When I came to, daylight had already broken through.
The curtains in my hospital room were drawn tight, the air conditioning set to an uncomfortably cool temperature, and the bedside monitor blinked rhythmically.
Mary was perched at my side, her eyes puffy from crying. As soon as she noticed I was awake, she jumped to her feet.
"Scarlett, you're finally awake!"
My throat felt like sandpaper. "The company..."
Tears spilled down Mary's cheeks. "The suspension explanation went out overnight, but the market isn't buying it. The exchange is still demanding answers. The underwriting department's phone has been ringing nonstop."
I didn't respond, instinctively reaching for the space beside my pillow.
Mary quickly caught on. She retrieved a clear bag from the drawer and gently placed it in
