Chapter 3

Tyler shoved the document into the sightline of everyone in the hall.

Dr. Grace Collins leaned in, squinting at the paper. "That... does look exactly like Dr. Reed's handwriting."

A few nurses nearby nodded in agreement.

My heart sank for a moment, but I didn't panic.

Vanessa stepped in front of me, adopting the posture of a heartbroken wife forced to do her administrative duty.

"Ethan, the evidence is right here. Just admit it. Legal will help you navigate the civil settlement framework. You might still save your career."

Tyler took a step closer, dropping his voice just enough to sound confidential, but loud enough for the family to catch. "Once the media and the State Medical Board get involved, you're done. Take the deal before you lose your license."

Laura's head snapped up. "The media?"

She pulled out her phone, scrolling furiously. "My cousin works for a local news station. I'll have her contact an investigative reporter. And I'm filing a formal complaint with the State Medical Board today."

Vanessa's expression cracked for a fraction of a second.

She leaned down, whispering harshly into my ear. "You hear that? If this blows up, I can't protect you. Sign a statement of responsibility, take the hospital's malpractice settlement, and I'll find a way to testify on your behalf."

Testify on my behalf.

She said the exact same thing in my past life.

And then I died. And she and Tyler slept in the bed I paid for.

When I didn't answer, Vanessa's tone grew more urgent. "Think about Samuel. Think about your license, your income, and how you're going to take care of your dad. Just admit fault. I'll handle the rest."

Samuel's face flashed in my mind.

In my past life, he died alone in his apartment, and no one even knew.

I looked up, meeting her eyes.

"That is not my signature."

Vanessa's face hardened.

Tyler scoffed. "Half the staff just recognized it, and you're still trying to lie your way out?"

I ignored him and looked at Nora.

"Nora. Call Compliance. Have them pull the signature samples from my credentialing file. Redact the PHI."

Nora didn't hesitate. She nodded and pulled out her phone.

Vanessa's eyelid twitched.

Less than five minutes later, Dr. Hale marched down the hall, flanked by the Compliance Officer and an IT Security Lead.

Dr. Hale's authoritative gaze swept over my battered state, over Vanessa and Tyler, and finally landed on the Hayes family.

"What exactly is going on here?"

Vanessa and Tyler both went pale.

Chapter 3

Tyler shoved the document into the sightline of everyone in the hall.

Dr. Grace Collins leaned in, squinting at the paper. "That... does look exactly like Dr. Reed's handwriting."

A few nurses nearby nodded in agreement.

My heart sank for a moment, but I didn't panic.

Vanessa stepped in front of me, adopting the posture of a heartbroken wife forced to do her administrative duty.

"Ethan, the evidence is right here. Just admit it. Legal will help you navigate the civil settlement framework. You might still save your career."

Laura's head snapped up. "The media?"

Vanessa's expression cracked for a fraction of a second.

Testify on my behalf.

She said the exact same thing in my past life.

And then I died. And she and Tyler slept in the bed I paid for.

Samuel's face flashed in my mind.

In my past life, he died alone in his apartment, and no one even knew.

I looked up, meeting her eyes.

"That is not my signature."

Vanessa's face hardened.

Tyler scoffed. "Half the staff just recognized it, and you're still trying to lie your way out?"

I ignored him and looked at Nora.

"Nora. Call Compliance. Have them pull the signature samples from my credentialing file. Redact the PHI."

Nora didn't hesitate. She nodded and pulled out her phone.

Vanessa's eyelid twitched.

Less than five minutes later, Dr. Hale marched down the hall, flanked by the Compliance Officer and an IT Security Lead.

Dr. Hale's authoritative gaze swept over my battered state, over Vanessa and Tyler, and finally landed on the Hayes family.

"What exactly is going on here?"

Vanessa and Tyler both went pale.