“How is she?” he asked, his voice strained.

“She’s still in labor. I have to go back to her.”

With one last worried look, Paulina hurried back inside.

The corridor fell quiet once more. Minutes dragged like hours until, at last, a sharp, clear cry filled the air—the sound of new life.

Miguel’s eyes lit up at the sound of the baby’s cry. He rushed toward the operating room but stopped, his hand frozen on the doorknob. A flicker of restraint held him back. Elliana had just given birth—storming in would be inappropriate.

After a brief pause, Miguel turned to a female subordinate.

“Go in and see how they’re doing.”

“Yes.”

The woman nodded quickly, pushed the door open, and slipped inside.

Elliana had expected this. The moment she heard her second baby’s cry, she forced herself upright and asked Paulina for her clothes. She wasn’t about to let Miguel barge in and drag her away while she lay helpless. She would face him on her feet.

By the time the female subordinate entered, Elliana was already standing, fully dressed.

Before the woman could say a word, Elliana’s voice sliced through the room.

“Get out. Tell him I’ll be there soon.”

Startled by her commanding tone, the subordinate lowered her head and hurried out.

Elliana turned to the nurse and took her baby into her arms. She stared at the tiny face, her heart twisting painfully. She pressed a tender kiss to his forehead and then handed him to Paulina, her voice steady but urgent.

“Paulina, please take care of my son. When Cole returns, make sure he finds my son safe.”

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Paulina understood Elliana’s intentions at once. Elliana was going to surrender and leave with Miguel—to protect everyone else. But Paulina couldn’t accept that. How could she face Cole if Elliana left with Miguel?

“I’ll distract Miguel. You take the baby and leave through the back!” Paulina said firmly.

Elliana shook her head with a faint smile.

“Miguel is sharp. He risked everything to come to Ublento tonight. Do you really think he’d leave me an escape route?”

Paulina bit her lip, her eyes glistening.

Everyone knew Miguel was cruel, but few understood just how cunning he truly was.

“For everyone’s sake, the best choice is for me to go with him. Wait for Cole to return. He’ll know what to do,” Elliana said quietly.

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