The Flower That Grew from Ashes novel Chapter 35

Annelise turned around slowly and, with deliberate ease, pulled down the scarf covering her face.

"Josie," she said, her voice entirely flat.

Josie's face drained of color the instant she recognized Annelise, turning a shade paler than her own scrubs.

Her lips trembled, and her eyes widened in sheer, unadulterated terror.

"Mrs... Mrs. Lehman?"

She knew exactly who this was.

This was Dr. Lehman's wife.

The woman who, four years ago, had lain on the operating table while her own husband performed a tubal ligation on her.

The woman who, not long ago, had lain on another operating table as her husband personally ended her pregnancy.

What was she doing here?

How did she find her?

Josie's first instinct was to run.

"I... I don't know what you're talking about. You have the wrong person. I have to get back to my shift."

Her voice pitched high with panic as she spun around, ready to bolt for the door.

"Josie Platt!"

Annelise's voice was like an icy nail, pinning her firmly to the floor.

Josie's back went completely rigid. She didn't dare turn around.

Annelise stepped toward her, slow and measured.

The clicking of her heels against the concrete floor echoed through the room, each strike sounding like it was trampling directly on Josie's heart.

"Four years ago, Cresthaven General. Laparoscopic appendectomy."

Annelise didn't raise her voice, but every syllable rang crystal clear in the small office.

"You were the circulating nurse for that surgery."

"I want to know exactly what happened in that room."

Josie's body began to shake uncontrollably, her complexion shifting from pale to a sickly gray.

"I don't know! I don't know anything!" she shrieked hysterically, clapping her hands over her ears like a terrified rabbit.

Annelise stopped in front of her, looking down at the trembling nurse.

There was no rage in her eyes, no aggression. Just a bone-deep, chilling calm.

"I've already had myself evaluated at a third-party hospital."

Annelise reached into her bag, pulled out a stack of documents, and gently placed them on the desk nearby.

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