CHAPTER 90: 90. PROTECTION

Maria remained unconscious, trapped in the still, heavy silence of her mind, but the world around her was far from quiet.

Though she couldn’t move or speak, her soul hovered, aware of the people who came and went, their voices filtering through the haze like distant echoes.

Outside her room at Celtic Hospitals, Laura was startled as a sharp voice called out to her. She turned quickly and found the doctor approaching her with brisk steps.

His expression was serious, but there was recognition in his eyes.

"Good morning, doctor," Laura greeted politely, forcing a calm smile despite the pounding of her heart.

"Good morning, miss. How are you today?" the doctor responded gently, slowing his pace as he reached her.

"I’m fine, doctor... but how’s Maria? Is she doing any better?" Laura asked anxiously, her eyes pleading for good news.

The doctor sighed, his face tightening slightly. "I can’t tell you that she’s okay... but I’m hopeful."

Laura frowned, her patience wearing thin. "I don’t understand. Is her condition improving at all?"

"Her situation is rare, something I’ve hardly seen before. All we can do now is hope she pulls through," he explained carefully, his tone calm but firm.

"A rare condition?" Laura repeated in disbelief. "Please, can I see her? I need to see Maria now."

Just as they were about to head toward Maria’s room, Mason and several security men sent by Bernard arrived, immediately pulling the doctor aside. Mason’s expression was serious as he delivered strict instructions.

"No one is allowed to see Maria," Mason told the doctor firmly, his eyes flicking briefly to Laura.

Laura’s heart skipped. "What? Why can’t I see her? Has something happened to her?" she asked, her voice rising with panic.

"Please," the doctor turned to Mason, "can you at least give me Mr. Bernard’s contact? I need to speak with him immediately."

Mason hesitated but then nodded. "Alright, I’ll give you his number, but until I hear directly from him, no one is allowed into that room except medical staff."

After passing Bernard’s contact to the doctor, Mason signaled to his men, and two guards immediately positioned themselves in front of Maria’s room like stone statues.

Laura watched all this unfold, her suspicion growing by the second. Something wasn’t right. Why were they suddenly tightening security? She tried to focus, to listen to their thoughts—but her mind was too agitated, too clouded with frustration.

Two minutes later, the doctor returned, his face still tense but now with a sliver of relief. "Bernard said you can go in to see her," he announced.

Mason didn’t trust the message. His eyes narrowed. "Hold on, I need to confirm that myself."

Just as he reached for his phone, it began to ring—it was Bernard.

"Boss," Mason answered swiftly.

"Mason, let that girl see Maria, but make sure you follow her in. Keep your men stationed at all key points in the hospital," Bernard instructed, his voice sharp and commanding.

"Understood, sir. I’ll handle it right away."

"One more thing—don’t let her notice that you’re watching her. Stay alert but act normal. Watch her every move," Bernard added before ending the call.

Mason returned to Laura and the doctor, this time with a much softer expression. "Sorry for the delay. I was just following instructions earlier. You can go in now." He smiled, but Laura could see the stiffness in his face—it wasn’t genuine.

She mirrored his fake politeness with a forced smile of her own and followed the doctor as they entered Maria’s room. Mason trailed behind them and signaled to his men to stand guard and allow no one else to enter.

Inside, Laura rushed to Maria’s bedside. Maria’s body lay motionless, her face pale and still, but what caught Laura’s attention were the tears streaming silently from her closed eyes.

"Doctor, she’s crying. Does that mean she’s awake?" Laura asked, alarmed and confused.

The doctor quickly checked Maria’s pulse and other vitals, his brow furrowed. "No, she’s not awake. The tears... they’re likely a reaction to whatever she’s experiencing internally. That’s why I said her condition is rare."

"So, can she hear us?" Laura asked, her voice trembling.

"Possibly. I can’t guarantee it. But what I can tell you is she’s alive, and there’s still strong life in her. Still... the longer she stays in this state, the more dangerous it becomes. It could even be fatal if it continues much longer," the doctor warned.

Laura’s chest tightened. "Doctor, what can we do to bring her back quickly? There must be something more we can try."

"We’ll continue her treatment and monitor her closely. Beyond that... we can only wait and hope," the doctor said gently.

Laura bit her lip, frustration growing. Waiting wasn’t good enough.

Just as she was about to leave the room to get some fresh air, raised voices echoed from the hallway.

"I have every right to see Maria! Not even Bernard can stop me!" a familiar female voice yelled, furious and determined.

Mason immediately walked toward the door, his instincts kicking in. "Stay here," he told the doctor and Laura firmly.

Outside, Cassandra was in a heated argument with the security guards.

"Step aside! She’s my friend!" Cassandra insisted, her face flushed with anger.

"Miss, please calm down. We have orders—"

"You don’t understand! I was there when she was brought in. I need to see her now!"

As one guard started to approach her, Mason swung the door open.

"Who are you, and why are you causing a scene here?" Mason’s voice boomed as he stepped into the hallway.

Cassandra glared at him. "I’m Cassandra, Maria’s friend. And who are you to question me?"

Laura and the doctor quickly rushed out, recognizing her voice. "Please, she’s our friend. We all brought Maria to the hospital yesterday. Let her in," Laura pleaded.

Mason stared at Cassandra, his expression unreadable. His sharp eyes examined her carefully, searching for any hidden motives.

"Why are you staring at me like that? Do you have a problem with me?" Cassandra challenged him boldly.

"You can come in," Mason finally said. "And for the record, I’m Mason... head of special security for the Gilbert family." His voice was full of authority...