Chapter 106

Sloane stopped when Lyra stepped directly into her path. Her voice was smooth and sweet, too sweet. “Doctor Veyre. What a coincidence.” Sloane didn’t bother masking her indifference. She lifted her gaze slowly, assessing Lyra with the calm of a clinician evaluating a patient. “Miss Smith,” she acknowledged with a polite nod. “If you’re blocking the hallway, please move aside. I’m carrying sterile items.” Lyra tilted her head, smile tightening. “You used to smile at me. Why so formal today?” “I adjust my tone depending on the environment,” Sloane replied. “This is a hospital, not a tea party.” Lyra’s smile twitched. She lifted the diagnostic sheet in her hand, shaking it lightly as though she were dangling something glittering and precious. “Since you’re already here,” she said softly, “you might find this interesting.” Sloane glanced at the paper once, just once, and her expression sharpened for an instant before settling back into neutrality. Lyra caught it. Her eyes brightened with t