Maria Bolton strode into the autistic center, her purposeful steps echoing through the corridors as she made her way to the reception desk. Her expression was one of determination, her brow furrowed with concern."Excuse me," she said, her voice commanding attention. "I'm here to pick up my brother, George Bolton."The receptionist nodded, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she pulled up George's file. "Of course, Miss Bolton," she replied. "Let me just check his whereabouts for you."Maria tapped her foot impatiently as she waited, her anxiety mounting with each passing second. She had never been one to show vulnerability, but the thought of George wandering off on his own sent a chill down her spine.Finally, the receptionist looked up, her expression troubled. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Bolton," she said hesitantly. "It seems that George excused himself to go outside, but he hasn't returned yet."Maria's heart skipped a beat as she absorbed the news. "What do you mean he hasn't return

As they arrived at the mansion, Emily's weak voice broke the silence. "Whose home is this?" she asked, her eyes scanning the elegant surroundings."It belongs to Mr. Radcliffe," Eric replied gently, "and he wouldn't mind us being here."Emily nodded weakly, sinking into the softness of the bed. Her emaciated form showed the suffering she had endured under Maria Bolton's captivity.Eric clenched his jaw tightly, guilt and anger warring within him. Emily had endured unimaginable pain because of him, and he couldn't shake off the weight of responsibility.Moving to her side, Eric brushed a stray strand of hair from Emily's face. "You'll be fine," he assured her softly.Emily's response was feeble. "I don't feel good. I want to see my family."Eric's heart twisted with sympathy. "You'll see them soon," he promised, his voice laced with determination. "But for now, you need to rest. I'll take care of everything."Emily's gratitude was evident as she looked up at him. "I'm glad you came for

As Emily stirred from her slumber, she felt an unfamiliar sensation wash over her—she felt whole. It was as though the events of the past few days had been nothing more than a distant nightmare. She blinked, trying to make sense of her surroundings, unable to comprehend how she could feel so normal after everything she had endured.Slowly, Emily sat up in bed, her mind still foggy from sleep. She remembered Eric placing the drip in her arm before she drifted off into a deep slumber, but she couldn't explain how she now felt so rejuvenated.Glancing around the room, Emily couldn't shake the surreal feeling that washed over her. It seemed impossible that she could wake up feeling this way after enduring such torment at the hands of Maria Bolton. She had expected to wake up feeling weak and battered, but instead, she felt strong and alive.As she swung her legs over the edge of the bed, Emily marveled at the newfound energy coursing through her veins. It was as though Eric's care and the

Maria sat beside her brother George's hospital bed, her face contorted with anger and frustration. "I can't believe this happened to you, George," she muttered, her voice trembling with emotion. "You didn't deserve any of this."George lay motionless, his eyes closed, his body battered from the brutal assault he had endured. Maria's heart ached as she looked at him, knowing that he had been targeted because of her association with Eric Radcliffe.A surge of rage boiled within Maria as she thought of Eric. "How dare he," she growled through clenched teeth, her hands curling into fists. "To think he could hurt you like this, all because of that wretched Emily Walter."With determination burning in her eyes, Maria made a vow to herself. "I won't let him get away with this," she declared, her voice filled with venom. "I'll make him pay for what he's done to you, George. I swear it."Rising from her seat, Maria stormed out of the hospital room, her steps echoing with purpose as she marched

As Emily walked through the door, she was enveloped in a wave of relief and warmth from her family. Mr. Walter, her grandfather, was the first to pull her into a tight embrace, his eyes filled with worry and relief intertwined. Dolores, her mother, followed suit, her embrace equally tight but laced with concern."Emily, where have you been? We were so worried," Dolores exclaimed, her voice trembling slightly with emotion.Emily's father chimed in, his expression a mixture of relief and sternness. "We thought something terrible had happened to you. You disappeared without a word."Even Mia, her little sister, looked up at her with concern etched on her face. However, Simon, Emily's cousin, stood at a distance, wearing his usual disdainful expression, but even he couldn't hide the flicker of concern in his eyes."I thought you were trapped somewhere you couldn't escape," Simon grumbled begrudgingly, his words dripping with resentment.Mia, ever the optimist, interjected, "But Mr. Radclif