No Strings Attached

They persuaded Clara for a while before she agreed to be taken to the upscale private room across the hall. Clara tossed and turned in the bed, struggling to find sleep, but eventually, her eyes grew heavy with fatigue. The following morning dawned.

Eve, with Jay in tow, arrived at the hospital. Upon seeing a line of somber-clad bodyguards standing outside the room, Jay stopped, fear gripping him. He grabbed hold of Eve's arm. "You don't think they'll stop us from going in, do you?"

Eve snorted with disdain. "I'm Casey's mother. I'm here to see my son. What right do they have to stop me? If they do, I'll just sit here and cry, and we'll see who ends up being more embarrassed."

After saying that, she marched up to the door, with fire in her eyes. Just as she was about to enter, a bodyguard blocked her path. "Ma'am, you can't go in," he said firmly.

Eve's temper flared. "My son is lying in there ill, and I've come to see him. What gives you the right to keep me out?"

face remained impassive. "Sorry, but Mr. Hayes has given strict orders — no visitors." He gestured politely, yet firmly, indicating she should move

uncle is seriously ill, and my grandmom has been crying all night. Look, Clara is in there. Maybe she could

of them said, "Wait here. I'll ask Ms.

on Eve, whose face was twisted in anger, and Jay,

of ice. "What are you doing here? Hoping my

a lawyer to draft his will. All his assets

at them, her voice laced with contempt. "I'm beginning to wonder if you're even his mother. He's lying there sick, but all you care about is his money, trying to

language! I'm your grandma. You're showing no respect, and according to our

one who should be punished. When my father

to the bodyguards at the door. "Throw them out. And don't