Ferris, removing his mask, spoke to Caylee’s attending doctor. “The patient’s vital signs are stable. Please ensure she receives proper care, ingests enough nutrition, and avoids any emotional distress.”
As he finished his instructions, Caylee was wheeled out. Although still in a semi-vegetative state with her eyes closed, she appeared much better. Her breathing and heartbeat had normalized
Daryl, overcome with emotion, approached and gently stroked Caylee’s forehead, asking softly, “Are you okay, Caylee?” In a moment that felt like a miracle, Caylee, eyes still closed, lifted her hand and patted Daryl’s arm reassuringly. For twenty-two years, this had been her condition-aware of her surroundings and capable of limited responses, but unable to fully awaken
Even so, the Sanchez family members were filled with joy. They had come to terms with Caylee’s condition over the years, but the fear of losing her had always lingered. Even in her current state, Caylee’s ability to interact provided a vital connection to her loved ones. She was still with them, not lost to the silence of the grave. Suddenly, Ruth Sanchez, the eldest member of the family, rushed to Caylee’s side and burst into tears, exclaiming, “Thank God you’re back, my daughter. You scared me to death!” Tears flowed freely among the other family members as well
Caylee’s condition had deteriorated significantly in recent days, with symptoms suggesting a heart attack, and her life had hung in the balance. No hospital had been able to help, and it was only Riss’s timely intervention that had saved her from the brink, preventing a devastating loss for the Sanchez family. As the leader of the Sanchez family, Daryl maintained composure unlike the other emotional family members. Standing firm, he politely inquired of Ferris, “Dr. Frazier, where is Dr. Riss? I would like to thank her personally.”
“She is very busy and has already left,” Ferris replied. Riss had already departed? Everyone was shocked. Nobody had seen her exit, though the hallway lights had remained on. But when they looked inside the operating room, it was clear-Dr. Riss had indeed left. Disappointment settled over everyone. They had missed their chance to meet the esteemed Dr. Riss
Connor, meanwhile, furrowed his brow in confusion. He had been watching the operating room door, certain Riss hadn’t passed through. She must have found another way out. Scanning the room again, he noticed a back door. It clicked for him-Riss must have left through that door
Realizing why the power in the operating room had briefly gone out for five seconds, Connor couldn’t help but chuckle. Riss really did enjoy her elusive maneuvers. Was she avoiding everyone, or just him specifically?
However, Connor wasn’t worried. He had preemptively ordered his people to secure all hospital exits; escape was impossible under his surveillance. Turning to Domenic, he found his understanding immediate. “Don’t worry, Mr. Daniels. I’ve sent Riss’s picture to the bodyguards at the exits. We also have people monitoring the surveillance cameras. Riss can’t escape, not even if she had wings.”
With a nod, Connor walked out confidently, certain that he would see Riss face-to-face soon
Domenic, Marc, and Terry formed a protective circle around Connor as they headed toward the elevator, their anticipation building at the prospect of finally encountering Riss. However, their path was interrupted when Marissa stepped out of the elevator. She glanced around briefly before heading toward the operating room. Connor paused to watch her approach. Dressed simply in a white shirt and jeans, with her hair styled into fluffy braids, she looked fresh yet weary, as if she had just completed a strenuous task
“Why are you here?” Connor asked her in a measured tone as she neared
“Balthasar asked me to come visit Ms. Sanchez one last time, saying that she is my mother after all,” Marissa replied. Her demeanor was composed, even under Connor’s intense gaze. Earlier, while working to save Caylee in the operating room, Marissa had noticed him through the glass window. Seizing the opportunity, she had briefly caused the lights to go out, using those five seconds to slip away through the back door of the operating room. After escaping, she had ducked into a restroom and quickly hacked into the hospital’s surveillance system with her phone. She discovered that Connor had stationed his bodyguards at every exit. Recognizing several of them as his men, she realized he had laid a trap for her, but she was determined not to be caught. Skillfully, she tampered with the surveillance to cover her tracks, changed out of her doctor’s coat and cap, and reassumed her identity as Marissa
Exiting the restroom at a leisurely pace, she headed to the elevator. While waiting for the elevator calmly, she restored the surveillance system. Then, she reached the operating room, following Balthasar’s order to visit Caylee. Her explanation for being there was flawless and plausible, leaving no room for anyone to question her presence, including Connor
“Get out of here, Tiffany!” an angry voice shouted
Everyone turned to see who it was. A young girl, around Marissa’s age, strode towards Marissa, her expression livid. Marissa quickly sifted through her memories of the information she’d read days earlier and realized the furious young woman was Leila Sanchez, Daryl’s daughter
“Tiffany, you are not welcome here. You don’t deserve to be Aunt Caylee’s daughter. Leave now!” Leila pointed towards the elevator doors, her voice filled with anger
“Leila, don’t be rude!” A middle-aged woman approached, her voice firm but calm. Marissa recognized her as Rachel Sanchez, Daryl’s wife, known for her skills as a painter. After intervening, Rachel turned to Marissa with a complex look and said, “Tiffany, your mother is very weak now and must avoid any stress. Since you don’t like being around her, it’s best you leave and let her rest.”
“Mom, why are you treating her so kindly?” Leila protested, her tone harsh. “She should be thrown out!” Without waiting for a response, Leila started pushing Marissa towards the elevator. “Get out of here! Aunt Caylee has plenty of family members to care for her. She doesn’t need an ungrateful daughter like you here. If you don’t leave this instant, I’ll make you regret it!”
Marissa remained composed, not responding to Leila’s outburst. However, before things could escalate further, Connor intervened, grabbing Leila’s wrist and pulling her back. Leila stumbled but quickly regained her balance. She then fixed a sneering look on Connor and taunted, “Oh, right. I forgot this wicked woman used some underhanded tricks to marry into the Daniels family!”
Though Leila was typically intimidated by someone of Connor’s stature, her anger overrode her fear. Her eyes sparkled with sarcasm and challenge as she addressed him directly. “Mr. Daniels, aren’t you embarrassed to align yourself with such a malevolent woman who disowned her own mother?”
Both Daryl and Rachel were alarmed by Leila’s direct confrontation with Connor. They quickly intervened, pulling their daughter away from the situation. Rachel covered Leila’s mouth to silence her, while Daryl hastily apologized to Connor
“Mr. Daniels, I’m sorry for my daughter’s rudeness. She’s spoiled and was out of line,” Daryl said
Connor merely frowned slightly and responded calmly, “It’s okay.” Internally, Connor shared Leila’s disdain for Tiffany’s previous actions. His aversion towards her was so intense that when he was forced into marrying Tiffany by Arabella, he wished he could strangle her. So he understood the Sanchez family’s reactions. Had he been in their place, he might have been less forgiving than Daryl and Rachel. He only intervened because Marissa was not Tiffany. He couldn’t stand by and watch Marissa suffer any injustice
Daryl exhaled a sigh of relief upon hearing Connor’s assurance. Despite Connor’s harsh reputation, he was known for his straightforwardness and integrity. Daryl interpreted his response as an indication that he would overlook Leila’s outburst. However, the ordeal wasn’t quite finished. Leila, still heated, shook off Rachel’s hand and continued defiantly, “Did I say anything wrong? Mr. Daniels, today you’ve defended this wicked woman and wronged our family. You don’t deserve to lead the top family in the city!”
“Shut up!” Daryl exclaimed, his anxiety peaking, ready to discipline Leila. But as his hand was raised, it was abruptly stopped. Daryl turned and saw, to his surprise, that Marissa had intervened
His feelings towards his niece, Tiffany, were complicated. She had never been loved by her parents since she was born, and as her uncle, he had always wanted to provide her with care. Yet, she had remained distant from the Sanchez family and even her mother. After a brief silence, Daryl lowered his hand and sighed
“Tiffany, you should go back now. Your mother can’t handle any more stress. Though you don’t accept her, she is always thinking of you. Her condition worsened after hearing you’d fled just when you were about to get married. Without Doctor Riss’s intervention, she might have been gone. Even if you hold resentment, surely you don’t wish to contribute to her demise? She may not have raised you, but she brought you into this world. Please, remain quiet and do not disturb her. That’s the least you can do to show your gratitude.”
Daryl’s words were gentle but firm, drawing sighs and tears from those around. Marissa, visibly moved, was about to speak when Leila interjected angrily, “Dad, why are you even speaking to her like that? If she had any decency, she wouldn’t have nearly caused my aunt’s death back then. She should leave!”
Just as Leila finished, Shaun Sanchez, Daryl’s son, interjected, “Enough arguing. Come see Aunt Caylee now.”
Everyone turned their attention to Caylee. Before being wheeled back to her room, she had heard the conversation. As the crowd watched, she attempted to extend her hand towards Marissa, her meaning clear: she wished to hold her daughter’s hand
Daryl was right. Despite Tiffany’s rejection, her mother had never stopped caring about her. Seeing this, Leila shot a glare at Marissa but didn’t drive her away. Instead, she leaned on Rachel and began to cry. Tears also streamed down Ruth’s cheeks as she looked at Marissa with a mix of eagerness and fear. Caylee, once vibrant and full of life, now lay frail and vulnerable. Ruth longed for her granddaughter to comfort Caylee but feared further heartache. The hallway fell silent, all eyes on Marissa. Everyone was waiting for her to respond
Under the watchful gaze of everyone in the hallway, Marissa quickly approached the bedside, gently took Caylee’s hand, and softly whispered, “Mom!”
Though in a semi-vegetative state and unable to show expressions, Caylee summoned all her strength to grasp Marissa’s hand. It was evident to those who knew her well that she was filled with excitement and happiness. The Sanchez family, initially taken aback by Marissa’s gesture, soon felt overjoyed. This was the reunion they had hoped for over many years-Caylee finally reconnecting with her daughter
“Look, Caylee is crying!” Shaun exclaimed with excitement
Everyone’s eyes turned to Caylee’s face, where two crystal tears were seen rolling down her cheeks, weaving through her hair
“Caylee!” “Auntie!”
The Sanchez family crowded around the bed, their eyes brimming with tears. It was the first time in twenty-two years that Caylee had shed tears. In the past, no matter how they tried to communicate with Caylee, she could only give limited responses. The fact that Caylee cried now was a testament to the deep emotional connection she felt at that moment-her daughter had brought her immense comfort that had been absent for decades. Tears also started streaming down Marissa’s cheeks
Earlier, during the operation, Caylee had already responded to her. At that critical moment, Marissa had anchored her back from the edge of death and recited those repentant words from Tiffany’s diary. Overwhelmed by emotion, Caylee had gripped Marissa’s hand tightly. Moved, Marissa had pretended to be Tiffany, reassuring her, “Mom, don’t worry. I will definitely defeat the devil in my mind. No one can stop us from being together.”
Now, standing beside the bed, Marissa understood more than anyone the reason behind Caylee’s emotional response and her tears. A person who had lingered in despair had suddenly found hope and anticipation. This powerful surge of spirit had enabled her to momentarily break free from the constraints of her condition
Moved by Caylee’s tears, Marissa gently wiped them away and looked over at Ferris, who was still standing nearby. Sensing her glance, Ferris promptly shared, “Dr. Riss just completed a thorough examination of Caylee. She’s optimistic about a potential cure and waking her up.”
The Sanchez family’s spirits visibly lifted at this news. Daryl stood up, his excitement palpable, and asked, “Dr. Frazier, is this really possible?”
“Yes,” Ferris nodded confidently. “Dr. Riss has identified that the pressure on Caylee’s brain nerves is keeping her from waking. A craniotomy to relieve this pressure could very well wake her.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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