Stepping out of the Intensive Care Unit, Albert Harrison didn't hesitate. He pulled out his phone and dialed.

"Mr. Anderson," Albert said, his voice tight. "Where are you?"

"Mr. Harrison, I presume? To what do I owe the pleasure?" Maximus’s voice drifted through the receiver, dripping with careless indifference.

"Do you have any idea what’s happening right now?" Albert’s hand trembled with rage. "Rose is in the ICU, fighting for her life!"

"I’m well aware. She’s stable, isn’t she? I’m in the middle of a high-stakes merger, Harrison. If you’re so concerned, why don’t you take some time off and play nurse for her?" With a sharp click, Maximus disconnected the call.

*Damn you, Anderson.* Maximus stood in his office, smirking at his phone. *Nice try, Rose. Running to daddy the second things don't go your way? You’re pathetic. The Anderson Group isn't the small fry it used to be. Let’s see how your precious Harrison empire holds up against me.*

On the other end of the line, Albert stared at his dead phone, his knuckles turning white. "You arrogant bastard. You used us to climb to the top, and this is how you treat her?"

He dialed again, his voice cold as ice. "Calvin? I want a full sweep of Rose’s recent movements. Find out exactly who’s been tormenting her. And clear your schedule—I want every contract involving the Anderson Group sabotaged. Yes, start the fire now. I want them bleeding by morning."

Still fuming, Albert made one final call. "John? It’s Albert. I have a favor to ask. Something that requires a heavy hand. When can you meet?"

Two days later, Rose finally stabilized and was moved to a standard recovery room. Margaret Hayes hovered over her bedside, tending to her with a devotion that defied the sterile, clinical air of the hospital.

"Mom?" a weak, raspy voice broke the silence.

"Rose? Oh, thank God!" Margaret dropped the wet cloth she was using to dab Rose’s forehead, her eyes brimming with tears. "My poor baby, you’re finally awake!"

She scrambled toward the door, shouting into the hallway. "Doctor! Doctor Gardner! My daughter is awake! Please, come quickly!"

Within seconds, a flurry of scrubs and medical gear flooded the room. Dr. Gardner performed a swift, practiced examination before nodding with a sigh of relief.

"Mrs. Hayes, she’s responding well. Her vitals are stabilizing, and the worst of the crisis has passed," Dr. Gardner said.

"Thank you! Thank you so much," Margaret sobbed, her knees finally giving way as the crushing weight of the last two days lifted from her chest.

"Just a word of caution," Dr. Gardner added, glancing toward the bed. "Her physical recovery depends heavily on her mental state. Keep her stress levels low. She needs to feel secure, or she won't recover properly."

Margaret turned back to her daughter, forcing a gentle smile through her tears. "I understand. I won't let anything hurt her again."

"Mom, don’t cry," Rose whispered, her voice barely audible. "I’m sorry... I’ve been such a disappointment."

Before Margaret could answer, the door swung open and Albert rushed in, his face pale with panic. "What happened? Is she okay?"

"Dad..." Rose’s eyes welled up instantly. "I’m sorry. I caused you so much trouble."

Seeing his daughter awake, the fire in Albert’s eyes softened into raw heartache. He sat on the edge of the bed, gripping her hand. "Don't you dare talk like that. Why didn't you come to me? Why did you carry this burden alone? You scared your mother and me to death."

Rose wept silently. She realized now the folly of her obsession. No matter how cold Maximus was, no matter how much he despised her, she still had her parents. She had let her own blindness nearly destroy the people who loved her most.

"Dad, Mom," she choked out through her sobs. "I’m sorry. I promise... I’ll never do this again."