Chapter 89 Thomas put on a playful expression and gave Madeline a peck on the cheek.
âColt, Daddyâs home! Come, hug me!â Noah came back and saw the little boy cuddling Madelineâs neck. He wanted to join in and enjoy the happy family atmosphere.
âNo! Daddy reek of alcohol!â Thomas wrinkled his nose and hugged Madelineâs neck even tighter, refusing to release his grip.
The man furrowed his brows and sniffed his clothing. âSince when did you have such an acute sense of smell? I only drank two glasses of wine. How did you even smell the alcohol?â
Thomas continued with his protest despite his fatherâs dull expression. He squeezed his nose shut and made a face. âDaddy stinks! Stay away from Auntie Madeline. She smells wonderful! Iâll sleep with her tonight.â
Amused by her sonâs attempt to annoy his father, Madeline kept silent and watched his ploy play out. She decided to defuse the tension when she saw anger clouding the manâs features.
âWhy donât we keep it safe and let Colt spend the night with me?â the woman said mockingly. After glancing at Noah, she carried the little boy and headed to her room.
The poor man was left standing alone in the hallway. It was truly a disastrous day. Not only did he lose the argument with his son, but he was also accused of being a drunkard.
In the wee hours of the night, Madeline lay on the bed and watched her son sleeping soundly. She leaned over and tenderly tucked a strand of hair behind Thomasâ ear. Suddenly, a phone ring shattered the silence of the peaceful night.
âColt is running a fever,â Andy said anxiously.
âIâm coming over,â Madeline said, frowning. She dashed to the basement, so frantic that she didnât even hang up the phone.
âWhat happened? Wasnât he well in the day? Why is he suddenly down with a fever?â
It pained her heart to see Colton in a semi-conscious state and his face flushed with agony. As she held on to his tiny hands, she was astonished to find it icy cold.
âThe medical report isnât out yet, but it seems like heâs experiencing organ failure. He might have injured his organs when he had a hard fall earlier,â Andy reported. His eyes were glued on the vital signs monitor so he could keep a close eye on Coltonâs condition.
âOrgan failure? Wasnât he recovering well? Why is this happening?â Madelineâs eyes turned bloodshot as she feared Coltonâs situation would worsen.
âDonât worry, Ms. Madeline. Iâll do whatever it takes to ensure Coltâs recovery,â Andy assured. He had to divide his time between giving Colton medication and soothing her because he had never seen the woman so distressed before.
âYou need to save him, Andy. I havenât...â Dread gnawed at her insides when she looked at the little boyâs pale face.
I havenât told Colton that Iâm his birth mother. I want to bring him on a worldwide tour so that he can have fun. I forbid anyone from taking away my son!
Andy tried all possible treatment methods, ranging from epinephrine to cardiotonic agents. Finally, Coltonâs heart started beating again. He heaved a sigh of relief when he saw color returning to the boyâs face. âThank goodness, Colt is all right!â
Madeline slouched in the chair while keeping her gaze fixed on the boy who was asleep. âThanks for everything. You must be tired, go on and take a rest. Iâll stay to keep Colt company.â
When Andy noticed the womanâs sluggish state, he could not bear to leave her alone. Hence, he offered, âIt has been a long day for you too, Ms. Madeline. Why donât I take care of Colt? Everything is going to be fine.â
Alas, nothing could change Madelineâs mind. She remained seated and kept her head lowered as she spoke, âItâs okay. I need to stay here and keep Colt company. Please rest.â Andy left reluctantly as he knew it was pointless to convince Madeline.
âI shouldnât have left you alone. Iâm sorry, Colt. This is all Mommyâs fault!â Madelineâs heart winced with pain when she contrasted the state of her children.
While Thomas and Mackenzie were lively and energetic, Colton was left lying in bed in an unconscious state. If she had not left Colton with Noah, this would not have occurred. He allowed Suzette and Angie to abuse her poor child, occasionally even contributing to his misery. As a result, unlike her other two children, Colton had lost his sense of wonder and excitement in life.
âMommy... Mommy...â a weak voice called out.
Madeline jerked awake and lifted her head. The little boy held her fingers and mumbled to himself.
âMommyâs here, Colt! Donât be scared, Iâll protect you.â Tears streamed down Madelineâs cheeks when she heard Coltonâs slurring. He scowled slightly and tightened his grip on her fingers as her tears fell on the back of his hand.
As the night went by, exhaustion took over, and Madeline fell asleep. Dawn was just breaking when she woke up the next day.
âMs. Madeline, Coltâs condition is stabilized. You should return to your room and get some rest,â Andy persuaded when he saw her bloodshot eyes and exhausted looks.
âOkay. Keep me informed of Coltâs condition.â Although she wished to stay by Coltonâs side, she was mindful that Noah was in the house. Her prolonged absence could raise his suspicions. After much deliberation, she stood up and instructed Andy to take good care of Colton. She only left unwillingly when he gave his promise.
As Madeline made her way out of the hidden door to the basement, she thought, I wonder if the scumbag is awake. He canât learn of this hidden place...
She quickly stepped out of the door and into the living room after checking that the corridors were empty. She was delighted to discover the room was empty. However, just as she was about to climb the stairs to her bedroom, a sluggish voice called out.
âGood morning, Ms. Grant!â
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