Juliana's POV
Nathaniel's question hung in the air between us, the tension so thick I could almost touch it. But before I could explain my strange question about his kidnapping, the door swung open.
Claire Pierce stepped back into the room, her expression a mix of determination and regret. She took one look at us and hesitated.
"I'm sorry to interrupt," she said. "But I need to speak with you, Juliana." She glanced at Nathaniel. "Privately, if possible."
Nathaniel's jaw tightened. "Whatever you have to say to my wife, you can say in front of me."
I touched his arm lightly. "It's okay. I trust Claire."
His eyes met mine, searching. Finally, he nodded and stood. "I'll be right outside."
Once Nathaniel left, Claire took the chair beside my bed. "I owe you an apology," she began. "A real one, not just the show I put on for that reporter."
I studied her face. "For suspecting me?"
