Meanwhile, inside a secluded room at Emerald Haven, John slowly opened his eyes. He took in his surroundings before his gaze settled on Maria, who was tidying up the room.
"Maria," he called out weakly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Come here."
Maria hesitated before stepping closer to the bed. "Mr. Hawke, you're awake. Should I call the doctor for you?"
John shook his head. "No need. There's something I want to discuss with you."
She looked at him with uncertainty, and he continued, "If you help me, I will treat you like my own granddaughter and cover all of your mother's medical expenses."
Maria's eyes widened in shock, her heart pounding. She thought of her mother's frail figure, the growing stack of medical bills at home—an impossible weight on her shoulders. But then, Zoe's
