Valerie's POV
Footsteps stopped right behind us.
"Oh, are you guys okay?"
I turned first. Nathan was standing there, his suit perfectly neat, his expression a mix of concern and mild surprise.
Leo turned too. His shoulders stiffened for a split second before settling again. I could read his body language pretty well now. Nathan put him on edge.
"I was visiting a friend," Nathan continued, as if explaining without being asked. "Then I saw you two from the end of the corridor. I thought I might be mistaken."
I gave a small smile. "Just a minor incident. It's nothing."
Nathan's gaze flicked to the bandage on my hand, then to the IV stand, then to Max's wheelchair inside the room, before returning to my face. It was quick but enough for me to know he didn't fully believe me.
Still, Nathan smiled.
"Thank goodness," he said. "I was worried."
