The idea slowly planted doubt in Daniel’s mind.
When Maya finally woke up, her first question was about Leo. As soon as she heard the boy was safe, she cried with relief. Doctors then explained her heart condition and asked why she had ignored her symptoms.
Maya admitted she had been afraid of losing her job. She needed the income and couldn’t risk unemployment.
Later Natalie visited her hospital room. Speaking softly but firmly, she suggested that even if Maya meant well, hiding such a serious illness while caring for a child had been reckless. Maya tried to explain that she had saved Leo’s life, but Natalie insisted Daniel was now unsure he could trust her.
Three days later Maya was discharged from the hospital—alone.
While preparing to leave, she received a phone call from Daniel’s assistant informing her that her job had been terminated immediately. She would receive two months of severance pay, and her belongings had already been packed.
Maya asked if she could at least say goodbye to Leo.
The assistant replied that Daniel believed it would be better for the boy to have a clean break.