Derek stepped outside Emily's hospital room, the soft click of the door behind him marking his exit.
His eyes swept across the corridor, narrowing slightly as they settled on Matt.
The man stood a few feet away, speaking with a nurse who gestured occasionally, her expression patient but firm. Derek took a deep breath, steadying the simmering irritation threatening to boil over.
Matt finished with the nurse, a brief nod of thanks exchanged before he turned to Derek.
His stance was relaxed, but Derek could see the tension beneath it—the unspoken competition they both knew simmered between them.
"I'm guessing your room is the next one," Derek said as he approached, his voice cool and laced with accusation.
Matt glanced toward the nurse as she disappeared down the corridor, then
