Chapter 71 I Will Always Be By Your Side

• Ernest stared coldly at Gilda as the doctor examined her. His gaze was razor-sharp on his stepdaughter, his face etched with raw anger and pent-up emotion. His jaw clenched tight, fists balled so hard his knuckles whitened. Beside him, Maisie wore a mask of deep guilt. She should have been thrilled her daughter was awake, but regret swallowed her whole.​
• Moments earlier, Ernest and Maisie had been told Gilda was conscious. They rushed to her VIP room, but hadn’t spoken yet—she was mid-exam. “How’s my daughter, Doc?” Maisie asked anxiously, eyes fixed on the doctor finishing up.
• “She’s doing well, ma’am. Just needs total bed rest,” the doctor replied. Maisie nodded gratefully. “Understood. Thank you.” The doctor and nurses excused themselves.