Chapter 53: The Weight of Assumptions

The room had gone quiet again — the way it does after a storm, but only because everyone’s still bracing for the next one. Vivienne finally broke the silence, her voice gentle but heavy. “What really happened here earlier?” Her gaze swept the room, not fixed on anyone in particular. She just wanted the truth — from someone. Anyone. Isabel glanced down, her fingers twisted tightly in her lap. She didn’t want to speak. She wanted to protect her brother. But Amelia wasn’t just some girl — not to any of them. And Isabel had grown to love her like a sister. So she spoke, her voice steady but sad. “When he woke up… she was here,” Isabel said softly. “She was the first one who noticed the changes on Gray’s monitor. She even ran into the hallway, calling for help.” She paused. “Then Dr. Levin,