Liam's face erupted in angry red splotches. His cheeks burned scarlet, his breath came in shallow gasps, and his small frame trembled violently—as if he might collapse at any second.

Alexander Blackwood rushed to his son's side, calling his name with increasing urgency. When Liam remained unresponsive, he whirled toward Victoria Langley, who stood frozen beside him. "Call an ambulance—now!"

Victoria jolted into action, her face ghostly pale as she fumbled with her phone. The other patrons in the upscale restaurant gasped, murmurs rising like a tide.

A sharp voice cut through the noise. "That's anaphylaxis! He needs epinephrine immediately—if we wait for the ambulance, it might be too late!"

Tears welled in Victoria's eyes. "Alex, what do we do?"

Alexander's jaw tightened. He wasn't a medical professional, and the last thing he wanted was to worsen Liam's condition. Desperation edged his voice as he raised it over the crowd. "Is there a doctor here? Save this boy, and I'll pay you a million dollars."

A million. The room erupted in murmurs.

Most people would scoff at such an offer, but everything about Alexander—from his custom-tailored suit to the authority in his voice—made it clear he wasn't bluffing.

Almost instantly, a man stepped forward. "I'll help!"

Alexander's piercing gaze locked onto him. "You're a doctor?"

The man hesitated under that scrutiny but nodded. "Yes, sir. I'm a surgeon."

Technically, he specialized in orthopedics, not pediatrics or emergency medicine. But a million dollars was a life-changing sum. He pulled out his hospital ID. "Here's my credentials."

Alexander gave a terse nod.

As the man knelt beside Liam, preparing to administer CPR, a sharp voice rang out. "Don't touch him!"

Everyone turned.

Amy Sinclair pushed through the crowd, her face pale with horror. She had just returned from the restroom to find chaos around Alexander and Victoria—and Liam, limp and struggling to breathe.

Victoria's voice cracked. "Ms. Sinclair, he's dying! We can't wait—"

Amy didn't hesitate. "CPR could kill him in this state." Her gaze snapped to the surgeon. "If you don't know pediatric anaphylaxis protocols, step back."

The man bristled. "I'm a licensed physician. Who are you to question me?"

Amy ignored him, moving toward Liam—but a strong hand caught her wrist.

Alexander's voice was ice. "Amy. Don't make this worse."