Chapter 3 - Safe Within Imperial Walls
St. Jude’s Private Hospital was owned outright by the Vance estate.
When my taxi pulled into the glass enclosed ambulance bay, Dr. Harrison—my family’s chief surgeon—was already waiting with a team of six nurses and a heated incubator.
"Mr. Vance!" Dr. Harrison rushed forward as I stepped out of the cab carrying Maya, while a nurse carefully took Liam wrapped in my coat.
"She has an advanced surgical site infection," I said, my voice shaking with raw emotion. "Eleven days post C-section. High fever. Severe dehydration. Get her into the private suite on the top floor and secure the entire level with armed guards."
"Immediately, sir," Dr. Harrison ordered.
Within ten minutes, Maya was hooked up to IV fluids, broad spectrum antibiotics, and targeted pain relief. The nurses gently cleaned her wound, confirming that while the infection was severe, her body was strong enough to recover with proper care.
In the adjacent room, Liam was placed under a warming lamp, drinking warm, high grade formula from a sterile bottle.
I stood beside Maya’s bed, holding her thin hand.
As the painkillers took effect, the gray color slowly drained from her cheeks, replaced by a faint, healthy flush.
She opened her eyes, looking up at the luxurious private room, the soft lighting, and the two uniformed guards standing outside the reinforced glass door.
"Is... is Liam okay?" she whispered, her voice still raspy.
"He's perfect," I said softly, leaning down to press a tender kiss against her knuckles. "He's fed, warm, and sleeping right next door."
Tears welled in Maya’s eyes. "David... your mother said if I called you, you would think I was weak. She said a mob boss needs a strong wife, not a sick girl who complains about cold food."
My heart shattered into a thousand pieces.
"My mother is a monster," I said firmly, sitting on the edge of her bed and looking directly into her eyes. "You protected our son in a freezing room while bleeding to death. You are the strongest person I have ever known, Maya. And I swear on my life, no one will ever hurt you again."
She squeezed my hand weakly, letting out a long, shuddering sigh of relief before drifting into a restful sleep.
I stood up, my expression turning back into stone.
I walked into the adjoining room, lifted my son into my arms for the very first time, and held his tiny body against my chest.
"I've got you, little man," I whispered into his soft blanket.
May you like
Then I handed him back to the lead nurse, turned to Viktor, and buttoned my suit jacket.
"Keep eight men on this floor," I told Viktor. "Now, let's go visit my brother-in-law."
