Chapter 703



Elma’s delicate features were etched with vulnerability, and such a sight pierced Kallie’s heart.

Kallie had mixed feelings. This was the child of her ex-husband and another woman. Logically, she shouldn’t get involved. This wasn’t her problem. But something held her back, a strange reluctance to pull away. She knew that if she withdrew her hand now, it would devastate Elma, possibly bringing tears. And crying might aggravate Elma’s injuries.

Suddenly, a vivid image flashed in Kallie’s mind: her own daughter, Sophie, frail and vulnerable during a childhood illness. The sight of a child in pain was simply unbearable. Kallie’s heart ached for Elma, her maternal instincts kicking in.

Almost without realizing it, Kallie found herself drawn to Elma’s bedside, her mind conjuring up justifications for her gesture. Elma’s sweet little face lit up with a smile as she tightly held Kallie’s hand, afraid that this warmth would disappear.

Elma’s voice was a soft murmur, barely above a whisper, but her words were clear enough. “Mommy, can you be a little nicer to me? Can we go home? I don’t like it here. Daddy doesn’t either.”

Feeling that Elma was delirious, Kallie reached out to feel Elma’s forehead. “Oh my!” she exclaimed, pulling her hand back quickly. Elma was burning up.

Kallie immediately summoned the nurse.

“Perhaps you should inform Mr. Morgan,” the nurse suggested. Kallie’s eyes hardened. “No need,” she said curtly. “He’s probably busy with… other matters. I’m a friend of the family. I’ll stay with her.”

Kallie’s thoughts drifted to Calvin. “Actually, is it possible to move another child into this ward?” It would be much easier to keep an eye on both children if they were in the same room. This was the Morgan family’s private hospital, so pulling a few strings wouldn’t be a problem.

And to top it off, Clayton had explicitly told the staff to bend over backward for Kallie before he left.

Kallie merely requested a transfer of the child’s ward, which was not an excessive request.

One look at Elma, and Calvin was fully on board with Kallie’s plan. He even piped up, “Mom, I’m feeling much better now. My cut barely even hurts. You should focus on Elma.”

His sweet concern only made Kallie feel worse. “Honey, I can’t just leave you here by yourself.”

Calvin shook his head, his gaze lingering on Elma with a touch of sympathy. “Poor Elma. I have a sister and a mom, but she…” His voice trailed off.

A shiver ran down Calvin’s spine as he remembered Cara’s violent outburst at Elma.

Even though Elma was terrified herself, she had bravely shielded Calvin from Cara’s rage.

The sadness in Elma’s eyes revealed that this wasn’t a one-time thing. It was a heartbreaking indication that Elma had endured God knows how much abuse.

Calvin had always believed mothers, taking Kallie as one example, were the kindest, most wonderful people in the world. Witnessing Cara’s cruelty had shattered that belief.

Kallie took Calvin’s small, slightly cold hand in hers, sensing that he was reliving those awful memories. She planted a soft kiss on his forehead. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. Sleep now. I’m here, and I’ll keep you both safe.”

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