Chapter 4 - A Whisper of Betrayal
The tension in the compound grew thicker over the next forty-eight hours.
Elena was regaining her physical strength, but her emotional terror remained fully intact.
She refused to speak a single word, communicating only through nods and gestures to Maya.
Victor began finding excuses to linger near the primary suite, watching Maya with open hostility.
He tried to order the medical staff to heavily sedate the child, claiming it was for her own rest.
Maya firmly blocked the doorway, refusing to let the nurses enter with the syringes.
"You are just a temporary babysitter," Victor hissed, stepping into Maya’s personal space.
"I am her caregiver, and I say she doesn't need the drugs," Maya fired back without flinching.
Mateo appeared at the end of the hall, his presence instantly dropping the temperature in the room.
"Is there a problem here, Victor?" Mateo asked, his voice deadly quiet.
Victor stepped back quickly, forcing a respectful bow of his head.
"Just ensuring the staff is following proper medical protocols, sir," Victor lied smoothly.
Mateo dismissed his lieutenant with a wave of his hand, his eyes burning into Victor's retreating back.
He turned to Maya, noticing the slight tremble in her hands that she was trying to hide.
"You do not back down easily," Mateo observed, stepping closer to her.
"I have fought too hard for my own family to let someone bully yours," Maya replied.
May you like
Mateo reached out, gently brushing a stray lock of hair behind Maya’s ear.
The brief, unexpected touch sent a shockwave of electricity straight through her chest.
