Evelyn opened Twitter on her phone and searched for Ethan Young's account.

His profile picture was pinned at the top of his homepage.

Ethan immediately became wary. "You actually found my Twitter? Even if you get me fired and find out where I live, I won't back down!"

He stepped forward, his voice passionate.

"Reporter Nan said if journalists fear consequences, the truth will never surface."

"Even if I can't be a journalist anymore, someone else will step up! You can't silence everyone!"

Evelyn was speechless.

Such dramatic lines...

She raised an eyebrow. "Fresh out of college?"

Ethan puffed out his chest. "So what?"

"No wonder you're so naive."

Ethan choked on his words.

She sounded so condescending, even though she looked his age.

Captain Durant grabbed his arm. "Stop disturbing the patient."

He shoved the phone back into Ethan's hand and pushed him out of the room.

Evelyn looked at Grace.

Grace avoided her gaze, her cheeks tense, fingers twisting her clothes.

"I... I need to use the restroom."

She practically fled.

Evelyn smiled softly.

Same as always.

She gets fidgety when she feels guilty.

Evelyn wasn't actually upset with her.

Rare iron-deficiency anemia sounded unbelievable to most people.

Grace listened to her explanation and arranged the blood test. That was more than enough.

James suddenly leaned in. "Boss, do you know who the killer is?"

Evelyn just smiled without answering.

James grinned and held up his phone. "That young reporter is live streaming again!"

Evelyn looked.

Ethan Young stood at the hospital entrance, explaining to the camera. "The stream cut off earlier. Don't worry, I'm fine! They wouldn't dare silence me in broad daylight..."

Comments scrolled wildly:

— Justice will prevail! Support the reporter!

— Can money really buy impunity? Even for murder?

— Bail for anemia? Who are they fooling? Punish the killer!

— Why no arrest with solid evidence? Is there a cover-up?

...

Ethan was speaking passionately when a clear female voice called out behind him. "Reporter."

Grace Lorenz walked into frame, her police uniform crisp. "I can give an interview."

Ethan was thrilled. "Medical Examiner Lorenz? Can you guarantee impartiality?"

"I can."

Grace faced the camera, standing tall.

Ethan pressed immediately. "The suspect Evelyn was granted bail due to anemia. Isn't that理由 ridiculous?"

Grace adjusted her police cap.

Her gaze was sharp under the brim.

She took a deep breath, her voice firm. "I swear on this uniform, Ms. Ross has a severe, life-threatening anemia! I signed the bail approval. There is no favoritism!"

Ethan was stunned. "How can you guarantee that?"

Grace's jaw tightened.

The badge on her shoulder gleamed.

"By the uniform I wear!"

Her words were forceful. "If Ms. Ross evades justice using bail, I will resign from the force. Permanently!"

Ethan was shaken by her conviction.

Grace looked straight into the camera. "The truth is often beneath the surface. Who says anemia isn't fatal? Don't let prejudice blind you and cause irreversible mistakes."

She was speaking to the reporter, and to herself.

She turned and left, her uniform jacket swishing.

Evelyn watched the screen, warmth spreading in her chest.

Grace cherished that uniform more than anything.

At the station, when Captain Durant said she would approve bail, Grace staked her career on it.

Even now, with everything settled, she still stood up.

"Your friend is decent."

Alexander's deep voice came from the doorway.

He entered the room, his tall frame imposing.

The bed dipped slightly as he sat beside her.

Evelyn nodded. "Just a bit foolish."

She looked at Alexander.

She remembered that night at the station.

When Grace mistakenly arrested her for fighting and locked her in the holding cell, she felt hopeless.

In the darkness, he forced his way in, holding Captain Durant.

In that moment, he was like a hero descending from heaven.

He carried her out and rushed her to the hospital.

The fresh scent of his embrace, his broad chest, made her feel safe for the first time.

Sickness makes people vulnerable.

Thinking back now...

This man was too reckless!

That was a police station! He took the captain hostage!

What if a sniper had shot him?

Even more foolish than Grace!

Evelyn was lost in thought for a moment. "Thank you."

Her formality made Alexander uncomfortable.

He meant to say "you're welcome."

But the words stuck in his throat.

He unconsciously touched his straight nose, his expression softening. "It was nothing."

Evelyn paused.

That gesture...

The big brother she met when she was four also touched his nose when embarrassed.

And he was also afraid of cats.

Evelyn suddenly asked, "Were you... ever kidnapped as a child?"

Alexander's eyes darkened. "Why do you ask?"