Brian’s Pov
I held Liana’s hand as we walked out of the little Italian place on Third Street when Dr Ellis stepped straight into our path.
She stared at our joined fingers for three full seconds, then looked up at me with that calm, disappointed face she used on interns.
“Brian,” she said quietly but sharply. “We need to talk alone.”
Liana’s hand tightened in mine. I squeezed once and then let go. “Give me two minutes, baby,” I told her softly. “Wait in the car.”
She walked away quickly, and I faced Ellis. “Say it here,” I said calmly.
“You know exactly what this looks like,” she answered low. “She is your patient.”
“She was,” I said flatly. “I ended the professional relationship weeks ago. Everything after that is private.”
Ellis shook her head once. “The board meets tomorrow morn
