Just then, a nurse stepped out of the operating room, completely unaware of the danger filling the corridor. Seeing the group of men, she assumed they were Cole’s bodyguards assigned to protect Elliana.

Without a hint of fear, the nurse hurried off to fetch supplies, heading toward Miguel.

Jason didn’t stop her. His eyes never left Miguel’s face.

Miguel, in contrast, looked almost casual—too calm for someone in the middle of a standoff. As the nurse walked by, he offered her a faint, polite smile.

“Excuse me. Has Mrs. Evans given birth yet?”

The nurse paused, taken by his refined air, mistaking him for a relative.

“Not yet. But the signs of dystocia are improving. It looks like she’ll be able to deliver naturally.”

With a polite nod, she hurried on her way.

Jason’s jaw tightened. He hadn’t wanted Miguel to learn anything about Elliana’s condition, but it had happened too quickly to stop.

Once the nurse disappeared down the hall, Miguel turned back to Jason, his lips curling into a mocking smile.

“I’ve heard the name Jason Evans before—a young”

man with promise. Seeing you now, I’d say the rumors fall short. You’ve got quite the presence.”

Now that Miguel knew Elliana hadn’t given birth, his urgency had melted away. He seemed almost amused—ready to talk. Jason, knowing he needed to buy more time, matched his tone with a cold smile of his own.

“You flatter me, Miguel Griffiths.”

For a brief second, Miguel’s expression froze. He hadn’t expected Jason to identify him so quickly. Then he chuckled—a low, dangerous sound.

“So you’ve already figured me out. Smart man. Since that’s the case, there’s no need for pretense.”

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Miguel cast a pointed glance at the operating room door before returning his gaze to Jason.

“I don’t want needless bloodshed,” he said calmly. “Step aside and let me take the one I came for. There’s no need for this to turn ugly.”

Jason let out a dry scoff.

“You can’t be serious. My duty is to protect Elliana. If you want to reach that door, you’ll have to go through me first.”

Miguel’s eyes narrowed, and a faint sigh slipped through his voice.

“Why be so stubborn? You’ve got talent. I’d hate to have to kill a promising young man like you. Think carefully before you throw your life away.”

Before Jason could reply, Miguel continued, his tone turning smooth.

“Since you already know who I am, you must know my relation to Cole. His mother was my cousin. So, in a way, I’m your relative.”

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