An hour later, the doorbell rang, echoing softly in the quiet penthouse. Armando got up, his stride purposeful as he went to let in the doctor. She looked exhausted, her face drawn from a long day, yet she managed a polite nod as she entered. Jessica watched her with a pang of sympathy, feeling a strange sadness for this woman who, like many others, had somehow found herself working within Armando’s world. It was a world that seemed to taint everything it touched.
The doctor approached Jessica with a gentle expression, setting down her bag. “I’ll be quick, Mrs. Rico,” she said softly, her voice kind, trying to put Jessica at ease. Jessica nodded, though her expression was still wary.
As the doctor examined her, she suggested painkillers and requested Jessica get some tests done. She then
