?Chapter 1598:


    Annoyed, Dominic called again, this time for Cade. He called several times. Still, the hallway remained eerily silent.


    Irritation twisted his features. Left with no other option, he struggled to extend his arm and pressed the emergency call button beside the bed, intending to summon medical staff and have them locate his subordinates.


    Just beyond the corner of the hallway outside the hospital room, Maia stood facing Joshua.


    “Mr. Branson,” she said calmly, “these are the doctor’s instructions for my grandfather’s care. I’ll need you to monitor him closely.”


    Maia had deliberately drawn him away. By ensuring Dominic had no one immediately at his side, she had bought herself critical time—time to act before he could issue irreversible orders.


    Maia’s face was solemn, her voice measured and convincing as she held up a freshly written sheet titled “Care Instructions.” Joshua didn’t doubt her for a second. She was, after all, both a renowned physician and Dominic’s granddaughter.


    Without hesitation, he pulled out his notebook and began recording everything she said.


    As Maia spoke, her eyes flicked now and then toward Dominic’s hospital room, quietly tracking the situation inside. “He needs absolute rest,” she emphasized. “No agitation, no emotional triggers—none at all.” She continued until every precaution had been thoroughly covered.


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    Then she reached into her pocket and produced a slip of paper, handing it to Joshua. “These are the medications the doctor marked as urgent. They’re only stocked at the pharmacy on the first floor. Could you help pick them up?”


    Her tone softened deliberately. “And… I’d like some private time with my grandfather. We argued earlier, and I want to smooth things over. While you’re gone, could you make sure no onees down this hallway? I don’t want anyone seeing him like this.”


    Joshua’s face lit up immediately. “That’s wonderful!” he said with clear relief. “The General worries about you more than he lets on. You two should talk things through. Leave it to me—I’ll get the medicine and stand guard. No one will disturb you.”


    Maia offered another soft word of thanks, her manner calm and respectful.


    As Joshua turned toward the elevator, Maia spotted nurses approaching from the opposite end of the corridor. A subtle glimmer passed through her eyes.


    “Mr. Branson—one moment,” she called, moving quickly to intercept him and lowering her voice. “One small thing—I identally hit the call bell earlier. Could you let the nurses know there’s no need for them toe by?”


    Joshua waved it off easily. “No problem at all.” He headed straight for the nurses’ station.


    The instant his back was turned, Maia moved.


    She pivoted and slipped swiftly into Dominic’s room. The door closed behind her.


    Dominic, lying rigidly in the bed, was caughtpletely off guard. Surprise shed across his face. She came back? So soon?


    A trace of smug satisfaction crept in. Clearly, she had failed to get Chris released and had returned to give in. Now was the time to hold firm, to assert authority. He would make her admit her mistake—make her agree to the divorce.


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