“Derek accessed confidential medical information about me without my permission,” I said. “He and Sienna discussed using that information to arrange a procedure involving the removal of one of my kidneys.”
A collective gasp swept across the ballroom.
One guest covered her mouth.
Another stood up abruptly.
Patricia stared at her son.
“Derek?”
He shook his head.
“It’s not what she’s making it sound like.”
I looked at him.
“Then explain what you meant when you said I wouldn’t be allowed to change my mind.”
He didn’t answer.
Sienna suddenly began crying.
“My brother is very sick!”
Her voice broke.
“He’s been in and out of the hospital for months. The doctors told us his condition was getting worse. We were terrified of losing him!”
For a moment, I felt genuine sadness.
I knew what it was like to watch someone suffer.
I understood desperation.
