Chapter 9 - The First Breath
Dr. Lin offered a warm, reassuring smile that instantly lifted the crushing weight off Elena's chest.
"Valeria is stabilized," Dr. Lin announced softly. "We managed to halt the premature labor contractions with medication. The baby's heart rate has returned to normal levels. Both mother and child are out of immediate danger."
Elena let out a long, shuddering sob and sank back into her seat, weeping tears of pure relief. Mateo wrapped his arms around his sister, holding her tightly.
"Can I see her?" Elena asked, wiping her eyes.
"She’s conscious and resting in Room 304," Dr. Lin nodded. "She’s asking for you."
Elena didn't hesitate. She walked swiftly down the quiet hospital corridor and pushed open the door to Room 304. Valeria lay in the bed, an IV drip connected to her arm, her face pale but calm. The room was warm, quiet, and safe.
"Mom..." Valeria whispered, holding out her hand.
Elena hurried to the bedside and took Valeria's hand, kissing it repeatedly. "My baby girl... you made it. You're safe."
"I heard what the doctor said," Valeria murmured, a small tear rolling down her cheek. "She said if you hadn't brought me here when you did... I would have lost her."
"I would never let anything happen to you," Elena said fiercely. "Never."
Valeria looked down at her swollen belly, placing her hand gently over her baby. "He's really gone, right? He can't reach us here?"
Elena looked toward the window. Outside, two uniformed federal agents stood guard in the hallway, ensuring no unauthorized person could step foot near the room.
"Adrián is under federal arrest, sweetheart," Elena assured her. "Agent Vance has enough evidence to put him away for the rest of his life. His empire is completely destroyed."
Meanwhile, downstairs in the main lobby, Agent Vance was on his satellite phone, listening to updates from his tactical team.
"Sir, we’ve secured Cárdenas at the military hospital under heavy guard," an officer reported over the radio. "His wounds are stable. But sir... we have a major problem."
Vance's brows furrowed. "What problem?"
"Cárdenas's primary legal defense partner, Richard Sterling, just filed an emergency injunction with State Judge Morales," the officer explained. "They are claiming that all evidence seized tonight was obtained illegally without a warrant, and that Cárdenas was kidnapped by his mother-in-law. Judge Morales just signed a court order demanding Cárdenas be transferred to state custody—and demanding the immediate arrest of Doña Elena!"
Vance’s eyes flared with anger. "Morales signed that? That bastard is named on page fourteen of the corruption ledger!"
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"They don't care, sir," the officer replied. "State troopers are already en route to St. Jude’s Clinic with a warrant for Elena's arrest!"
Vance slammed his hand against the wall. "Not on my watch." He turned to Mateo, who was standing nearby. "Mateo, get your sister and Valeria out of here right now. The corrupt state officials are trying to fight back."
