Chapter 4 - The Hospital Room
An hour later, the black SUV pulled up outside the private wing of Valley Memorial Hospital.
Inside Room 412, Maya lay hooked up to an IV drip. Her eyes were sunken with fatigue, her skin pale. When the door opened and she saw her little brother walk in, a look of pure relief washed over her face—followed immediately by sheer terror as Cassius Wren stepped into the room behind him.
"Eli!" Maya gasped, trying to sit up, her hand instantly reaching for her brother. "Who is this? What's going on?"
"Relax, Miss," Cassius said, staying near the doorway to give her space. Marcus stepped in behind him, placing a large box of luxury pastries and fresh fruit on her bedside table.
"Maya, this is Mr. Cassius!" Eli said excitedly, pulling the silver fountain pen from his pocket. "He came to Bring Someone Special Day! I read my paper to him!"
Maya stared at Cassius, recognition flickering in her eyes. Everyone in Las Vegas knew the face of Cassius Wren—he owned the skyline, the casinos, and the shadows in between.
"Why are you here, Mr. Wren?" Maya asked, her voice defensive, protective. "We don't owe anyone money. We stay out of trouble."
Cassius pulled a thick leather folder from under his arm and laid it on her bed.
"In that folder is a receipt showing your hospital bills are paid in full," Cassius said flatly. "There is also a lease agreement for a secure two-bedroom apartment in Summerlin, fully furnished, paid for the next five years. And a contract for a full-time nursing assistant to take care of you until you recover."
May you like
Maya gasped, staring at the documents in shock. "I can't accept this. We don't take charity."
"It's not charity," Cassius replied, his expression unreadable. "It's a payment. Your brother asked me a question last night that cost me a night's sleep. Consider this my fee for answering it."
