Chapter 263

Howard's POV

The corridors of New York General Hospital were quiet in the middle of the night, with only the soft glow from the nurses' station and occasional whispers breaking the silence. I'd just finished speaking with the police and was walking back to the room, exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders.

When I gently pushed open the door, the sight before me warmed my heart despite everything. Annie lay asleep on the hospital bed, her golden hair spread across the white pillow. Lucy's small body was nestled tightly against Annie's side, as if afraid someone might separate them again.Brian was curled up in the armchair nearby, tear stains still visible on his vulnerable face.

I stood quietly in the doorway, unwilling to disturb this rare moment of peace. The night's events replayed in my mind like a nightmare-Sarah's threatening call, finding Annie in that abandoned factory, the violence I'd inflicted on Philip. The last one particularly disturbed me. When I saw Philip standing naked before an equally exposed Annie, a rage I couldn't control had nearly destroyed the self-discipline I'd always prided myself on.

"I could have killed him," I admitted silently. "If Annie hadn't called me to stop, I might have..."

I'd made an almost unimaginable choice-between Lucy and Annie,I chose to go directly to Annie. Though the outcome proved this decision correct,guilt still weighed on my heart like a stone.

"William," I silently addressed my deceased brother, "when I took Lucy's

guardianship. I swore to protect her above my own life. Tonight, I almost failed that promise."

My thoughts returned to that stormy night three years ago when news of the yacht accident struck like lightning-William and his wife dead, only Lucy surviving. When I first saw that golden-haired, blue-eyed littlegirl with empty eyes in the hospital. I knew my life would never be the same.

On the bed, Annie shifted slightly, and I immediately held my breath,concerned I might wake her. Onlywhen she continued breathing evenly did I relax. White bandages wrapped her wrists, covering the marks left by the ropes. Seeing those bandages caused a sharp pain, as if those wounds were on my own body.

"I promise." I whispered, "Tll never let anyone hurt you again."

I sat down on the sofa, determined to keep watch all night. But exhaustion eventually won, pulling me into light sleep until morning sunlight filtered through the curtains.

The next morning, I stood at the hospital cafeteria counter, dark circles revealing my sleepless night, but my posture remained straight, refusing to yield to fatigue.

"Mr. Thompson?" A doctor in a white coat approached. "Do you have a moment?"

I nodded and followed him to a quiet corner table.

"Ms. Baker's physical condition is stable," the doctor said,reviewing his notes, "The abrasions on her wrists and ankles have been treated. As for psychological aspects, being an adult, Ms. Baker should recover relatively well."

"That's good news," I replied, feeling slightly relleved."And the children?Are they alright?"

"Neither child shows significant physical injuries," the doctor continued,his tone lighter. "Since nothing too severe actually occurred,their psychological trauma should be limited. Lucy is currently somewhat dependent on Ms. Baker, but that's a normal reaction after last night's events. Brian seems to be adapting well. Overall, I believe they'lI return to normal soon."

"However," he added, "consulting with professional psychologists would be beneficial if any issues arise later. I can recommend several child psychologists if needed."

I nodded appreciatively. "Thank you for your advice. I'll contact top specialists immediately if necessary. But I believe that with enough love and support, they'll recover quickly."

My phone vibrated with an update from the police:

"Philip Baker has been formally arrested, facing multiple charges:kidnapping, unlawful detention, and attempted sexual assault. He's currently receiving treatment under police supervision for facial and jaw fractures requiring surgery,"

My expression remained unchanged, but my fingers tightened around my coffee cup. Remembering Philip's face bloodied by my fists, I felt no remorse, only a strange disconnection from my uncontrolled anger. I'd always been known for my calm rationality, but last night I'd been someone else entirely.

Another message arrived: "Sarah Johnson's surgery is complete.The fetus couldn't be saved, but she's stable and wilI regain consciousness soon.

Police are waiting outside her room to formally charge her."

Despite Sarah being the mastermind behind everything, the loss of an innocent life still weighed heavily on me. As I contemplated these complex emotions, I saw Robert Johnson enter the cafeteria, pale-faced with bloodshot eyes. He hesitated upon seeing me, then approached.

"Brought you coffee," Robert said hoarsely, placing a steaming cup before me. "Probably not as good as what you have at your company."

I accepted it with a slight nod, gesturing for him to sit. "Thank you. You look terrible."

"Been waiting outside surgery all night," Robert gave a bitter smile. "Sarah's recovering. Doctors say... she lost too much blood, it doesn't look good."His voice trembled slightly. "Our baby didn't..." He couldn't finish.

Silence stretched between us until I broke it: "I'm sorry to hear that.Whatever Sarah did,that child was innocent."

Robert rubbed his tired eyes. "I keep thinking, if I hadn't told Sarah about that fake account, if I'd told you about her reaction sooner...maybe none of this would have happened."

"We all underestimated her obsession," I said calmly. "But assigning blame now is pointless. What matters is moving forward."

"What about Max?" Robert suddenly asked, voice filled with concern. "If Sarah... if the worst happens, Max only has me. What kind of life can a father like me provide?"

I looked directly into Robert's eyes. "Don't underestimate yourself, Robert.You saved three children last night. That proves you're braver than you think."

Gratitude flickered in Robert's eyes, quickly replaced by guilt. "At the cost of my own child's life."

"That was a tragic accident," I said firmly. "You were protecting those children."

"We were all manipulated by Sarah, weren't we?" Robert gave a bitter smile."You, me, Philip... she moved us like chess pieces, exploiting our weaknesses."

I reflected briefly, then said. "Perhaps it's time to end this cycle. Whatever Sarah's fate, we can't let her actions continue affecting our lives, especially the children's."

Robert nodded, new determination in his eyes. "You're right. Max needs a stable father, not someone wallowing in guilt and self-pity."

The ringing phone at the nurses' station interrupted our conversation.A nurse hurried over: "Mr. Thompson? Ms. Baker is awake and asking for you."

I immediatelystood, nodding to Robert before walking quickly toward Annie's room, my heart accelerating with both anticipation and nervousness.

When I gently opened the door, Annie was awake, leaning against the headboard. Lucy still slept beside her, small face nestled in the crook of Annie's neck. Brian was already awake, sitting in a chair by the window,eyes red but calmer than last night.

"Hey," Annie smiled when she saw me, her voice still tired but with returning sparkle in her eyes. "You look like you haven't slept all night."

I walked to her bedside, carefully taking her hand, avoiding the bandaged

wounds. "I'm fine. How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been run over by a truck," Annie attempted to joke, though her smile couldn't hide the shadows in her eyes. "But I'll bealright. When did the doctor say we can go home?"

"As soon as the doctor confirms you're stable, we can leave," I answered softly,glancing at the sleeping Lucy.

Annie considered this, then nodded. "Sounds good. But Brian..." Her gaze shifted to the boy by the window.

I followed her gaze. "Brian can come too, if he wants."

Hearing his name, Brian looked uup uncertainly. Annie smiled gently at him. "Would you like to come with us to Long Island? Just for a few days,until everything... gets back to normal."

Brian hesitated,considering the offer, then quietly asked, "What about Dad?Where is he?"

Annie and I exchanged glances, and I cleared my throat. "Brian, your father... he's dealing with some trouble right now. He can't be with you for a while."

Brian bit his lip, tears welling in his eyes again. "Is it because of what he did to Mom?"

Annie drew a sharp breath, startled by Brian's perceptiveness. She carefully chose her words: "Some bad things happened, Brian. But what's important is that everyone's safe now, and we'll get through this difficult time together."

Brian remained silent for a moment, then nodded slightly. "Okay,I want

to go to Long Island."

Just then, Lucy woke up, seeing me by the bed, she immediately reached out her small hands for me to hold her. Without hesitation, I lifted her into my arms, and she hugged my neck tightly, whispering, "I was so scared. Will the bad people come back?"

I felt a sharp pain in my chest as I gently stroked Lucy's golden curls. "No,baby. The bad people can't hurt you anymore. I promise."

Lucy extended one hand toward Annie. "Annie?"

"I'm right here," Annie took Lucy's small hand. "We'll all be together as a family."

Looking at Annie and Lucy's clasped hands, then at the thoughtful Brian by the window, a firm resolve filled my heart. This newly formed family had been tested by fire, but I would ensure that what rose from these ashes would be stronger, closer bonds.

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