Bride behind the mask novel (Marguerite) novel Chapter 874

Early the next morning, Cresthaven Hospital.

In the VIP suite, the television mounted on the wall flickered with the morning news. A polished anchorwoman was reporting on yesterday’s shooting.

“Yesterday at 9:10 a.m., gunfire broke out in Emerald Mews. According to the victim, Marguerite, the incident appears to have stemmed from a personal vendetta.

A good Samaritan, Maurice, was unintentionally caught in the crossfire and is currently being treated at City General Hospital. Fortunately, as of yesterday afternoon, he is no longer in critical condition.

As for the nature of the relationship between Marguerite and Maurice, Marguerite declined to elaborate…”

Just then, a nurse wheeled in a cart with fresh bandages. “Mr. Winston, it’s time to change your dressings.”

Marguerite switched off the television. After the nurse finished, Maurice broke the silence. “Janie’s efficient—didn’t take her long to get us on TV.”

Marguerite replied, “None of your staff are useless.”

Maurice’s gaze lingered on her. “Why didn’t you clarify our so-called ‘relationship’ for the press?”

Marguerite poured him a mug of hot water. “And how exactly would you have liked me to explain it?”

He pressed, “Don’t you already know what I want you to say?”

Marguerite met his eyes. It felt as if a suffocating net had been thrown over her, binding her tight. She owed Maurice her life, and right now, he was making the most of that advantage. Of course he wouldn’t let it slide so easily.

Even though she felt cornered, she just couldn’t bring herself to snap at him.

Taking a steadying breath, Marguerite said, “Maurice, you saved me, and I am truly grateful. If you end up with any lingering health problems because of this, I’ll take care of you. But I need to make something clear: this kind of gratitude isn’t the same as love. I hope you understand that.”

Maurice seemed to hear only what he wanted. “If I spent the rest of my life in this hospital bed, you’d still look after me?”

“Yes,” she answered softly.

He didn’t just have a daughter—he had a son, too.

Half an hour later, she arrived at Blue Ridge Estate.

A line of imposing security guards stood at the gates, faces set and unyielding.

Marguerite approached one of them, hoping to pass along a message for Silas. The guard immediately blocked her path, eyes hard and wary.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. You can’t come in.”

“I just need to speak with Silas. Could you let him know I’m here?”

The guard eyed her coldly. “Ms. Lockwood, Mr. Ward doesn’t wish to see you. Please leave.”