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?"

there’s more to this than they’re letting on. He’s keeping her

threat, there’s a high chance Natalie could be at

on alert. I’ll increase

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passed, and Natalie grew increasingly impatient to see her mother. Eventually, Justin relented after

informed and approved the visit as well. Justin accompanied Natalie, pushing her wheelchair himself. A nurse guided them to the room where they could observe

the hospital bed. Caryn was surrounded by machines, her body connected to various monitors and an oxygen mask

how weak her mother was—too weak to move even a muscle. A wave of conflicting emotions surged through her. Tears welled

had let Natalie believe she was dead. 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 the trauma of

Caryn ever

cherished, suddenly felt like a cruel illusion. Was it all

"How long

we

sighed in frustration. There was no chance of speaking to her mother anytime

Mia. As soon as she picked up, a loud

you’d be gone for a week, but then you disappeared! What’s

held the phone away from her ear, waiting for her friend

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

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