Eugene reluctantly stepped aside.
Nathaniel hurried over, thanked him, and scooped up the child.
As soon as Nathaniel picked the child up, the little one awoke and instinctively began to struggle. But upon hearing Nathaniel’s voice, the child calmed down and clung to him, crying softly.
Uncle! Uncle!
Oh, oh, I’m so sorry, Nathaniel choked out, holding the child tightly. I didn’t notice you were missing. It won’t happen again, I promise. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…
Nathaniel’s eyes were red with emotion as he held the child he thought he’d lost. Watching this unfold, Mila felt a mix of emotions. She never imagined the child she’d helped rescue belonged to the Pembroke family.
Not that she regretted it.
Adults are one thing, but children are another. Even if she had known earlier, she would have still helped.
Yet, her feelings were complicated.
Once the child had cried himself to exhaustion, Nathaniel bowed to them, expressing his gratitude, Thank you so much. The Pembroke family will make sure to repay your kindness.
Eugene snorted, uninterested in dealing with him.
Mila waved her hand dismissively, indifferent to any gratitude from the Pembrokes. She hoped Nathaniel wouldn’t show up again.
But as Nathaniel turned to leave with the child, the little one suddenly began to fuss.
I don’t want to go, Uncle. I don’t want to go.
The child’s struggles forced Nathaniel to set him down, and he immediately ran back to the hospital bed, throwing himself into Mila’s arms, crying out.
Mommy, Mommy, please don’t leave me. I’ll be good, Mommy!
Mila blinked in surprise. What? Hey, kid, don’t just call anyone ‘Mom’! That’s a big deal!
Eugene watched in frustration as the child’s sudden leap dislodged Mila’s IV needle. Furious, he strode over, ready to pull the child away.
Get down from there!
Stop it! You’ll hurt Julian! Nathaniel snapped, unwilling to tolerate Eugene’s roughness.
Nathaniel frowned slightly and responded in a flat tone, In prison.
Mila’s eyes widened. What?
Eugene was equally taken aback, …
Mila, her heart heavy, asked again, What about the father? He could do.
Dead, Nathaniel replied, his voice even colder.
Eugene fell silent, completely at a loss.
Mila was speechless.
What could she even say to that? The Pembroke family seemed like a whirlwind of misfortune: a mother in prison, a deceased father, a kidnapped child, and a clueless uncle.
What kind of friends did Lysander have, anyway?