Chapter 630



Clayton’s gaze drifted involuntarily toward Elma on the bed.

Elma’s back was turned to them, obscuring her expression. However, a subtle tremor shook her small frame.

A shadow passed over Clayton’s eyes, and his smile turned strained. “That’s wonderful. It’s crucial for children to be happy,” he replied, a hint of bitterness in his tone.

Kallie instinctively reached out to feel Elma’s forehead.

Elma tried to pull away, but Kallie’s touch was too quick. The warmth of Kallie’s hand made Elma freeze in place.

As Kallie’s hand withdrew, Elma felt a pang of loss. The touch had been surprisingly comforting, like a fleeting moment of sweetness.

“Oh dear, she’s sweating!” Kallie exclaimed. “We need to change her clothes before she catches a chill. Where’s her mother?”

A wave of annoyance washed over Clayton as he thought of Cara’s preoccupation with that man. “Her… Her mother is busy and won’t be able to make it,” he sighed.

Kallie frowned. “I can change her,” she said.

Clayton hesitated for a second and then moved out of Kallie’s way.

Getting a nurse wouldn’t help. Elma was super cautious and freaked out easily around strangers.

But Elma hadn’t flinched or anything when Kallie touched her. Maybe she was not so repulsive to Kallie. A thoughtful look crossed Clayton’s face as something struck him.

Yesterday, Elma was quite grumpy, snapping at everyone around her. Today, feeling under the weather, she was unexpectedly docile and compliant. Kallie gently wiped Elma down with a fresh handkerchief and then dressed her in cozy attire.

There had been a stain on the clothing provided by the caregiving staff, but Elma hadn’t been too bothered by it.

However, Kallie reacted strongly, seizing the clothes and scolding the caregiver sharply, “These are not nearly clean enough. Her skin is delicate, and any dirt could trigger some discomfort for her. What if she develops a skin infection? Would you be responsible then?”

The caregiver hurriedly fetched a new set of clothes. Kallie scrutinized them thoroughly before dressing Elma again.

All the while, Elma watched Kallie’s earnest expression intently.

Now clean and dry, Elma settled comfortably into the bed, finding solace in the hospital room for the first time. She felt so relaxed that she almost drifted off to sleep.

Elma tentatively reached out to Kallie, longing for her soothing touch. But noticing Sophie right next to Kallie, she withdrew her hand. A small sniffle escaped her. Kallie was someone else’s mother, not hers.

Clayton gave an awkward chuckle, the sound somewhat forced. “Thank you so much. I really didn’t expect you to have such a way with kids.”

Kallie smoothed Sophie’s hair gently as she spoke. “Children can be delicate and prone to illness. It takes a lot of patience from the parents. She’s young and struggles to convey her feelings. You’ll probably have to keep a closer eye on her.”

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