Chapter 4 - The Miracle Behind the GlassPreston sat huddled in the corner of the waiting room, shivering in his ruined suit, surrounded by armed guards who watched him like executioners. The humiliation burned in his chest, but terror completely eclipsed his ego. What would happen to his career? His status at the law firm? Beatrice would be furious that her party was ruined.
It's Juliet's fault, a toxic voice whispered in his head. If she hadn't called her father...
The heavy doors of the neonatal intensive care unit swung open. Dr. Vance walked out, looking exhausted, his surgical mask pulled down around his neck.
General Hayes stepped forward immediately, his rigid military composure cracking just a fraction. "Doctor?"
Dr. Vance offered a weary, fragile smile. "It was touch-and-go for hours, General. The lack of oxygen caused severe trauma. But... your grandchild is a fighter."
Preston jumped up, a wave of desperate relief washing over him. "Thank God! See? Everything's fine! I knew she'd pull through. I can go in and see my baby now—"
Two armed guards instantly stepped in front of Preston, crossing their rifles to block his path. Preston froze.
"You don't move an inch," Martin commanded without even glancing at his son-in-law. He turned to the doctor. "Can I see my daughter and the baby?"
"Yes, General. Juliet has regained consciousness, though she is very weak. And the baby is stable in incubator three," Dr. Vance replied.
Martin walked past Preston, giving him one look so venomous that Preston instinctively shrank back into his chair.
Inside the sterile NICU room, Juliet lay pale against the white pillows, her eyes sunken, an IV line taped to her bruised hand. When the door opened, she turned her head slowly.
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"Daddy..." she whispered, a single tear escaping her eye.
Martin rushed to her bedside, dropping to his knees and gently taking her fragile hand in his calloused palms. "I'm here, sweetheart. Daddy's here. No one will ever hurt you again."
