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Kiera’s eyes warmed on me. “Thank you. What did you learn from the tests?”

“Your mom’s condition isn’t as bad as Dr. Schaeffer claims they were. He misdiagnosed her on purpose.”

Her mouth dropped open. “What?”

“Your mom had already recovered from the Hep B, and her muscle pain is from an inflammation that istreatable.”

Anger flashed in her eyes. “Dr. Schaeffer told me it wasdermatomyositis, and that there was a costly medication that could help ease her condition.”

“She doesn’t have that autoimmune disorder. There’s no need to worry.”

My fingers flexed, hating what that bastard had done to Kiera, her mom, and the countless patients who had trusted him with their lives. Some of the worst humans hid behind the facade of important people. Sometimes I wondered if I was one of them. But I didn’t want to think about that right now.

“He gets a huge bonus from the pharmaceutical companies developing these new medications. This has been ongoing for a while. I’ve alerted the authorities, and he’s in hiding right now, but I’m sure they’ll locate him soon.”

She reached for my hand and squeezed. “Thank you for everything.”

“You’re welcome.”

Liz looked sad and angry.“He ruined my life. He could’ve killed me. I’m grateful you did the extra work to find out the truth. Thank you, Forrest.”

“It’s the right thing to do.”

She looked at me with brown eyes that were lighter than her daughter’s. “May I ask what kind of doctor you are, Forrest?”

“An immunologist.” I knew what she meant. I’d never mistreated patients for money. But I’d also done things a “good” doctor would never do. Doctors were supposed to heal. I guess I was healing society in my own way—a way that Liz would not appreciate. She would definitely not want her daughter to be with someone like me.

Liz nodded, waiting for me to continue.

I wanted to see her smile, so I said, “The kind who tries to do the right thing. I’ve never collaborated with any pharmaceutical company to hurt my patients.”

Sometimes the right thing required an elimination of wrongdoers, right? To some, that might make me a bad guy. But I didn’t care. I was no saint. I was just a man protecting those he loved—a man trying to preserve the quality of human life as best he could. And if I committed sins while doing so, I’d gladly accept my fate.

Kiera met my gaze, and a silent understanding passed between us. She didn’t look stressed or exhausted anymore. Her eyes appeared brighter, her skin became more vibrant, her smile was wider, and her energy thrummed with hope. I could feel the joy and gratitude emanating from her. That was how I wanted to see her.

With enthusiasm in her voice, she said, “Mom, did you know that you met Forrest a long time ago?”

As Kiera relayed the car accident, Liz cried. “I’m in awe of God’s will. A part of me can’t believe it, but another part truly believes in the magic of the universe. I’m so happy you’re here. Because of you, I’m well again.”

“Because of you,I’mhere. My family is truly grateful for your help back then.”

She waved a hand. “Any person would have helped. It’s just human decency, you know?”

She was wrong. Decency was just as rare as honesty. Not everyone would have stopped to help like she had, but I didn’t want to ruin the moment by injecting negativity.

“How’s your grandmother and cousin?” Liz asked.

“They’re well, thank you. When they come to visit, I’ll invite you over for dinner.”

“I’d love that.” She looked at me for a while, probably preparing to ask the question all concerned mothers would ask. “Are you taking care of my daughter?” Something twinkled in her eyes. “Are you herboyfriend?”

Kiera interlaced her fingers on her lap and smiled at me.

“Yes, to both questions.”

Tears leaked from Liz’s eyes. “That’s the best news I’ve heard in years. My baby deserves someone like you.”

“Mom.” Kiera clasped her mom’s hand. “Your recoveryisthe best news.”