Chapter 701



Somehow, Clayton managed to secure the blood, and while Elma’s blood loss wasn’t life-threatening, it had been a close call.

When Kallie heard the news that Elma was finally stable, her face remained expressionless. She was applying medicine to Calvin, her mind preoccupied with the rage she was suppressing. Seeing the bruises on his small frame, her heart ached.

Calvin winced under her touch but sensed his mother’s turmoil. “Mom, please don’t be mad at me. I shouldn’t have gone to Elma’s house alone and ended up in danger. I’m sorry for making you worry.”

Kallie sighed, gently patting his head. “Why would I be mad at you? I know you mean well. I’m just angry about what they did to Elma.”

Calvin shivered at the mention of Cara. “She’s terrifying. I saw that Elma has scars all over. I think she’s been suffering like this for a long time. Can’t we help her?”

Kallie hesitated, torn between her desire to protect Elma and the complexities of intervening in someone else’s family matters. She wanted to help, but she couldn’t. Elma wasn’t her daughter. She was Jake’s, with another woman. If Kallie got involved, it would only stir up more trouble and spark gossip. Maybe Elma and Cara would find a way to reconcile in time. If Kallie interfered, it would only escalate the conflict between them. Taking a deep breath, Kallie offered the only comfort she could. “I’ll help however I can, but some things are out of my control. You can be there for Elma, at school, as a friend. But…”

Kallie said gently as she caressed Calvin’s face, “Even if you want to protect those who are vulnerable, you need to prioritize your safety first. Just look at you. If your sister saw you like this, it would break her heart.”

Calvin hung his head. “I didn’t see all this coming.”

A protective fire ignited within Kallie. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure those who bully you face the consequences.”

After having his injuries treated, Calvin remained in the hospital for further observation.

Kallie watched over Calvin until he fell asleep.

Calvin’s back was covered in injuries. Even sleeping caused him pain.

As Kallie watched Calvin, her eyes filled with tears.

Once Calvin was settled, Kallie left the room, her mind swirling with unresolved questions. Instead of heading straight to Clayton and Elma, she sought out a nurse. “May I know under what conditions someone with the same blood type would be unable to donate?”

The nurse patiently explained, and one detail caught Kallie by surprise. “If they’re immediate family members, it’s not allowed. There’s a risk of an immune reaction or other complications.”

Shocked, Kallie pressed further. “So, by immediate family, you mean the child’s parents?” The nurse nodded.

Kallie was overwhelmed by an inexplicable emotion. But soon, she suppressed it. What an insane thought. Elma couldn’t possibly be Chloe. If Chloe were alive, she wouldn’t be the same age as Elma. The ages just didn’t match. Perhaps Clayton was onto something—he wanted to prevent Elma and Cara’s relationship from deteriorating any further.

Brushing aside her unease, Kallie made her way to Elma’s room.

Elma was still unconscious, but her condition had stabilized. Gazing at the small figure on the bed, Kallie couldn’t shake the wave of heartache that washed over her.

Clayton was by Elma’s bedside, watching over her with quiet intensity, occasionally adjusting her blanket or smoothing her hair. He seemed genuinely concerned for her.

.

.

.