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“Given the nature of the arrangement,” he says, “it’s always a possibility.”

The nature of the arrangement.

Right.

I nod slowly, trying to keep my expression neutral. “Okay.”

He watches me a moment longer, like he’s waiting for something—panic, maybe, or questions. I give him neither.

Instead, I ask, “Has Alester been informed?”

“Yes,” he says. “He’s been notified.”

“What about—” I stop myself.

Dalton. The name sits right there, on the edge of my tongue.

I swallow it.

Dr. Acharya notices anyway. “If you’re asking about Dr. Price,” he says, “he isn’t involved in this process.”

My chest tightens. “He hasn’t been informed?” I ask before I can stop myself.

“I have no reason to involve him,” Acharya says simply.

Why would he be?

He’s just⁠—

I press my lips together. “Okay,” I say again.

Dr. Acharya nods, making a note in the file. “We’ll arrange the tests. You can give your sample today.”

I nod automatically. My mind is already somewhere else.

This is really happening. Just three days ago, Dalton was telling me about his doubts, a truth I had wanted to run far away from. And now? The irony of fate has put me right in the way of truth.

My heart starts to beat faster.

“Maggie?” Acharya says.

I look up. “Yes.”

“You’re sure you’re all right?”

I almost laugh. “No,” I say honestly. “But I will be.”

He nods, like that’s enough.

It has to be. Because I don’t have another answer.

When I step out of the clinic, the air feels different. Heavier. Like something has just shifted into place without asking me first.

I stand there for a second, staring at nothing, my phone in my hand.

Dalton doesn’t know.

Of course he doesn’t. Why would he?