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?"

"It looks that way. They’re keeping everything tight-lipped, 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 threat. I also noticed they’ve added more security to our wing, likely as a precaution."

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

"Yes, Mr. Harper," Noah affirmed. "Our team is already on alert. I’ll increase security on this floor and clear out any unnecessary personnel if needed."

-----

A day passed, and Natalie grew increasingly impatient to see her mother. Eventually, Justin relented after the doctor permitted her to use a wheelchair.

Aiden Shaw was 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 Caryn from outside.

Seated in the wheelchair, 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 her face.

Even from the other 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 questions bombarded her mind.

Her mother had been alive all these years, yet she 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 loss alone?

Had Caryn ever loved her?

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

Natalie wiped her tears and turned to the nurse. "How long will she have to stay like this?" she asked softly.

"At least a month," the nurse replied. "The patient’s immune system is extremely weak, so we can’t risk any infection. Other than hospital staff, no one is allowed inside her room."

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

Back in her own room, Natalie received a call from Mia. As soon as she picked up, a loud voice blared through the phone.

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

Natalie winced and quickly held the phone away from her ear, waiting for her friend to finish her rant.

"Do you hear me? Where the hell are you? Is your husband keeping you so busy that you can’t even charge your phone?" Mia’s voice boomed through the phone.

"Calm down," Natalie said, her tone soft but firm. "There was a situation, but I’m fine now. Don’t worry."

"You better be," Mia retorted. "We’ve got the perfume launch coming up, and I hope you’re back by then. I’ve handled all the preparations."

"I’ll be there in time," Natalie assured her.

"Good. You’ve got competitions lined up too, so don’t slack."

"I’m ready. Don’t worry," Natalie replied before ending the call.

-----

Two more days passed, and Natalie grew increasingly restless and bored, confined to the hospital. There wasn’t much she could do about it. Justin refused to let her work, insisting that prolonged sitting would impede her recovery and prevent her from getting the necessary rest.

Meanwhile, Justin had practically turned the hospital couch into his makeshift office, managing his work from there while keeping an eye on Natalie.

One night, while Natalie was fast asleep, Justin received a call. His expression immediately darkened, and he stepped out of the room. Outside, Ryan and John, who had resumed their duties, stood by.

Justin turned to Ryan. "Make sure this place is secure."

Then, looking at John, he added, "I don’t need to tell you how to handle your new responsibilities with your boss. Do what needs to be done."

"Rest assured, Mr. Harper," John replied.

It was the first time Justin had spoken to him directly in a long while. John couldn’t help but feel both relieved, but at the same time, Justin’s approach suggested that something serious had happened and they had to be on alert.