Eddy’s gaze was sharp as a blade, fixed on Fernando. “Take them into custody!”
The bodyguards sprang into action, immediately surrounding Fernando and his son, along with Hugo Black.
Blanche’s eyes shot to Terrell.
Terrell’s small face was streaked with tears, fear etched into every line. He
stammered anxiously, “Auntie, I swear I didn’t do it.”
“It was Healy who pushed me into the pool. He couldn’t keep his balance and fell in after me.”
Fernando gently patted Terrell’s back, his voice steady. “I believe my son. He would never lie.” He turned to Blanche, eyes pleading for her trust.
Blanche met Terrell’s innocent gaze. She didn’t believe he would lie, but with Healy still unconscious, her mind was filled with worry for her own child. She barely spared Fernando and the others a glance as she instructed the bodyguards, “Don’t hurt them. We’ll sort this out when Healy wakes up.”
Eddy squeezed Blanche’s hand softly. “Right now, getting Healy to the hospital is what matters most.”
Blanche looked down at Healy’s pale, motionless face. Her heart clenched. She nodded.
Suddenly, Healy’s brow furrowed. His eyelids fluttered open, confusion in his eyes as he met Blanche’s anxious, loving gaze. He began to cry. “Mom, I’m scared.”
Blanche pulled him into her arms, overwhelmed with relief. The fear she’d been holding back spilled out, tears streaming down her face. “Healy, thank goodness you’re awake!”
Mother and son clung to each other, sobbing.
Eddy wrapped both of them in his arms, pressing a gentle kiss to Blanche’s hair. “Don’t cry. Healy’s alright now.”
“But we should still get him checked out at the hospital, just to be safe.”
His steely gaze met Fernando’s, a smug smile tugging at his lips.
Blanche nodded, reluctant to let go of Healy, but finally released her hold and lifte him carefully.
Chapter 116
Fernando leaned down, whispering urgently in Terrell’s ear. Immediately, Terrell called out to Blanche, “Auntie, you can check the security cameras!”
“They’ll prove I’m telling the truth.”
Blanche froze in her tracks at his words.
In her arms, Healy began to whimper, “Mom, my head hurts. I don’t want to stay here.”
The bandage from Healy’s head injury had already been removed, but the stitches on his forehead were still covered, the dressing now soaked through. If it wasn’t changed soon, it could get infected.
Blanche’s heart softened at the sight of Healy’s pleading eyes. She handed him to a bodyguard. “Go with them to the hospital first and get checked out.”
“No! I’m not leaving if you’re not coming too!” Healy squirmed out of the bodyguard’s arms and clung desperately to Blanche’s leg. “Mom, don’t you trust me? I didn’t do anything wrong. We don’t need to check the cameras.”
He knew exactly what security footage meant–he hadn’t forgotten what happened when Lara was expelled from preschool.
Blanche glanced at Terrell, then remembered Healy had purposely pushed him. Ignoring Healy’s protests, she called for the hotel manager. “Bring up the pool areal security footage.”
The footage was quickly retrieved. The large screen displayed everything that had happened.
The two children argued at the pool’s edge. Healy shoved Terrell into the water and, losing his own balance from the force, toppled in right after.
The bodyguards rushed to pull Healy from the pool, but Terrell was left flailing in the water, screaming for help. Seconds ticked by. All the adults focused on Healy–some shouting for help, some performing CPR, others frantically drying him off–yet not a single person jumped in to save Terrell.
Even though Blanche knew Terrell was fine now, watching the scene made her heart ache with guilt and anger at their neglect.
Suddenly, a figure plunged into the water, dragging Terrell to safety.
The truth was now plain for all to see, but no one dared utter a word of blame toward Healy.
Blanche, crushed by disappointment, pushed Healy away and barked at the
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bodyguards, who quickly stepped aside to clear a path.
She crouched in front of Terrell, her face full of remorse. “Terrell, I’m so sorry for what you went through.”
“It’s my fault for not raising Healy better. I never thought he’d do this again, to hurt you on purpose.” Her voice trembled with grief.
Pulling Terrell into a tight embrace, she whispered, “I can’t imagine what would’ve happened if Hugo Black hadn’t been here. How could I ever face your father then? Healy would have to live with the guilt forever.”
“Auntie, it’s not your fault. It’s Healy’s. He should be the one to apologize.” Terrell brushed away her tears. “Please don’t cry.”
Terrell’s kindness moved Blanche deeply. She choked back a sob. “You’re a good boy.”
Healy, still oblivious to his wrongdoing, ran over and shoved Terrell out of Blanche’s arms, shouting, “You’re just a nobody with no mom! Why do you get to hug MY mom?”
“Get lost!”
Terrell nearly fell, but Fernando caught him just in time.
At Healy’s cruel words, Terrell burst into tears.
Watching Healy’s spiteful behavior, Blanche finally lost her composure. Her patience snapped. “Healy, not only did you hurt Terrell and lie about it, but now you’re mocking him? That’s unforgivable. Apologize to Terrell–right now!”
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