Chapter 4

Passing medical staff couldn't help but admire his devotion.

My daughter and I felt like intruders, completely out of place.

For a moment, everything felt so unreal.

Was that Ethan who once only had eyes for me really just using me to pass the time?

"Mommy, I feel awful!"

My daughter's painful cry woke me up.

Her condition hadn't stabilized. Her eyes rolled back and she started convulsing.

Terrified and incoherent, I knelt before Ethan holding her.

"The doctor said she needs surgery right away, but all of today's surgeries are fully booked."

"Please save our daughter. I promise I'll never appear in front of you again."

Charlotte had mentioned he was one of the hospital's shareholders. He must have a way.

My daughter was barely conscious in my arms, delirious with discomfort.

"Mommy, Daddy, I feel awful..."

Ethan softened. His hand moved toward her uncontrollably.

Just then, the operating room doors opened.

The doctor tiredly removed his mask and smiled: "Congratulations, mother and child are both safe."

He abruptly pulled his hand back and rushed over, pressing delicate kisses on her forehead.

"Charlotte, you worked so hard. Two children are enough. We won't have any more."

Charlotte weakly opened her eyes and couldn't help complaining softly.

"Isn't it three? That woman gave you one too."

Ethan hesitated, then chuckled softly.

"Only the ones you give birth to deserve my last name!"

All color drained from my face. I could barely stand holding my daughter.

He looked up at me, his expression gradually becoming complicated.

After escorting Charlotte back to her room, he came after me.

"Vivian, I'm sorry. I misunderstood you earlier."

He moved his gaze from my bleeding hand to my daughter.

As if making a huge decision, he finally agreed to hold our daughter.

"You've had it hard these years. I'll arrange the surgery right now."

Tears blurred my vision. I couldn't see his expression clearly, but I heard the tremor in his voice.

Watching my daughter enter the operating room, I mechanically signed the consent form.

When I looked up, I saw Ethan pushing Charlotte over.

My nose stung. I couldn't help wiping away tears.

"Charlotte, why aren't you resting? Why did you come here?"

She completely dropped her previous gentleness, her smile dripping with mockery.

"Vivian Adams, playing with you all this time has actually made me feel a bit sorry for you."

"My younger son was born with a severe blood disease. He needs a complete blood transfusion."

"Your daughter happens to be a match. All we needed was your signature on this surgery consent form!"

She waved the form I'd just signed.

I felt like I'd fallen into an ice cellar. I suddenly understood everything.

I grabbed Ethan and screamed hysterically:

"She's your daughter too! How can you bear to do this?"

He didn't dare look me in the eye.

"I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you later."

Charlotte leisurely enjoyed watching my agony.

"Do you understand now? You were never his weakness!"

I was consumed with hatred.

I looked at them and laughed coldly with meaning.

"Someone as uneducated as me—did you think I'd be easy to manipulate?"

"Why don't you go inside and see who exactly was sent into the operating room?"