Chapter 257: Attacked.

The next morning, Vivian rose before dawn feeling surprisingly refreshed and energized. She dressed quickly in casual leggings and an oversized knit sweater, eager to get to the hospital. Maya's life-changing surgery was finally happening today thanks to Mathew's generous intervention. As she descended the curved staircase into the foyer, Vivian could see Joe and two other burly bodyguards awaiting her in the shadowed vestibule, already outfitted in crisp black suits despite the early hour. "Everything all set to head out, ma'am?" Joe asked once she neared. There were dark circles under his eyes - he must have already been up half the night overseeing security arrangements. "More than ready," Vivian replied with a firm nod, subconsciously squaring her shoulders. "Let's go see my niece." The predawn streets were blessedly clear of traffic as their sleek armored sedan cut across town toward the hospital district. Despite her frayed nerves from the previous evening's public circus, V