The sharp, sterile smell of disinfectant pulled me out of unconsciousness.

I opened my eyes to find myself in an empty, stark-white hospital room. Outside the door, I could hear the faint voices of nurses murmuring.

"Dr. Henley's incredible skills saved Mr. Hampton's life…"

"Didn't you hear? His heroic act is trending online. The hospital even gave him a raise and recognition from the higher-ups!"

"But do you think Dr. Warhol will get fired over this? After all, it caused such a big scene…"

Their voices faded as they moved away from the door.

My face darkened, but a soft laugh escaped my lips.

Lex, you got lucky this time.

But as long as I'm alive, this isn't over.

I struggled out of bed, clutching my still-throbbing stomach and head. My movements were clumsy, but determination pushed me forward as I staggered toward Lex's ward.

Before I could get far, a doctor on duty blocked my path, his eyes filled with disdain.

"Your injuries aren't healed yet. Go back and rest," he said curtly.

I sneered. "I'm fine. Don't try to stop me."

He sighed, his tone softening. "What you did… no human would do something like that. But here's a piece of advice: don't go now."

He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Your actions have gone viral. There are people out there who want to kill you. You'd be walking straight into danger—

"Hey! Where are you going?!"

I ignored him, pressing forward.

When I reached Lex's room, I found it packed with people. The hospital director stood front and center, handing a custom-made banner of gratitude from Gracie and Nicholas to Dr. Henley.

Dr. Henley stood tall, beaming with pride, his face glowing with satisfaction.

Without acknowledging anyone, I stepped into the room.

For a moment, silence fell over everyone.

Lex, propped weakly against the headboard, forced an awkward smile. "Samantha, you're here. What happened to your face? Does it hurt?"

I cut him off, my voice laced with impatience and disdain. "What kind of pathetic show are you putting on? It's disgusting."

Lex's smile faltered. His tone turned firmer. "Samantha, let's talk about this later. Reporters are coming to interview us soon. Can't you stop making a scene?"

Ignoring him, I placed my phone in the center of the room, its camera already streaming live. Comments flooded the screen, each one more vicious than the last.

"This stream is actually from that bitch?! Unbelievable. Don't give her any attention, people!"

"Why aren't you dead yet? Seriously, the wrong person fell down those stairs."

"First, she tried to kill her husband, and now she's harassing Dr. Henley? Someone end this psycho already!"

A faint smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Perfect. This was exactly the reaction I wanted.

I turned to the room, my voice calm but deliberate. "No need to bother with reporters. I've already set up a live broadcast for you all."

Lex's face grew darker. "Samantha, what are you trying to do?"

Excitement surged through me, and I gestured animatedly in his direction.

"Lex, have you ever wondered why I chose to endure all the insults, all the hatred, just to refuse to save you?"

He stared at me, bewildered, and shook his head.

The viewership count climbed to 100,000.

Perfect.

My smile widened, spreading across my face like a crack in glass.

"Because only by doing this can I make sure the whole world sees the truth about you and your precious family."

I laughed, the sound sharp and electric, filling the room.

"The show is just beginning."