Chapter 258: Luna carried out the investigation alone
**【Max's Perspective】**
Kevin stood awkwardly outside the hospital, clutching a fresh bouquet of pink gradient roses, clearly unsure how to approach Violet after being unceremoniously ejected from her room.
"Sir," he began nervously, "I think Violet is just... unpredictable sometimes."
I offered a bitter smile. "At least she's straightforward. When she's angry, you know exactly why." I paused, thinking of Luna's silent treatment. "Unlike some people whose thoughts remain a mystery even when they're upset. Go on, try to make amends."
Kevin hesitated. "Sir, were you implying something about the identity of the assailant earlier?"
"Yes," I confirmed, my voice hardening. "After you've smoothed things over with Violet, tell her to be wary of Skyler Hart."
Kevin's eyes widened. "You suspect William's wife is behind this?"
Instead of answering directly, I nodded at the flowers in his hands. "Those are beautiful roses. The gradient from light to deep pink is quite striking. Violet will appreciate them." I gestured toward the hospital entrance. "You should go. She's waiting."
As Kevin hurried inside, I remained standing alone, lost in thought. Unlike Violet's transparent emotions, Luna had become increasingly distant and unreadable, making me wonder if her love for me had changed.
---
When I returned to the maternity ward, I paused outside Luna's room, my hand hesitating on the doorknob. After several moments of indecision, I retreated to a nearby chair, resigned to waiting.
My phone vibrated—Lily calling again. I declined the call without hesitation and switched the device to silent before tucking it into my jacket pocket. Leaning my head back against the wall, I closed my eyes, exhaustion finally catching up to me.
**【Luna's Perspective】**
"Your husband hasn't rested since early morning," the nurse mentioned casually as she checked my vitals. "He's still sitting outside."
I gave no response, staring blankly at the ceiling. The nurse's attempt at conversation faltered, and she finished her work in silence.
That evening, after the postpartum care specialist had helped me through my fourth meal and evening wash, she too couldn't resist commenting.
"Mrs. Morrison, Mr. Morrison is still waiting outside. Perhaps you'd like to see him briefly?"
Again, I offered no acknowledgment, merely turning slightly away to signal my disinterest.
Throughout my hospital stay, Max's attempts to visit were met with the same cold reception. I feigned sleep or cited exhaustion, effectively preventing any meaningful interaction. On discharge day, Helen and Marie arrived to escort me home, relegating Max to chauffeur and luggage handler.
---
The Morrison family mansion appeared before us as our convoy of vehicles pulled through the elaborate gates. To my surprise, the entire family had assembled on the front steps to welcome me home.
From my window, I noticed Elizabeth, Thomas's wife, frowning slightly at the display. Her voice carried as she whispered to another family member, "It's just childbirth, what's the big deal? The baby's still in an incubator. Why all this ceremony?"
Orion, who stood nearby with his white cane, responded coolly, "Elizabeth, the Morrison family has never skimped on ceremonial occasions for you either. Your children's births, hospital releases, first birthdays—weren't they all more elaborate than today's welcome?"
Elizabeth's expression soured further. "You seem quite fond of Luna. Too bad she's Max's wife now."
"I do admire her," Orion replied calmly. "Though Thomas is actually the one who adores Luna the most."
Thomas quickly interjected, "That was—that was when she was younger. The way a brother cares for a sister. Darling, don't misunderstand."
As Elizabeth stormed off, Thomas turned accusingly to Orion. "Why stir up trouble?"
Orion's expression remained impassive. "Keep your wife in line. This family requires order."
When our car finally stopped, I carefully stepped out, declining the hand extended by a waiting servant. The sight of the entire family arranged to greet me initially touched me deeply—until I spotted Lily standing beside Kevin, her ankle in a cast but her smile bright. My momentary warmth evaporated instantly.
In that moment, I made a decision. I would reclaim my emotional independence and stop investing my heart in Max Morrison.
"Luna, let me help you inside," Max offered, reaching for my arm.
"No thank you," I replied coolly. "I can manage on my own."
The hurt that flashed across his face didn't move me. I had made my choice.
---
For the next month, I established my independence within the Morrison mansion. Instead of sharing the master bedroom with Max, I claimed a guest suite, citing the need for uninterrupted rest. I even arranged for the postpartum specialist to stay in the same room, creating an effective barrier against Max's attempts to approach me.
I took all my meals in my room and rarely ventured out except for occasional walks in the back garden. Though Max's work kept him busy, whenever he tried to see me, I found reasons to be elsewhere. After a month, Violet, now recovered from her injury, joined me at the mansion, providing additional support and companionship.
One afternoon, Violet accompanied me to the hospital to visit my son. The doctor reported that he had gained weight and grown taller, but his cardiopulmonary function remained underdeveloped.
"I recommend another month of hospitalization," the doctor advised. "His progress is good, but his lungs need more time."
I nodded in agreement, stroking my baby's tiny hand through the incubator's access port before reluctantly departing.
In the car, as Violet drove, I studied data on my phone, my mind already shifting to my next steps.
"Luna, when are you planning to return to the Group?" Violet asked.
"I'm not," I stated simply.
Violet nearly swerved the car. "What? You're resigning?"
"I've applied to establish a research institute in Washington through the Department of Defense. My projects will continue here, with occasional trips to Langley headquarters when necessary."
"And what about Max?" Violet asked cautiously.
"He's a grown man. He'll manage."
I glanced in the side mirror, noticing a familiar vehicle. "Is that car following us?"
Violet checked her mirrors. "It's Max's security detail. They shadow us every time we leave the house."
"Lose them," I instructed.
"Where are we going?" Violet asked, accelerating smoothly.
"The spa center."
"The spa? What for?"
"I need to meet someone."