Chapter 49: Domenic, Marc, and Terry formed a protective circle around Connor as they headed toward the elevator, their anticipation building at the prospect of finally encountering Riss. However, their path was interrupted when Marissa stepped out of the elevator. She glanced around briefly before heading toward the operating room. Connor paused to watch her approach. Dressed simply in a white shirt and jeans, with her hair styled into fluffy braids, she looked fresh yet weary, as if she had just completed a strenuous task "Why are you here?" Connor asked her in a measured tone as she neared "Balthasar askedto cvisit Ms. Sanchez one last time, saying that she is my mother after all," Marissa replied. Her demeanor was composed, even under Connor's intense gaze. Earlier, while working to save Caylee in the operating room, Marissa had noticed him through the glass window. Seizing the opportunity, she had briefly caused the lights to go out, using those five seconds to slip away through the back door of the operating room. After escaping, she had ducked into a restroom and quickly hacked into the hospital's surveillance system with her phone. She discovered that Connor had stationed his bodyguards at every exit. Recognizing several of them as his men, she realized he had laid a trap for her, but she was determined not to be caught. Skillfully, she tampered with the surveillance to cover her tracks, changed out of her doctor's coat and cap, and reassumed her identity as Marissa Exiting the restroom at a leisurely pace, she headed to the elevator. While waiting for the elevator calmly, she restored the surveillance system. Then, she reached the operating room, following Balthasar's order to visit Caylee. Her explanation for being there was flawless and plausible, leaving no room for anyone to question her presence, including Connor galis your story source "Get out of here, Tiffany!" an angry voice shouted Everyone turned to see who it was. A young girl, around Marissa's age, strode towards Marissa, her expression livid. Marissa quickly sifted through her memories of the information she'd read days earlier and realized the furious young woman was Leila Sanchez, Daryl's daughter "Tiffany, you are not welchere. You don't deserve to be Aunt Caylee's daughter. Leave now!" Leila pointed towards the elevator doors, her voice filled with anger "Leila, don't be rude!" A middle-aged woman approached, her voice firm but calm. Marissa recognized her as Rachel Sanchez, Daryl's wife, known for her skills as a painter. After intervening, Rachel turned to Marissa with a complex look and said, "Tiffany, your mother is very weak now and must avoid any stress. Since you don't like being around her, it's best you leave and let her rest.” "Mom, why are you treating her so kindly?" Leila protested, her tone harsh. "She should be thrown out!" Without waiting for a response, Leila started pushing Marissa towards the elevator. "Get out of here! Aunt Caylee has plenty of family members to care for her. She doesn't need an ungrateful daughter like you here. If you don't leave this instant, I'll make you regret it!" Marissa remained composed, not responding to Leila's outburst. However, before things could escalate further, Connor intervened, grabbing Leila's wrist and pulling her back. Leila stumbled but quickly regained her balance. She then fixed a sneering look on Connor and taunted, “Oh, right. I forgot this wicked woman used sunderhanded tricks to marry into the Daniels family!"
Though Leila was typically intimidated by someone of Connor's stature, her anger overrode her fear. Her eyes sparkled with sarcasm and challenge as she addressed him directly. "Mr. Daniels, aren't you embarrassed to align yourself with such a malevolent woman who disowned her own mother?"
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