And there... the guards.
Silver Ridge elite, positioned exactly as expected, their presence structured and alert. They were not there for the hospital. They were there for her and her brother.
"Miss… where are you headed?" one of them asked, stepping forward as she approached the parking area. His tone was respectful, but his posture carried the quiet insistence of someone trained not to let important figures move without notice.
Maya didn't slow.
"I'm cold," she said evenly, her voice carrying just enough softness to disarm without inviting concern. "I want to go home. Is there a car available?"
The guard nodded immediately, already signaling toward one of the vehicles. "Yes. We can drive you...."
"It's fine." She cut in gently, lifting a hand in casual dismissal. "Stay here. Guard the hospital."
A brief hesitation flickered across his expression, not suspicion, but uncertainty.
"Miss…" he began again, more carefully.
