“But what should I…?” Sapphira’s voice trailed off, filled with uncertainty.
“Mom, trust me. It’s going to be okay,” Larissa said, her tone firm and reassuring. “Stay home. As soon as I know what’s happening, I will call you.”
“Okay, Larissa. I’ll be waiting.”
“Text me my dad’s assistant’s number.”
After Larissa hung up, the number immediately appeared on her screen. She put her phone away, quickly explained the situation to Haskell, and then turned to the others. “I’m so sorry, my mother said my father was arrested at his office. We’ll have to do this another time.”
“Don’t worry about it, Larissa,” Fintan said quickly. “Your father is what’s important. We can get together anytime. Go handle things.”
“He’s right,” Javor added. “If you need anything at all, just let us know.”
Haskell’s eyes were filled with concern. “I’m coming with you,” he said, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Larissa nodded. “Okay.”
He turned to his friends. “You guys go ahead and eat. Put it on my tab.”
Without another word, he stood and walked to Larissa’s side, and together they left the restaurant.
Haskell got into Larissa’s car. She started the engine and sped toward Judson Pharmaceuticals. The sky was now completely dark, but the city lights cast an artificial daylight over the streets. Haskell sat in silence, giving her space. He knew the news about her father must have been a heavy blow, and she needed a moment to process it.
“Let me take you to your father’s office first,” the assistant replied.
“Lead the way.”
Larissa exchanged a look with Haskell and followed the assistant inside. When they reached Neville’s office, the assistant opened the door to reveal stacks of files piled high on the desk. “These complaint reports will explain everything,” he said.
Larissa walked in and picked up the top file. The assistant elaborated, “These are all feedback reports from hospitals. The latest batch of our cardiac monitors has been reporting faulty heart rate data. So far, three different hospitals have reported misdiagnoses as a direct result.”
Larissa scanned the documents. He was right. Every single report was a complaint about the monitors. She quickly absorbed the details, getting a grasp of the crisis.

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