Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 216: Has She Never Loved Me?

Later that day, Caryn underwent the stem cell transplant procedure. She was kept completely unconscious to ensure she wouldn’t interfere with the process.

The entire floor was cleared and secured, with access restricted to only a few authorized hospital staff. Aiden Shaw stayed nearby until the procedure was complete, and Caryn was transferred back to her fully isolated room. No one was allowed inside to prevent contamination. Aiden and Eric could only watch her through the glass wall while the assigned doctor and nurse checked on her periodically.

"Is it done?" Natalie asked Justin anxiously, unable to relax until she had news about her mother.

"It is," Justin replied. "She’s back in her room, but she’s in isolation. She won’t be allowed to leave for at least a month. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to see her eventually."

Before Natalie could respond, Justin added firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument, "But not now. You’re not supposed to be walking around after last night. You need to rest."

Natalie swallowed her words, his authoritative gaze silencing her. She could only hum softly in agreement and stay quiet.

Moments later, Justin received a message from Noah. Rising to leave, he said, "I need to talk to Noah about something important. I’ll be back soon."

Natalie nodded again, her response subdued, and Justin exited the room.

Outside, Justin asked, "What’s going on?"

"Aiden Shaw has increased security around Caryn Ford," Noah informed him. "It seems like they’re worried about something, and I don’t think it’s because of us."

Justin raised an eyebrow. "You think they’re taking precautions against someone else?"

believe there’s more to this than they’re

hardened. "Double-check everything. If Caryn Ford is under threat, there’s a high chance Natalie could be

on alert. I’ll increase security on this floor and clear

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her mother. Eventually, Justin

accompanied Natalie, pushing her wheelchair himself. A nurse guided them to the room where they could observe Caryn from

Natalie gazed at the frail woman lying on the hospital bed. Caryn was surrounded by machines, her body connected to various monitors and an oxygen mask covering

the glass, Natalie could see how weak her mother was—too weak to move even a muscle. A wave of conflicting

How could she abandon her daughter without a thought? Had she never cared about what a seven-year-old girl endured after witnessing her mother’s supposed death? What kind of mother leaves her child to face

ever

her mother’s love, so vivid and cherished, suddenly felt like a cruel illusion. Was it all

and turned to the nurse. "How long will she have to stay like this?"

so we can’t risk any infection. Other

no chance of speaking to her mother anytime

from Mia. As soon as she

have you been? You said you’d be gone for a week, but then you

the phone away from her ear, waiting for her friend

you so busy that you can’t even charge your phone?" Mia’s voice

firm. "There was