"It'll be fine..." He inhaled sharply. "You can do it with one hand."
He looked into my eyes and added, "Anna, you're so skilled—you can manage with one hand, right?"
Slap!
My left hand left a red print across his face. My whole body trembled in rage. "Do you really believe Beatrice—that surgery can be done single-handed?"
He mumbled, as if arguing with himself, "No... Beatrice said a one-handed delivery is possible..."
He grabbed the stump of my right arm, ignoring my teeth-grinding agony. "It's okay, Anna. Try it—what if you can? If you don't operate, Beatrice will shoulder the blame!"
Before I could say anything, a loud bang sounded and the door flew open.
A tall man, long-legged and menacing, stood framed in the doorway, his suit askew, face carved with fury.
"What have you done to my sister?" Augustus' voice was brimming with killing intent.
Behind him, Beatrice was held fast by bodyguards; blood stained the corner of her mouth. I shifted my gaze to the man following Augustus.
"Director Higgins!"
"Dr. Humphrey..." The director's eyes locked onto my severed hand, widening in absolute disbelief.