Chapter 9 - The Strength to Stand
By the time Thiago burst through the front doors of his mansion, the living room was silent. Dr. Castelo was sitting on the sofa, looking smug, while Clara stood near the door, her eyes red from holding back tears. She had her small bag packed.
"Thiago, thank goodness you're here," Castelo said, standing up. "This girl is completely out of line. She is performing unauthorized medical procedures on your daughter. We need to schedule the surgery immediately before she ruins Alice's spine permanently."
Thiago walked past the doctor. He went straight to Clara.
He looked at her worn shoes, her clean white shirt, and her fiercely protective eyes.
"Is it true?" Thiago asked softly. "Did she move her toes today?"
Clara looked down, a tear finally escaping and running down her cheek. "Yes, Mr. Carvalho. She did. I only wanted to help her. My brother... I couldn't save him. But Alice... Alice has a chance. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I knew you had cameras. I knew you didn't trust me."
Thiago felt a lump in his throat. He turned around to face Dr. Castelo.
"Get out of my house," Thiago said, his voice dangerously low.
"Thiago, listen to reason—"
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"I said, get out," Thiago barked, pointing a finger at the door. "I know about your financial stake in the surgical clinic. I know my daughter didn't need that dangerous surgery. And I know that this 'untrained maid' has done more for my daughter in two weeks than your expensive treatments did in six months. You are dismissed. My lawyers will be in touch regarding your malpractice."
Castelo’s face turned pale. He grabbed his briefcase and hurried out of the house, slamming the door behind him.
