Sunlight filtered through the curtains as Stella Laurent tucked the blanket around the baby. She turned to Jenna Roland propped against the headboard. "I'll get lunch. What would you like?"

Jenna closed the parenting book in her hands. "Steamed turbot, stir-fried green beans, shredded pork with lettuce, and tomato egg soup." She paused. "Order something you like too."

"That restaurant's abalone soup is famous. I'll bring some back for you." Stella reached for her jacket.

"Alright." Jenna smiled in agreement.

Before leaving, Stella reminded her, "Call me immediately if you need anything."

As the door clicked shut, Jenna considered checking her phone but remembered Stella's warning. She picked up the book instead. Two pages in, the door burst open.

Vanessa Galatea stood silhouetted in black, locking the door behind her.

Jenna straightened instinctively. "Ms. Galatea?"

Vanessa's gaze fixed on the bassinet, her lips curling into a sneer. "The spitting image of Ethan." Her nails dug into her palms.

"Is that why you're here?" Jenna shielded the baby.

Vanessa's head snapped up, eyes glinting dangerously. "Ethan should've been mine! What right does a country bumpkin like you have to steal him?"

Jenna scoffed. "Love isn't about seniority. He never loved you."

"Shut up!" Vanessa shrieked. "I've known him twenty years! Who do you think you are?"

The baby stirred uneasily. Jenna kept her voice low. "Leave. You're frightening him."

"Leave?" Vanessa lunged at the bed. "How long do you think that pretty face will keep Ethan interested? When he tires of you, you won't even have a place to cry!"

Jenna met her gaze squarely. "Still better than you. At least he chose me once."

The words ignited Vanessa's fury. Madness flashed in her eyes. "Then I'll destroy you first!" Her hands slammed onto Jenna's freshly stitched wound.

White-hot pain blinded Jenna as sweat drenched her hospital gown. She clawed at Vanessa's wrists. "Get off! Help—"