Roseline's heart raced violently as Hugo's words settled into the silence between them. The way he looked at her—calm, calculating, and piercing—made her feel as if he could see straight through her.
For a moment, she forgot how to breathe.
"Tell me, Roseline," Hugo said slowly, his voice measured, "why would you go to the hospital when you had already cancelled your appointment?"
His question snapped her out of her spiraling thoughts.
She blinked, forcing herself to remain still, forcing her expression not to betray the panic clawing inside her chest.
She did not know how long she could protect herself.
But she knew one thing for certain.
She could not afford to be exposed now.
"I… I had to cancel the appointment because Anna called me," she said.
Hugo's brows drew together immediately.
"What?"
Roseline swallowed, adjusting slightly in her chair as she steadied herself.
"Yes," she continued, her voice more controlled now. "Anna called me."
