CHAPTER 256: GRACIE’S SURGERY WENT WELL.

From Ian’s grave tone, Nathaniel immediately sensed that he had uncovered something. Rising from his seat, he motioned for Ian to follow him. They stopped at the far end of a quiet corridor.

"What did you find?" Nathaniel asked tensely.

Ian exhaled in frustration, shaking his head. "There are no surveillance cameras on that side of the hall. I’m sorry — I couldn’t determine exactly what happened. But I’m still investigating. I’m sure we’ll uncover something soon. But..."

He hesitated before continuing, "The best chance we have is – if Mrs. Grant regains consciousness and tells us what really happened."

Nathaniel rubbed his face tiredly, letting out a weary sigh. "The surgery is still ongoing. I hope she wakes up."

While the two men talked, Zara remained near the emergency room, waiting anxiously for an update. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the same nurse she had seen earlier with Riya walking toward the door.

Her stomach clenched. ’It’s her!’

The nurse was about to enter the room when Zara quickly stepped in front of her.

"Excuse me, I need to go in," the nurse said curtly.

Zara stood her ground. "You can’t go in." Her voice was firm, her eyes sharp with suspicion.

The nurse scowled. "Who are you to stop me?"

Zara grabbed her arm, leaning in close. "I saw you with Riya, planning to hurt Mrs. Grant."

The nurse’s face drained of color, her eyes going wide in shock. "It’s you!" she gasped.

Her blood ran cold. She tried to pull away, but Zara’s grip tightened.

Zara had said those last words only to check if she had guessed right. But the nurse’s reaction told everything. Her suspicion was now confirmed.

"You really thought you could get away with this," Zara hissed. "You have no idea who you are dealing with. The Grant family doesn’t forgive betrayals. You could be erased in an instant."

The nurse was about to cry. She started pleading, "I’m sorry — please forgive me. I didn’t mean it. I got greedy..."

"For money, you betrayed your duty," Zara said coldly. "You were supposed to care for patients, not take bribes to harm them. I can’t let you slip away with this. A person like you doesn’t deserve to work here."

"No, please," the nurse begged, desperation in her voice. "I’m the only one who earns for my family. My mother is sick; my brother is still in school. If I lose this job, they’ll suffer. Have mercy."

Zara remained unmoved. "You should have thought about the consequences before plotting against the Grants."

The nurse hung her head. "I know I was wrong. It was her — Riya bribed me; she manipulated me. I gave the money back. I’m not working with her anymore. If you want, I’ll testify against her. I’ll help bring her down."

Zara listened, but she stayed wary.

"Fine," she finally said. "I’ll hold off for now. But betray me and I’ll ruin you."

The nurse shook her head frantically. "I won’t. You can rely on me."

Zara gave a curt nod. "Don’t let me down."

The nurse breathed with relief and managed a small, grateful smile. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

"Don’t let her suspect anything," Zara instructed firmly. "Keep acting like you are still on her side. Record every word she says. I need solid proof against her."

"You can count on me," the nurse replied with newfound confidence. "She won’t suspect a thing."

"As long as you stay loyal, I’ll make sure your career moves forward, and I’ll also help with your mother’s treatment."

At that, the woman’s eyes brightened with hope. "I won’t disappoint you. I promise."

Just then, Nathaniel came back and noticed Zara speaking with the nurse. "What did she say?" he asked anxiously, desperate for news about his mother.

"I haven’t gone inside yet," the nurse answered calmly before Zara could answer. "I was just checking if the doctors needed anything. Excuse me."

She gave Zara a subtle, knowing nod before heading into the room.

Zara turned to Nathaniel. "Don’t worry. I spoke to her. She said she’ll update us about what is happening inside." She took his hand gently. "Come, sit for a while."

Guiding him to one of the chairs, she said softly, "You look exhausted. Try to rest a bit. I’ll wake you up as soon as the doctor comes out."

Nathaniel didn’t respond, just leaned his head against her shoulder. "Thank you, Zara... for staying. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

"I’m right here," she murmured, wrapping an arm around him. "And I’m not leaving."

The door opened, and the doctor stepped out with a reassuring smile on his face. "The surgery went well," he announced. "The bleeding has stopped, and her vitals are stable. She’ll regain consciousness once the anesthesia wears off."

Relief flooded through Nathaniel and Zara.

"Thank you so much," Nathaniel said earnestly.

The doctor gave a polite nod before heading down the hall.

Turning to Zara, Nathaniel gripped her shoulders. "Did you hear that?" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with joy. "Mom’s surgery went well. She is going to be okay."

Zara’s face lit up. "Yes, she will," she said, smiling widely.

"You can’t imagine how relieved I am," he murmured, pulling her into a tight embrace. "For a moment, I thought I’d lose her... just like Nora."

Zara froze in his arms, her smile fading. She understood his fear, his pain. But hearing Nora’s name even at the moment like this felt like a knife twisting inside her chest. It seemed as if Nora lingered in his heart, woven into every memory, every emotion.

Zara knew the truth all along, but it still hurt.

Before the ache could take over completely, Nathaniel cupped her face, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You were my strength, Zara. You kept me grounded when I was falling apart. Without you, I don’t know what I’d have done. You made me believe she’d pull through, and she did."

His hand slid behind her head as he leaned in, pressing his lips softly against hers. The unexpected kiss startled Zara. Her heart was still tender from the wound his words had left. She wasn’t ready for any intimacy.

"Nathaniel," she said, trying to pull back.

"You are my lifeline, Zara," he whispered before she could say anything. "Without you, I am nothing."