The man’s unyielding grip only heightened Elodie’s anxiety, his hand clamped so tightly on her shoulder she couldn’t so much as flinch.
“What do you think you’re doing? No one told me I needed any injections!” Elodie’s instincts were sharp in certain matters, and every second made her more certain something was wrong.
“Ms. Thorne, there’s no need to be nervous. It’s just an allergy test,” the nurse said, strolling over to help the doctor restrain her. Her voice was casual, almost detached, but her actions were forceful and brisk.
Elodie was certain—this wasn’t supposed to happen.
Her health was already fragile; every procedure had to be carefully considered and approved by her physician.
Elias hadn’t ordered any such test.
And this wasn’t a blood draw—it was an injection.
“Let me go!” Elodie suddenly began to struggle, panic sharpening her voice.
But her protests did nothing to slow them. The nurse, growing impatient, used both hands to pin Elodie down.
Helpless, Elodie watched in horror as the silent man pushed a needle into her vein and injected a sliver of liquid.
She didn’t know where the strength came from, but in that instant, desperation took over. She thrashed, uncaring if the needle tore her arm, and lashed out, kicking hard at the man’s midsection.
She couldn’t care if she hurt anyone now.
They were hurting her.
And for reasons she didn’t even understand.
Elodie’s struggle was so fierce that the nurse was shoved aside. Taking advantage of the man’s pain, Elodie rolled off the bed and staggered blindly for the door.
But the door was locked from the outside.
Frantic, she pounded on it with all her strength, hoping to draw someone’s attention.
The two assailants, realizing Elodie had caught on and was making a scene, exchanged worried glances and hurriedly slipped out through a different exit.
Meanwhile, Elias finished surgery sooner than expected. The closing and cleanup were left to the team; he wanted to check on Elodie himself.
As he reached the waiting area, he caught the distant sound of commotion echoing from down the hall.
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