—sharp, vicious, unforgettable—struck me as clearly as if she were right behind me. My chest tightened. My palms grew cold.
