Chapter 3 - The Ghost from Mercy General
"Harper Bellamy," Vincent repeated softly, his eyes steady. "Unlock the chain. You have no reason to fear me."
There was something in his voice—an absolute, unshakeable certainty—that compelled her. With trembling fingers, Harper unhooked the brass latch and opened the door wide.
Vincent stepped inside. His tall silhouette immediately dominated the modern foyer. He didn't look around the luxury apartment with curiosity; his eyes swept across the room and stopped at the dining table, noticing the two cold plates and the untouched roast chicken.
He turned back to Harper, whose arms remained defensively crossed over her chest.
"Do you remember me?" Vincent asked. His voice was low, laced with an intense, quiet gravity.
Harper looked at his sharp jawline, the faint shadow of stubble, and the slight, faded scar cutting across his left eyebrow. Her mind spun, searching through years of faces, but found nothing.
"No," Harper whispered honestly, her voice shaking. "I'm sorry. I don’t know who you are. Did Trevor send you to evict me?"
A dark, dangerous flicker flashed behind Vincent’s eyes at the mention of Trevor's name. A subtle sneer touched his lips before fading into stone.
"Trevor Cole couldn't summon me if his life depended on it," Vincent said coldly.
He walked slowly toward the marble dining table. Harper followed him with cautious steps, keeping her distance. The aura of danger and absolute control surrounding him was overwhelming.
Vincent reached into the pocket of his tailored black trousers. He didn't pull out a gun, a legal notice, or money.
Instead, he gently placed a tiny, weathered object onto the white marble surface.
Harper stepped forward, her brow furrowed. She looked down.
Sitting on the polished stone was a faded, plastic hospital ID band. The edges were singed, yellowed by age and heat.
"Mercy General," Vincent said in a quiet, steady tone that sent shivers down her spine. "Three years ago. Floor four. The chemical fire."
Harper’s heart skipped a violent beat. Her eyes widened as she leaned over the table, reading the smudged black lettering printed on the plastic band.
*PATIENT: CALDER, VINCENT. ICU - TRAUMA UNIT.*
"Vincent Calder..." Harper gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.
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👉 As the shocking memory rushed back, Vincent looked directly into her eyes and revealed a truth that changed everything.
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