[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-2603222E6F78-111":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},111,13,"Chapter 13: \"I Want Every Contract Gutted.\"","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Stepping out of the Intensive Care Unit, Albert Harrison didn't hesitate. He pulled out his phone and dialed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mr. Anderson,\" Albert said, his voice tight. \"Where are you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mr. Harrison, I presume? To what do I owe the pleasure?\" Maximus’s voice drifted through the receiver, dripping with careless indifference.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*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.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mom?\" a weak, raspy voice broke the silence.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She scrambled toward the door, shouting into the hallway. \"Doctor! Doctor Gardner! My daughter is awake! Please, come quickly!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mrs. Hayes, she’s responding well. Her vitals are stabilizing, and the worst of the crisis has passed,\" Dr. Gardner said.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Margaret turned back to her daughter, forcing a gentle smile through her tears. \"I understand. I won't let anything hurt her again.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mom, don’t cry,\" Rose whispered, her voice barely audible. \"I’m sorry... I’ve been such a disappointment.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Before Margaret could answer, the door swung open and Albert rushed in, his face pale with panic. \"What happened? Is she okay?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Dad...\" Rose’s eyes welled up instantly. \"I’m sorry. I caused you so much trouble.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Dad, Mom,\" she choked out through her sobs. \"I’m sorry. I promise... I’ll never do this again.\"\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272921446]