I stood my ground beside Daphne's bed, watching her labored breathing. Every rise and fall of her chest seemed more difficult than the last. Lawrence and his mother glared at me from across the room, their faces tight with barely contained rage.
"She's not going anywhere," I repeated firmly. "Not until her brother arrives."
Lawrence stepped forward, his voice low and threatening. "You have no idea what you've done. This is a family matter."
"A family that's willing to let her die to save money?" I challenged.
Daphne's eyes fluttered open. She reached for my hand, her fingers cold and trembling.
"Thank you," she whispered. Her voice was so faint I had to lean in to hear her. "I never thought it would end like this."
"Save your strength," I told her, squeezing her hand gently. "Your brother will be here soon."
She shook her head weakly. "I need to tell someone... before it's too late."
Lawrence moved closer. "Daphne, you're confused. You should rest."
