EvelynI received the summons to Damon's office with a mixture of relief and dread. At least I had a chance to defend my position, but facing both Damon and Catherine together felt like walking into a trap.When I arrived, I found Catherine already seated across from Damon's desk, looking composed and confident. Damon gestured for me to take the other chair."Dr. Graham, Dr. Winters has some concerns about your treatment approach for Susan," Damon began diplomatically. "I'd like to hear your response before making any decisions."A small spark of hope flickered in my chest. Damon had warned me about Catherine before. The fact that he'd called me here to get my side of the story instead of just accepting Catherine's dismissal meant something. Maybe he'd give me at least a little support.Catherine leaned forward immediately. "The treatment protocol is completely inadequate. Susan needs targeted enzyme therapy, not herbal remedies that mask symptoms without addressing the underlying gen
CatherineI strode through the pack house corridors. That visiting doctor needed to be dealt with properly, and I needed to formalize my authority over Susan's medical care.I found Damon's office and didn't bother knocking. He was reviewing pack business with Cole, papers spread across his desk."We need to discuss Susan's medical situation," I announced, settling into the chair across from his desk without waiting for an invitation.Damon looked up, slightly annoyed at the interruption. "I thought you were handling that with Dr. Graham.""I've dismissed Dr. Graham. Her treatment approach is completely inadequate for Susan's condition."Cole glanced between us. "Dismissed her? Don't you think that's—""What I think," I cut him off, "is that my daughter was being treated with amateur hour herbalism when she needs proper medical intervention."Damon set down his pen. "Dr. Graham seemed competent. Susan's condition has improved since she started treatment.""Improved?" I leaned forward.
EvelynI walked through the corridor in a daze, my medical bag feeling heavier with each step. The weight of it seemed to pull at my shoulder, dragging me down.I found an empty consultation room and slipped inside, locking the door behind me. I needed a moment to process what had just happened.Catherine had dismissed my treatment as "kitchen remedies" and "completely inadequate." She'd acted like I was some amateur playing with herbs I didn't understand.But that made no sense.I set my bag down on the small table and stared at it. Every technique I'd used, every herbal compound in Susan's treatment, had come directly from Catherine's own research. My mother had been the one to teach me that these genetic conditions responded better to natural compounds than synthetic alternatives when properly calibrated."Natural compounds bond more effectively with the genetic markers," she'd explained during one of our rare mother-daughter sessions when I was studying. "Synthetic alternatives cr
CatherineDr. Graham finished describing the herbal compounds she'd been giving Susan, detailing their dosages and intended effects. The more she talked, the more irritated I became."Let me stop you right there." I held up my hand. "This is completely inadequate."Dr. Graham's eyebrows rose. "I'm sorry?"I stood and paced to the window, unable to contain my frustration. "You're treating a potentially fatal genetic condition with kitchen remedies.""With respect, Dr. Winters, these compounds have been carefully formulated—""Carefully formulated?" I turned back to face her. "By whom? What's your research background on this particular genetic disorder?"Dr. Graham's mouth opened, then closed. "I've studied the condition extensively.""Have you published any papers on it? Conducted any clinical trials? Worked with other patients who've had this exact genetic variant?""I... no, but—""Then you have no business treating my daughter."Susan shifted in her bed, and I caught a glimpse of so
CatherineI stood in the hallway, staring at the door numbers. 245, 246, 247. This was Susan's room. I was sure of it. The nurse had told me three times now.But something felt wrong. Why couldn't I remember walking here the first time?I raised my hand to knock, then stopped. Had I already knocked? Had I already seen Susan today? The memories felt fuzzy, overlapping in ways that didn't make sense."Dr. Winters?"I turned. The same young nurse from the desk was approaching me, her face creased with worry."Are you sure you're feeling alright? You've been standing here for ten minutes."Ten minutes? That couldn't be right. I'd just walked over here."I'm fine," I said, forcing my voice to sound authoritative. "Just reviewing my notes before seeing my patient.""Your daughter, you mean?"My daughter. Yes. Susan. I was here to see Susan."Of course." I smoothed down my jacket. "Thank you for your concern, but I'm perfectly capable of managing my own medical consultations."The nurse nodd
MargaretSusan's face went through a series of changes - surprise, then calculation, then something that looked almost like relief. She set down the water glass she'd been holding and studied my face carefully."What makes you ask that?""Don't answer my question with a question." My frustration boiled over. "I know that look, Susan. You're deciding how much to tell me."I moved closer to the bed, keeping my voice low. "Yesterday, when I questioned that doctor about Ava, she reacted like I'd threatened her own child. Why would a stranger get worked up over a child that isn't hers?"Susan said nothing."So I'll ask again. Does Dr. Graham look like Evelyn to you?"Susan was quiet for a long moment, her fingers picking at the hospital blanket. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper."It's her, Margaret. Evelyn is back."The confirmation stopped me cold, even though I'd suspected it. I sank into the bedside chair, my mind racing. "How long have you known?""Since the