(Author's POV)
Aurora stood. She picked up her bag and smoothed her jacket.
"I'll be in touch," she said.
She walked to the door. At the threshold, she stopped and turned back.
"One thing, though." Her voice was even. "Don't mistake my silence for desperation. That's a bad habit to have in a negotiation."
She didn't wait for a response.
In the days that followed, Aurora buried herself in work. She didn't go to the hospital. She answered emails, ran assays, reviewed data, and kept moving.
Meanwhile, Victoria arrived at Martha's door with a document.
She set it on the table without ceremony. "Sign this. It's a waiver - Aurora relinquishes her claim to marital assets. You sign on her behalf."
Martha looked at the papers. "And Sienna-"
"Will donate." Victoria's voice was clipped. "Yo
