“Stop her!” the guard barked, walking towards Alexa at the hospital entrance.

Alexa’s heart pounded. “Please… I need to see my son!”

“You’re not authorized,” the guard said flatly, blocking her path. “Mr. Everett gave strict orders…”

“Let her through,” a sharp voice cut in. Both Alexa and the guard turned. James Everett stood at the corridor’s end, suit unbuttoned, face pale with exhaustion but burning with defiance.

“Sir, Mr. Ricardo said…”

“I don’t ...