Chapter 77

Lizbella’s POV

I needed coffee. Waking up this early was slowly draining whatever life I had left. The clinic was already busy, voices murmuring from the waiting room, paperwork piling up on my desk. I rubbed at my temples, inhaling deeply. It was barely 8 a.m., and I was already wishing for the day to be over.

The whispers didn’t help either. Ever since Briar had been caught up in the council’s drama, people kept looking at me as if I were guilty by association. They came here with fake smiles, eyes curious, questions hidden behind careful words.

"Liz," My assistant, Jenna, peeked into the room with a forced casualness that fooled no one. "There’s someone here—asking about Briar again."

I sighed. "Who is it now?"

She hesitated. "Just a couple women from town. Asking if it’s true—what everyone’s been saying about her. They seem… eager."

I waved my hand, frustration prickling beneath my skin. "Sen