Sarah reached me first. She leaned down, gave me an exaggerated wink, and whispered just loud enough for the others to hear:
"Looking awfully alive for a dying man, Jack. Should I start crying again for the drama?"
I smirked. Julie had clearly filled her in—Sarah knew the injuries were fake. Her playful energy cut through the room like a spark.
Julie's eyes flicked immediately to Samantha—standing quietly near the bed, still flushed, new clothes pristine, but her lips still faintly swollen from earlier.
"And who's this?" Julie asked, voice light but probing.
Gabriela answered smoothly—stepping forward with a warm, innocent smile.
"She's Samantha. Hotel staff. I asked her to help Jack wash up and change his clothes while we were all… losing our minds earlier. She's been very sweet."
Yuko looked over—blinked once—then gave Samantha a small, grateful nod.
"Thank you…" she said softly, voice sincere. "For taking care of him."
