chapter1003

The day before Calliope was supposed to leave with the team, she heard the news -Mavis was awake.

The moment she found out, she headed straight for the hospital.

She arrived just as Portia did. The two women crossed paths at the main entrance, caught each other's eye, and without a word, dashed together toward the elevators.

Inside the elevator, Portia glanced over. "Did Uriah call you?"

Calliope nodded. He did, but he sounded... off. He was so hesitant, I couldn't tell if something was actually wrong with Mavis."

Same here. He wouldn't explain anything just said we needed to get here right away, Portia replied, frowning. "I kept asking how Mavis was, but he wouldn't say. Just kept repeating that we'd understand when we saw her."

The lack of answers set both of them on edge, worry gnawing at their hearts.

"She'll be fine," Calliope said, trying to calm herself as much as Portia. "Nothing was wrong with her physically before. If she's awake now, that has to mean things are looking up."

She managed a reassuring smile for Portia. "Don't stress."

"You're right. As long as she's physically okay, that's what matters," Portia said, nodding.

They hurried down the corridor to Mavis's room, only to find Uriah standing by the door. He was tall, suited, imposing as ever-but the misery clouding his face was unmistakable.

He looked anything but relieved. The two women shot each other a worried glance.

"Mr. Stewart, what's going on? Mavis is awake, isn't she? Why are you standing out here?" Calliope asked as she strode toward him.

"Yeah, Mr. Stewart, why aren't you inside?" Portia added.

Hadn't he been desperately waiting for Mavis to wake up? Now the moment was here, and he was keeping his distance?

Uriah looked at them, shoulders tense, his expression miserable. "She won't let me stay, he muttered, frown deepening. "Why don't you go in first and see for yourselves Then reconsidering, he said,

"Actually-let's all go in together."

Calliope and Portia exchanged a baffled look. This didn't make sense. Mavis adored Uriah-everyone knew she'd move mountains for him;

loving him seemed as natural to her as breathing. Why would she push him away now?

Still confused, they followed as Uriah opened the door.

He stepped inside, careful and gentle. "Mavis, it's all right. They're here now," he said softly.

Calliope and Portia entered, and their eyes went straight to the bed. Mavis was sitting up, looking fragile but so much better-her cheeks were no longer drained, and she was wholly awake.

She spotted them and immediately burst into tears. Callie! Portia!" she cried, her eyes shining with tears. "I missed you both so much!"

But then, just as quickly, her

demeanor changed. Mavis shot

Uriah a wary, almost hostile look.

"Callie, Portia-who is this man?" she

asked voice edged with annoyance.

"Why does he keep

coming in here?

He's so irritating. Would you please

make him leave?"

Calliope was left speechless.

Portia's jaw dropped.

For a moment, both women could do nothing but stare at Uriah in disbelief.

What was going on?

Mavis didn't even recognize Uriah and, worse, she wanted him gone?

After several stunned seconds, they turned their attention back to Mavis.

"Mavis, you really don't know who he is?" Calliope asked gently.

"Why should I?" Mavis replied, looking thoroughly unimpressed. He's just incredibly annoying."

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