Chapter 33: The Doctor Who Lied

Dr. Malcolm Pierce had soft hands and a coward's eyes.

He sat across from Scarlett in a private legal conference room with two attorneys beside him and sweat shining on his upper lip. Once, he had entered her bedroom at the Whitmore estate and told her recovery was unlikely. Once, Scarlett had believed him because he wore a white coat and spoke gently.

Now she understood that gentleness could be another form of violence.

Grace slid a folder across the table. 'Dr. Pierce, these are payments made from Evelyn Whitmore's foundation to a consulting company owned by your wife. These payments began one week before you recommended ending Miss Whitmore's advanced rehabilitation.'

Dr. Pierce swallowed. 'That was unrelated.'

Scarlett's voice remained calm. 'You told me further therapy would be emotionally harmful.'

'Based on your condition at the time—'

'You lied.'

His eyes flicked to Alexander, who stood silently in the corner. Fear crossed the doctor's face.

Scarlett hated that he feared Alexander more than he feared his own conscience.

'Look at me,' she said.

Dr. Pierce obeyed.

'Not him. Me. I am the patient whose life you sold.'

The doctor's mouth opened, then closed.

Grace placed another document down. 'We also have evidence you signed a false competency evaluation.'

His attorney whispered urgently, but Pierce's composure was already collapsing.

'I was pressured,' he said.

Scarlett almost smiled. Everyone who hurt her had been pressured. No one had simply been greedy, weak, or cruel in their own name.

'By whom?' Grace asked.

Pierce looked at the table. 'Evelyn Whitmore introduced me to Victor Hale. He said the family needed medical support to keep Scarlett stable. He said if I refused, my clinic would be ruined.'

Alexander's voice was quiet. 'And the money?'

Pierce flinched. 'Compensation.'

Scarlett leaned back. 'For stealing my chance to walk?'

Silence.

Dr. Pierce agreed to testify before the medical board and provide written evidence linking Evelyn and Victor Hale to the false reports.

After he left, Scarlett stayed in the room, staring at the empty chair.

Alexander approached slowly. 'Are you all right?'

'No,' she said honestly. 'But I am still here.'

His hand covered hers, warm and steady.

'Yes,' he said. 'You are.'