Mason took two slow steps into the hospital room, his eyes locked onto Nicholas, who was seated beside Anastasia's bed, peeling an apple like he had all the time in the world.
Nicholas noticed the shift in energy, but didn't turn immediately. Instead, he calmly sliced one last piece of the apple and handed it to Anastasia.
"I guess my time here is up," he said with a pleasant smile, standing up. "Make sure you recover quickly. We can't wait to have you back at the office."
Anastasia smiled weakly. "Thank you for coming."
Nicholas paused, as if remembering something. "Oh, before I forget, Sandra was really worried about you. She tried to reach you but said she didn't have your number."
Anastasia nodded. "That's true. Let me give you my number, so you can pass it on to her tomorrow..."
"No," Mason's voice cut in, firm and cold. "You will do no such thing."
Both Nicholas and Anastasia turned to look at him.
