The door clicked shut behind her.

A soft rustle came from a concealed panel in the wall.

Daniel Brooks stepped out.

His tall frame and gold-rimmed glasses gave him an air of quiet authority. His sharp eyes, behind the lenses, missed nothing.

He had been organizing files in the adjacent space. The conversation between Sophia and the physician had been impossible to ignore.

He approached the doctor with a calm, measured pace. "I believe I just overheard a very interesting discussion."

The doctor's smile froze. His eyes darted around the room nervously. A sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead.

He tried to slide the envelope into a desk drawer.

Daniel was faster. His hand came down, pinning the other man's wrist to the wood. "What is this?" He picked up the envelope, feeling its substantial weight. He understood its meaning immediately.

The doctor looked utterly flustered. "It's... it's nothing. A small token of appreciation."

"A token?" Daniel's laugh was cold and short. He tossed the envelope back onto the desk. "A token to buy a medical opinion? What happened to your ethics?"

The doctor shrank under Daniel's imposing presence. Words failed him.

He scrambled to his feet, attempting to sidestep Daniel and flee.

"Don't move." Daniel's voice was low, but it held a command that was impossible to disobey.

The doctor froze on the spot, trembling.

Daniel closed the distance between them slowly, backing the man against the wall until there was no escape.

"What... what do you want?"

"What exactly did Sophia Reed ask you to do?" Daniel demanded.

The doctor forced a weak, desperate smile. His eyes searched for any possible exit. "It's just a little payment for my services, really. Dr. Brooks, you have far more important matters to attend to. Why trouble yourself with such trivialities?"

He tried once more to duck past Daniel.

Daniel's hand shot out, catching the man's arm in a firm, unyielding grip.

"Payment for services? Your definition of 'services' is rather unique."

Sweat now dripped down the doctor's face. The cool air from the vent did nothing to ease his tension.

He attempted a hollow chuckle. "Oh, Dr. Brooks, you must be joking. I would never do anything improper."

He struggled against the hold, but Daniel's grip was like iron.

Daniel tightened his hold just slightly. The doctor's face paled.

"Stop playing games. If you value your position here, you will tell me the truth."

The doctor winced, drawing a sharp breath. He knew very well that while Daniel appeared to be just another doctor, his family owned the entire hospital.

Daniel's influence was absolute.

"Alright, alright," the doctor relented, grimacing. "Look, Dr. Brooks, you know how some women are. They want to appear delicate to gain a man's sympathy. Miss Reed isn't actually ill. She simply instructed me to... embellish her condition."

Daniel's brow furrowed. He knew such a ploy would easily fool Ethan. He decided not to press the issue further.

"You will not keep this money," Daniel stated flatly. "The hospital will be confiscating it. Someone from medical affairs will contact you tomorrow."

He took the envelope and turned to leave.

Ethan rounded the corner, a small jar from the hospital convenience store in his hand. He nearly collided with Lucas.