The paramedics' expressions shifted from confusion to outrage as they processed what they'd just heard.
"Did she seriously just ignore everything I said?"
"Call the police. Right now. She needs to be formally reprimanded."
My blood ran cold. "No, please don't call the police!"
Because the moment they took me away, even if Arnold eventually brought my mother to the hospital, there was no telling how long he'd drag his feet.
The paramedics' glares only hardened. I pointed frantically at my mother, who lay on the floor convulsing.
"Look at her! I wasn't lying to you. My mother needs emergency treatment now."
Their eyes followed my hand, and every face changed the instant they saw her.
"Cyanosis. She's going into shock."
"Call the hospital. Have a defibrillator standing by."
"Stretcher. Move!"
Before I could even exhale, Doreen's voice rang out again.
"Ha! You're actually buying this? They planned the whole thing ahead of time, just to fool you."
Every paramedic heading toward my mother stopped in their tracks.
"You—"
I jabbed a finger at Doreen, so furious the rest of the words died in my throat.
Arnold seized my wrist. "Enough. This is a gala celebrating the company's IPO, not a stage for your theatrics."
"Let go of me!" I wrenched against his grip, screaming with everything I had. "I am not making a scene! Mom needs surgery. You were right there when the doctor gave instructions after her coronary bypass. You heard every single word!"
Arnold went quiet. His fingers loosened just enough.
I tore free and ran to the paramedics, my voice cracking with urgency. "Please. Take my mother to the hospital."
"That's enough!"
One of the paramedics cut me off with a sharp bark.
"You show zero remorse. You're getting a formal reprimand today, no question."
He pulled out his phone to dial the police.
That was when Doreen sauntered over, hips swaying, and plucked the phone right out of his hand with a coy smile. "Oh, come on. It was just a party dare, a little joke. Is that really worth calling the cops over?"
She tilted her head, all sweetness. "You medical folks are always wound so tight. Would it kill you to loosen up once in a while? Have a laugh?"
She gestured toward me with an air of magnanimity. "Mrs. Abbott didn't mean any harm. She gave you all a good laugh, so why not let it slide this once?"
Then she winked at me, as if to say: You're welcome. Now thank me.
I nearly blacked out from rage.
By now, the scene had grown ugly enough that a few employees finally stepped forward.
"Secretary Stephens, this is a matter of life and death. There's a time and place for jokes."
"Exactly. Look at Mrs. Abbott's mother. Does that look like an act to you?"
"Secretary Stephens, a word of advice. If you keep stalling and something happens to her, you could be looking at a charge of intentional homicide."
"…"
"Shut your mouths." Doreen planted her fists on her hips and snapped at them, then turned to Arnold with a wounded pout.
"Mr. Sanchez, do you see this? I'm your secretary. I represent your image, your reputation. And these people have the nerve to lecture me right in front of you. Imagine what they say behind your back."
She dabbed at the corner of her eye. "A few harsh words at my expense, I can take. But your dignity? That's what's really at stake here."
Arnold's expression darkened. He swept a cold look over the employees who'd spoken up, then turned to Doreen.
"What do you think should be done?"
Doreen's eyes lit up. "Fire them. Insubordinate, disrespectful to their superiors. The company has no use for people like that."
