The moment Jason’s head lowered, his men charged.

Maxine hadn’t expected such blind resolve. She already had what she came for—Elliana’s daughter—and she wanted no more blood spilled tonight. But Jason seemed determined to throw his life away, and there was nothing left to say.

As Jason’s men surged forward, Maxine gave her guards a subtle signal—a silent order to end it swiftly. At once, their demeanor hardened. They moved like shadows, ready to strike.

Just then, the operating room door burst open. Paulina rushed out, her cry cutting through the rising chaos.

“Stop!”

Everything froze.

Jason turned sharply toward her, eyes wide.

Paulina’s lashes were wet with tears, but her voice held steady. She looked every bit like a rose standing tall against the storm. Her gaze swept over the room before landing on Jason.

“Elliana said your life matters more than anything else.”

The meaning was clear—let it go. No more blood.

Jason’s chest tightened. His eyes burned, guilt clawing at him. Elliana was trying to save him—to save them all—and he couldn’t even protect her when she needed him most.

Paulina then turned to Maxine. Her tone was calm, neither fearful nor rude.

“Ms. Griffiths, Elliana asks that you treat her daughter kindly and do not harm her.”

Maxine’s lips curved into a faint smile.

“Elliana is wise. She knows when to bend, unlike some reckless fool who’d rather die making a scene.”

Her gaze flicked briefly to Jason before returning to Paulina.

Ltτ ?hρτ?rs ιn glov?l.оm

“Tell Elliana not to worry. I will make her daughter the Griffiths heiress. I’ll treasure her daughter—why would I ever let harm come to her?”

With that, Maxine turned toward the stairwell, the baby safe in her arms. Her men fell into formation, shielding her as they left. In moments, the hall was empty.

Miguel, who had watched the entire standoff without a word, merely rolled his neck and sighed. Whether they fought or not didn’t matter to him. Either way, it was all the same show.

As silence settled again, Miguel tilted his head, listening for sounds from the operating room. Elliana was still in labor with the second child.

Paulina threw a cautious glance at Miguel before walking to Jason’s side. She held out a small pill.

“Elliana wanted you to take this. It’ll stop the bleeding and help you heal.”

Anything from Elliana could be trusted.

Jason took the pill and swallowed it dry.

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