Cedric rke looked at Stewart with a weary sigh, helplessness etched across his face.


    He couldn''t help but think-when a woman makes up her mind, she can be downright terrifying.


    To fake something as serious as a hysterectomy... This was full-blown medical fraud.


    For a moment, Cedric felt utterly lost.


    Had he made the right choice today?


    If this ever blew up, knowing Stewart''s personality, he''d be the first to go after Ste.


    And then, Ste would be staring down a medical malpracticewsuit.


    But it was toote to turn back now. All he could do was take things one step at a time.


    Inside the emergency room, Briony''s condition had finally stabilized.


    Director Grant stood by, his face grave as he fixed Ste with a stern look. "Star, this is reckless. Do you realize how serious the consequences will be if anyone finds out?"


    "I''m sorry, Professor Grant-I know I shouldn''t have done it, but..." Ste''s eyes reddened as she nced at Briony, still unconscious on the surgical table. "Bryn''s been through enough. I can''t stand the thought of her being trapped by Stewart just because of these twins."


    "That doesn''t mean you should risk everything like this. If Stewart discovers the truth, you won''t just lose your job-you''ll be facing awsuit."


    "I know." Ste''s voice was heavy. "But the situation was urgent, and I couldn''t think of any better way."


    She drew a shaky breath. "Stewart''s powerful. If he wants to fight for custody, Bryn doesn''t stand a chance. So even if it costs me my career, I have to help her."


    She lifted her head and met Director Grant''s gaze. "Professor Grant, please don''t worry-this has nothing to do with you. If ites out, I won''t drag you down with me."


    Director Grant sighed and shook his head. "Forget it. I know what you''re like. Just be ready to face the worst if ites to that."


    Ste nodded, her expression resolute. "I will."


    By the time Briony was wheeled out of surgery, Stewart and Cedric were already gone.


    Director Grant had already arranged for a doctor friend at a private clinic to take Briony in, so she could quietly recover there.


    Rosita had spent the entire morning being pestered by Irwin, and finally escaped to her room, iming a headache.


    Now, Lauren was out in the yard, keeping Irwin busy on the slide.


    Rosita sat alone on her little balcony, a psychology book cradled in her hands, enjoying a rare moment of peace.


    Her phone buzzed-Quentin Lockwood was calling.


    She got up, stepped inside, and shut the ss door behind her.


    "Hey, big brother." Her voice was gentle, but her eyes were ice-cold.


    "Briony had a threatened miscarriage," Quentin said, his tone t. "Stewart rushed her to our hospital. The baby''s fine."


    "What?" Rosita''s eyes widened. "Stewart knows she''s pregnant?"


    "No," Quentin replied. "Director Grant and Ste faked Briony''s condition, imed she had severeplications from a miscarriage and needed a hysterectomy. Stewart signed off on it."


    "Alright, I understand." Rosita swallowed her anger, her voice soft and sweet. "Thank you, Quentin. You''re the only one who truly cares about me in this world."


    On the other end, Quentin cleared his throat, a faint smile in his voice. "Rosita, I told you before—my purpose is to make you the happiest woman alive."


    A cold light flickered in Rosita''s eyes, but her tone grew even softer. “Thank you, Quentin. With you by my side, I know I will be."


    "There''s no need for thanks between us."


    "Alright, I''ll talk to youter."


    "Of course," he replied, doting as always. "Call me if you need anything."


    "I will."


    As soon as the call ended, Rosita let out a scornfulugh. "Idiot."


    She slipped the psychology book into the very back of the second drawer of her nightstand.


    Rosita picked up her purse and left the house.


    Lauren, watching Irwin y in the yard, spotted her and hurried over. "Rosita, where are you going?"