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?"

but something is definitely happening. Aiden Shaw is always near Caryn Ford’s room," Noah explained. "I believe there’s more to this than they’re letting on. He’s keeping her presence strictly confidential. Maybe she’s under some kind of

Caryn Ford is under threat, there’s a high chance

alert. I’ll increase security on

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see her mother. Eventually, Justin relented after the doctor permitted her to use

wheelchair himself. A nurse guided them to the

Caryn was surrounded by machines, her body

side of the glass, Natalie could see how weak her mother was—too weak to move even a muscle. A wave of conflicting emotions surged through her. Tears welled up in her eyes as countless

her daughter without a thought? Had she never cared about what a seven-year-old girl

Caryn ever loved

vivid and cherished, suddenly felt like a cruel illusion.

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

"The patient’s immune system is extremely weak, so we can’t

There was no chance of speaking to her mother

As soon as she

have you been? You said you’d be gone for a week, but then you disappeared! What’s up with you keeping your phone

phone away from her ear, waiting for her

hell are you? Is your husband keeping you so busy

down," Natalie said, her tone soft but firm. "There was a situation, but I’m fine