Steven’s hands were numb from gripping the steering wheel, his heart pounding with anxiety. He couldn't imagine what might have happened if Natalie hadn't discovered Maisy's intentions. He rushed to the hospital and found Natalie waiting outside the ward.

“She’s fine for now,” Natalie reassured him, seeing his anxious expression. “They took blood for tests; the results should come back soon. The doctor said she should wake up shortly.”

Steven immediately expressed his gratitude. “Thank you,” he replied.

“It’s nothing,” Natalie said. “You should go in and check on your wife.” Steven nodded and hurried inside.

Natalie felt a wave of relief when Steven arrived. She quickly messaged Skylar: “Your brother is here. Mona is okay, so don’t worry. Get some rest.”

Skylar hadn’t slept. She anxiously awaited news, unable to shake the thought of the drug Maisy had used. She hoped it wouldn't harm Mona. While waiting, she contacted Aiken to investigate Maisy.

Aiken replied, “Alright, my brother is there. You should rest. Thankfully, Mona ran into you today, Nath. I’m sweating bullets. Mona’s lucky. I haven’t been to the shop lately, and it just so happened I found Maisy. Sleep now, and don’t reply.”

Back in her basement apartment, Maisy’s rage erupted. She pounded her fists on the bed. “I was so close! One step away from taking Mona. Someone as innocent as her, with a writer’s reputation, would sell for a good price.” She’d already secured a buyer.

She resented Steven and his family’s privileged lives. If anyone deserved it, she thought, it should be her. She couldn’t understand Skylar’s significance or why Mona thought she could usurp Maisy’s position. Maisy blamed Mona for everything. If Mona had lent her money, Maisy might not have resorted to such desperate measures.

But she’d been discovered. Maisy was certain Natalie would call the police. She couldn’t let them catch her; she knew the trouble she was in. Leaving Jipsburg felt like giving up. Her biological mother ran a huge company, and her brothers were successful. She could easily return to luxury. But instead, she was in a mess. It was all Skylar’s fault. Had Skylar stayed in Jipsburg, Maisy would have caught both Mona and Skylar. She imagined selling Skylar to Askea, where she’d face the same torment Maisy had endured.

Despite her hatred, she knew she had to leave, at least for now. After packing, she opened the door to find three expressionless men.

“Maisy?” one asked.

Maisy’s face paled. She stammered, “Not me. Maisy just left. If you hurry, you might still catch her.”