CHAPTER 91: 91. THE RETURN

Mason’s eyes remained locked on Cassandra’s, both of them unwilling to break the silent tension that hung heavily between them.

After his firm statement, Cassandra huffed and finally stepped into the hospital room where the doctor and Laura were waiting.

"What’s really going on here?" Cassandra demanded, her voice sharp and laced with frustration. "Why were they trying to stop me from coming in?"

The doctor raised his hands gently, trying to calm her down.

"Please relax, miss. These are Mr. Bernard’s orders, and there’s nothing I can do about them. If they believe Maria’s life might be in danger by any means, it’s my duty to follow the security measures put in place. I understand your concern, but please bear with the situation."

The doctor’s calm explanation softened Cassandra’s anger a little. Her shoulders dropped, though the heaviness in her chest didn’t go away. Slowly, she walked closer to Maria’s bed.

Seeing Maria lying there, lifeless yet somehow still shedding tears from her closed eyes, shattered the last of Cassandra’s defenses. Her heart broke, and tears rushed down her cheeks.

"What could she be going through now?" Cassandra whispered, her voice cracking as she stared at Maria’s peaceful but pained face. "And here we are, useless... completely unable to help her out of this."

Her legs trembled, and she sank to the floor, overwhelmed. Laura and the doctor quickly rushed to her side, helping her back up and trying to comfort her. Laura rubbed her back gently, whispering soothing words.

Laura’s chest tightened. The atmosphere in the room was suffocating, and she couldn’t bear it anymore. She stood up, preparing to leave.

"Where are you going, Laura?" Cassandra asked, her voice weak but curious.

"I need to run some errands for my parents," Laura explained softly. "If time allows, I’ll come back later."

Cassandra nodded quietly, too drained to say more. Laura gave Maria one last glance before walking out of the room.

As she stepped out of the hospital building, she immediately flagged down a cab and left the Celtic Hospital, her thoughts heavy.

Back in the hospital room, Cassandra remained with the doctor, her eyes never leaving Maria.

"Doctor, please," she pleaded tearfully. "I don’t want to lose Maria... Please do everything you can to save her."

The doctor sighed deeply, feeling her pain. "I told you, I will do everything in my power to help her. But the longer she stays in this coma, the more dangerous it is for her life. I’m worried."

His honesty tightened the knot in Cassandra’s chest. Together, they walked out of the hospital room. Mason and his security team were still stationed around the hospital, their presence reminding everyone of Bernard’s seriousness about Maria’s safety.

Cassandra made her way to the reception area, dropped into one of the chairs, and pulled out her phone. She dialed a number, her fingers trembling slightly.

When the call connected, Bernard’s voice came through.

"Hello, Bernard. I’m at Celtic Hospital. Why all this security? Why does it feel like the hospital is under siege?" Cassandra’s voice trembled with frustration and confusion.

"Cassandra, relax. I’m on my way now. I’ll explain everything when I get there," Bernard’s calm voice came over the line, steady and firm.

"Okay. I’ll wait for you here." Cassandra ended the call, leaning back against the chair with a sigh.

Her thoughts spiraled. I feel so useless... I can’t do anything to help Maria. I just pray she makes it through this and comes out stronger than before.

***

Meanwhile, at Frederick’s company, Mr. Frederick was in his office, going through some documents when Joel, one of his trusted guards, rushed in, his face tight with worry.

"Good morning, boss," Joel greeted, his voice low.

"Good morning, Joel. What’s with the long face?" Frederick asked, immediately sensing something was wrong.

"Boss, it’s Maria. She’s in the hospital, and from what I’ve gathered, she’s fallen into a coma."

Frederick’s body went still. His eyes hardened. "What did you just say? Maria is in a coma? Explain this properly!"

Joel shifted uneasily. "Boss, it’s true. She’s in a coma, but we don’t know exactly what caused it."

"Stop talking!" Frederick’s angry voice roared through the office, making Joel step back in alarm.

He rubbed his temples, struggling to calm himself. "Tell me exactly what happened. What led to her coma?"

"We don’t have all the details yet, sir, but I promise I’ll find out. I’ll get you the full information by this evening."

"You better," Frederick said sharply. "Get out now and don’t come back without answers."

Joel quickly turned and left the office in a hurry.

Left alone, Frederick’s fists clenched tightly. His breathing became heavy, his mind racing with anger and worry. "What could have caused this? It better not be anyone’s doing. If I find out someone is behind Maria’s condition... I’ll make sure they beg for death."

He began pacing his office restlessly, frustration and confusion clouding his thoughts. He was still lost in his rage when his phone buzzed. The caller ID showed an unknown number. His brows furrowed in suspicion, but he eventually picked up.

There was a brief silence before a familiar voice greeted him.

"Hello, Mr. Frederick. It’s Elijah Simons."

Frederick’s stiff shoulders relaxed slightly. "Ah, it’s been a while, friend. How have you been?"

"I’ve been busy handling some important matters. I just returned to Scotland, but it seems there’s bad news waiting."

Frederick frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I know you’ve already heard about Maria’s situation," Elijah said casually.

"Yes, I’ve heard about it. How long have you been back in Scotland?"

Elijah chuckled. "I’ve been around, but I don’t need to be physically present to know what’s happening. My ears are everywhere."

Frederick sighed. "So, why did you call?"

"This is the perfect time to strike the Gilbert family," Elijah said confidently. "If we’re going to make our move, it has to be now. And this time, we won’t be silent about it."

His words sent a dark wave of thoughts through Frederick’s mind. He knew Elijah never spoke carelessly.

He was planning something big, and Frederick’s heart twisted with mixed feelings... rage, fear, and the haunting desperation to save Maria...