---
The dimly lit hospital corridor still carried an air of tension, the kind that lingered long after the chaos had subsided. Mr. Vincent Wilson stood stiffly outside the ward, his imposing presence casting long shadows on the cold white walls. His sharp eyes were fixed on Cain, who stood across from him, calm but unyielding.
Vincent's voice broke the silence first, sharp and heavy with judgment.
"Cain, let me be clear. Claire is a sweet girl, yes, but she's also a liability. Maria's life has been spiraling because of her presence. You should rethink this engagement before it ruins everything."
Cain's jaw tightened, but he remained composed. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his tailored coat, his stance resolute.
"Dad," he began, his tone calm yet firm, "with all due respect, Claire is not to blame for Maria's actions. If Maria has an issue, perhaps it's better she takes time away to reflect on herself instead of creating chaos."
Vincent's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Are you suggesting my daughter should leave her family? Maria has been a part of our lives far longer than Claire!"
Cain's voice remained steady, though a sharp edge crept into his words.
"I'm suggesting that Maria take responsibility for her behavior. Claire has done nothing wrong. If Maria's struggles stem from jealousy or personal insecurities, perhaps distance would help her regain clarity. This isn't about favoritism; it's about what's right."
Vincent's face flushed with anger, his voice rising.
"Cain, you're choosing a girl you barely know over family. Maria is practically like a sister to you!"
Cain's expression hardened, his voice dropping to a dangerous calm.
"She may have been like family once, but that does not excuse her actions. Claire is my fiancée, Dad, My loyalty lies with her, and I will not tolerate anyone jeopardizing her peace, no matter who they are."
The two men stood locked in a silent standoff, tension crackling between them like static. Before either could speak again, Madame Lana's sharp voice rang out, cutting through the argument.
"Enough, both of you!"
Both turned to her as she approached, her expression stern and unyielding.
"Vincent, stop behaving like a fool," she snapped. "You're blaming Claire for things Maria brought upon herself. And Cain," she added, her gaze shifting, "this isn't the time for lectures. Maria needs to heal, and so does this family. Now, let's move forward like civilized adults instead of barking like dogs."
Vincent muttered under his breath but said nothing further, his pride forcing him to step back. Cain gave Madame Lana a small nod of acknowledgment before walking toward the billing counter.
---
Inside the ward, Claire stood silently by the corner, her fingers fiddling nervously with the hem of her sweater. Cain had left to settle the bill, and Beth had been called away to handle an urgent matter at work. The room felt stiflingly quiet, save for the occasional hum of machines.
Madame Lana, sitting beside Maria, looked less than thrilled. She was peeling an orange with slow, deliberate motions, her lips pursed in clear irritation. Her eyes flickered toward Maria occasionally, as if assessing whether the younger woman was worth the trouble.
Maria shifted slightly on the hospital bed, her gaze darting toward Claire. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke.
"Claire…" Her voice was soft, almost timid.
Claire turned her head slowly, her expression guarded.
Maria bit her lip, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"I'm sorry," she said, her voice trembling. "No matter what I do, it seems to backfire. I didn't mean for things to get so messy. I… I just didn't want to be the villain in your happy life."
Claire's expression softened slightly, but her reply was measured.
"It's fine, Maria. Focus on your recovery first."
Maria's lips quivered into a tentative smile, though her eyes remained pleading.
"Claire, I mean it," she insisted. "I want you to forgive me. I've never had real friends before—since childhood, it's always been… difficult. You and I, we've both had traumatic pasts. We can understand each other better than anyone. Let's try to be friends again."
Claire hesitated, her eyes flickering toward Madame Lana, who had been watching the exchange silently. Maria reached out, taking Madame Lana's hand with a desperate look.
"Lola," Maria implored, her voice cracking. "Please tell Claire to forgive me. I'll be good this time. I won't let jealousy ruin things like before. I even gave my life to prove how sorry I am." Her tears spilled over, streaking down her pale cheeks.
Madame Lana squinted her eyes, her expression a mix of skepticism and exhaustion.
"Maria," she said sharply, "I don't know whether you're innocent or cunning. But let me make one thing clear—Claire is a beautiful girl with a pure soul. If you harm her again, I won't be so forgiving."
Maria sniffled, nodding fervently.
"Yes, Lola. I won't—I promise I won't. I just want to make things right."
Madame Lana sighed, shaking her head as if unsure whether to believe her. Maria turned her attention back to Claire, her face lighting up with cautious hope.
"Claire," she said softly, "let's start small. Let's just be good to each other until you trust me again. I'll wait for your forgiveness, no matter how long it takes."
Claire studied Maria for a moment, her expression unreadable, before giving a small nod.
"Okay," she said quietly.
Maria's face broke into a smile, her relief palpable.
---
Later, the doctor entered the room with an air of professionalism, his expression neutral.
"Maria's stable," he said, addressing the group. "However, given the nature of her injuries, I strongly recommend a psychological evaluation. If there are any further self-harm attempts, it could become life-threatening. For now, she's cleared to go home, but she'll need to return in a day to have her dressings changed. I've prescribed antibiotics and painkillers—make sure she takes them as directed."
Madame Lana nodded curtly, already pulling out her phone to arrange transportation. Cain returned just as the discharge process was completed. Together, they left the hospital, the weight of the day hanging heavy over the group.
---
That evening, the house was unusually quiet. Dinner was a subdued affair, with everyone too drained to engage in conversation. As soon as the meal was over, they each retreated to their rooms.
But Cain found no rest. He paced the length of his bedroom, his mind a storm of conflicting thoughts. Unable to contain his frustration, he left his room and made his way to Claire's.
The door creaked softly as he entered, and the sight of her sleeping form stopped him in his tracks. Claire's face was peaceful in sleep, her breathing steady. Cain's heart ached as he took in the delicate curve of her cheek, the faint furrow of her brows even in slumber.
A small smile tugged at his lips as he sat down beside her. Gently, his hand brushed across her cheek, his fingers lingering on her skin. He bent down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
"I'm sorry, Claire," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I wasn't able to protect you. I'm not as powerful as you think I am. But I promise you, once I've gained the power I need, no one will ever hurt you again." His hand tightened around hers, his expression darkening with determination.
He stood, his resolve hardening. Pulling out his phone, he dialed Mark.
"Book me a flight to Orcana for tomorrow morning," he ordered. "I need to finish that project as soon as possible."
Orcana. The heart of the city's business district. Once his project there was complete, his influence would skyrocket. With Asheville, S City, and Orcana under his control, the Wilson empire would have no choice but to acknowledge him as its rightful heir.
Cain ended the call, his gaze steely. He had a plan, and he wouldn't rest until it was executed. This was only the beginning.