After breakfast, as the maids began to clear the table, Tan pushed his wheelchair back from his seat and turned to Kai and Derek, who were still deep in quiet conversation at the far end of the table.
"I'll be in the strategy room," he said. "Meet me there whenever you're ready."
Kai nodded. Derek lifted a hand without looking up from his coffee. Tan wheeled himself toward the door. But before he could reach the exit, Angelica appeared in front of him, blocking his way.
"Tan, we need to talk," she said, her hands on her hips. "The doctor said you need a full-time caregiver, and you've been ignoring his advice for weeks. I want you to listen to reason."
"I don't need a caregiver," Tan said flatly. "And I don't need a nurse. I manage perfectly well."
"Manage?" Angelica's voice rose. "You can barely make it across the east wing without stopping to catch your breath. You're punishing yourself, and for what? It has been years. You need to accept help."
