Chapter 4 - The Shadows Gather
Claire turned slowly, her face pale. "You investigated me."
"I needed to know who saved my child," Grant said, walking toward her with measured, heavy steps. "And what I found is a disgrace to the entire medical profession. You were framed by Arthur Vance."
"It doesn't matter anymore," Claire said, her voice trembling slightly with old pain. "Vance has connections that reach the state supreme court. He destroyed my reputation. I fought for two years, Mr. Holloway. I lost everything. I just want a quiet life where I can help kids."
"It does matter," Grant said fiercely, stopping just inches from her. "Because nobody who protects my daughter gets left in the dirt. You gave my daughter her peace back. Now let me give you yours."
Before Claire could answer, the door swung open violently. Dr. Reed stood there alongside Dr. Arthur Vance himself, who had unexpectedly arrived at Sterling Children's Hospital for a quarterly board inspection.
Vance, a tall, grey-haired man with cold, calculating eyes, froze as his gaze landed on Claire.
"Well, well," Vance sneered, a cruel smirk spreading across his face. "I thought I recognized the name on the duty roster. Claire Bennett. Working as a nurse? I explicitly warned this hospital's administration against hiring disgraced former doctors."
Dr. Reed looked smug behind Vance. "Dr. Vance, she bypassed physician protocol last night and operated outside her nursing scope on Mr. Holloway’s daughter."
"Is that so?" Vance smiled viciously. "Practicing medicine without a license again, Claire? I will personally ensure the Nursing Board revokes your RN credentials by the end of the week. You'll never step foot inside a hospital again."
Claire felt the cold air rush out of her lungs. Her worst nightmare was coming true. She looked down, preparing herself for the familiar humiliation.
Suddenly, a massive frame stepped directly in front of her, blocking Vance from her view.
Grant Holloway towered over the corrupt physician, his expression terrifyingly dark.
"You have five seconds to clear your presence from my sight, Vance," Grant said, his tone chillingly quiet. "Before I buy this entire hospital network and fire you on the spot."
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Vance scoffed, trying to maintain his aristocratic demeanor. "Mr. Holloway, you don't understand. This woman is a fraud—"
"This woman is the reason my daughter is alive and well," Grant cut in, his voice ringing like a iron gavel. "And as of five minutes ago, Dr. Vance, you have made the single worst enemy of your entire life."
