[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-2603222E6F78-125":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},125,27,"Chapter 27: Holding the Ghost of an Heir","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Rose,\" Caspian called out, rushing down the sterile hospital corridor. He reached her, his expression tight with concern. \"Why are you sitting on the floor? Come on, get up.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Caspian? What are you doing here?\" Rose asked, her voice cracking. She turned her face away, refusing to let him see the fresh tears streaming down her cheeks.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Ever since the disaster at the Imperial Plaza, she had been dodging him.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't be ridiculous. This is a Hughes-owned hospital. I'm here for a site inspection.\" He cupped her face, gently wiping away the tears with his thumb.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Maximus stood a few feet away, his jaw clenched as he watched them. Seeing them playing house right in front of him made his blood boil.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Get lost, both of you!\" he roared.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mr. Anderson, lower your voice. This is a hospital, not your private estate,\" Caspian retorted, his voice cold and steady.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The man was a tyrant, entirely wrong for Rose. Caspian had done his research—years ago, Maximus had compromised Rose, and Albert Harrison had forced her into this wretched marriage as a result. Now, Maximus kept Delilah Kelly, his unattainable first love, on the side. He didn't love Rose. Caspian only regretted that he’d been abroad for his fellowship; if he’d been here, he never would have let this happen.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The red light above the operating room flickered and died.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Maximus lunged for Dr. Gardner. \"Doctor! How is she? Is she alright?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Family, please,\" Dr. Gardner said, shaking him off. \"We did everything we could. But the impact was too severe—the baby didn't make it. We barely managed to save the mother.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Maximus felt the air leave his lungs. \"Right. Okay. Thank you, Doctor. At least she's alive.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He let go, his gaze drifting aimlessly. Behind him, he heard the rustle of fabric as Caspian pulled Rose into a tight embrace, murmuring comforting words.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It's alright, Rose. See? She survived. I believe you—you couldn't have pushed her. It wasn't you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Maximus looked away, his eyes vacant. Another child lost. His second child, gone, just like that.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Maximus,\" Rose whispered, her eyes swollen and red as she looked up at him. \"Do you really not believe me at all?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Rose Harrison,\" Maximus spat, his voice like jagged glass. \"You vile woman. I only believe what I saw with my own eyes.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He couldn't reconcile it. Why would she shove a pregnant woman down ten flights of stairs? Why was she so desperate to kill his child?\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Maximus, have you ever loved me? Even once?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Maximus gave a cold, hollow laugh. \"Love you? Rose, do you even deserve it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The words hit her like a physical blow. Her vision blurred, and she crumpled, collapsing into Caspian’s arms.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Maximus didn't look back. He kept his eyes fixed on the empty operating room, a sharp, nameless ache blooming in his chest.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Minutes later, the doors swung open and Delilah Kelly was wheeled out.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Family of the patient,\" the nurse called out, her tone brisk. \"She's just lost her baby; her mental state is fragile. You need to offer her support.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Of course.\" Maximus bolted forward. He grabbed Delilah's hand, staring at her pale, lifeless face. His heart twisted.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He leaned in, his voice dropping to a gentle, ragged whisper. \"It’s okay, Delilah. Just stay with me. We’ll have another. We’ll have as many as you want.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He didn't spare a glance back. He trailed the gurney, his hand locked tightly in hers, disappearing toward the ward.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272922215]