Gale slowly lifted her head and gazed toward the door. It had to be Shawn!She could recognize the pace of his footsteps. Sure enough, a few seconds later, the door to the hospital room opened. Shawn entered, clad in black trousers that accentuated his muscular legs, gleaming leather shoes, and an imposing aura. He scanned the situation in the room with his piercing gaze, his lips pressed together firmly. He was somewhat surprised. The person he had been worried about, Gale, was on the floor, crying her heart out. Was she not supposed to be the one held captive by Natalie? Then why, upon entering, did he see Joshua as the hostage?Shawn did not ask any questions. Instead, he walked over to Gale, knelt beside her, and helped her to her feet. He embraced her and let her rest against his chest. Gale sobbed even harder when she saw him, quickly soaking his shirt. "Shawn... you're here. I waited for you...""Yeah, I'm here, Gale. Don't be afraid."He smoothed her long hair and k
Why would Natalie want Joshua over Gale? Why was he worth the risk? Seeing Shawn's furrowed brow, Gale tugged at his sleeve again. "Joshua can't be hurt, not even a scratch... If anything happens to him, I won't be able to go on.""I'll do my best, Gale.""No, not your best, it's a must, we must save him. Joshua's life is more important than mine!" Gale emphasized."Alright," Shawn promised. As he looked at Joshua, his gaze carried a tinge of admiration and respect. He had not been too fond of Joshua before, finding him slimy and always clinging to Nicole, taking up most of her attention. When she was with him, she pushed him aside. He was jealous of Gale and Nicole's fondness of him, which led him not to be particularly accepting of Joshua. Deep down, Shawn saw a lot of potential in Joshua. He could tell from how Joshua handled Natalie's poisoning, he was brave and resourceful, a future achiever!"Joshua, you're braver and more capable than I imagined," Shawn said.That was hea
'Joshua is Gale's son?'His mind went blank for a moment, and it took a while for him to come back to his senses. "Yes, Shawn, Joshua Warm is your son. Didn't you know? That just meant Gale had been hiding him from you as well. Otherwise, why would I go to such lengths to target this parentless kid? What would I gain from taking his life?" Natalie laughed.Shawn pursed his lips, looking toward Gale. "He is my son?"Gale nodded, admitting, "Yes, Joshua is your son. That is why Natalie agreed to the hostage exchange. This naive kid did it to save me… "Shawn frowned. After a few seconds, he lowered his head, whispering in Gale's ear, "I understand now, Gale. Don't worry, leave it to me."Gale looked into his eyes. "You understand?" Shawn's reaction seemed different from what she had imagined. 'Why was he so calm? It's different from what I imagine…'"Yeah, this was Joshua's idea, right? He's small but clever," Shawn replied in a low voice. "Idea?" Gale blinked, looking at h
Gale looked into his eyes, emphasizing, "Shawn, Nicole and Joshua are equally important." He just firmly held her hand with determination and gentleness.When Shawn looked back at Natalie, his expression changed to a murderous glint. "I knew early on that you weren't genuinely sorry.""Natalie, you have a way out, but if you truly harm my son, Joshua..."He did not utter a single threat, but the implication in his tone was enough to send shivers down one's spine. "I don't want a way out. Your son won't have one either! I'll die with him, we'll go down together! Then, my death will be worthwhile!"Shawn's gaze darkened. "If you dare kill Joshua, I will kill your entire family.""Family? Oh, you mean my stepmother? I have no feelings for her; do whatever you want with her... But if she dies, Dad will be very sad." Natalie scoffed.Natalie looked at Gale. "Tell me, Gale, how would you feel if Heather and Dad died together?"Gale wanted to rush forward, her eyes bloodshot, "You're
Natalie skillfully avoided his major arteries; after all, she did not want Joshua to die so quickly. She wanted to savor Gale's pain."Joshua!" Gale used all her strength to lunge forward as she watched the blood flow incessantly. It was hopeless. Shawn pulled her back, embracing her.He glanced at Joshua's neck wound. It was approximately seven to eight centimeters long. Fortunately, it was not too deep. Natalie probably intended to teach them a lesson without going too far. However, for a child, it was already cruel enough.Shawn covered Gale's eyes. "Don't look, Gale… The wound isn't deep, it won't endanger his life.""But Joshua must be in so much pain..." She wished the cut was on herself. Even ten cuts would be fine!Joshua took a sharp breath, pain spreading from his neck. However, he remained silent and shed a tear. He was unusually calm for a kindergarten boy."It's okay, I'm not hurting. Big beauty, it's just a small injury, I won't die," Joshua reassured her.Howeve
She could almost taste the metallic taste of blood on her tongue. She could barely hold on, finding the sounds unbearable. However, Gale told herself not to faint; she had to stay here with Joshua and protect him!Shawn held her, his gaze turning to the bodyguards. "Go, bring Matthew and Heather.""Yes.""I told you, it's useless even if Mom and Dad come! I don't want to see them! Even if you call Aurum, I won't care! He lied to me! I won't forgive him!" Natalie shouted. "I won't call Aurum. Seeing his former confidante in such a pathetic state won't do him any good. Natalie, I'm giving you a chance; you shouldn't let Aurum see you like this."Natalie's hand trembled slightly, but soon, she tightened her grip on the knife again. Of course, she knew how terrifying she looked now. How could she let her beloved see her like this? But, if she did not, she might never see Aurum again. It would be their final meeting. In Natalie's heart, she still loved Aurum deeply. A soft spot was
As long as Natalie stood by the window, the sniper across could take their shot. The bodyguards lurking on the upper and lower floors were ready to climb and snatch Joshua from Natalie at any moment. Perhaps they needed to force Natalie to make a move instead of staying in the corner!Shawn knew it was dangerous and came with great risks. Any slight mishap and Joshua might die. However, he had to take the risky chance. It was a do-or-die situation. It was the only way! If Natalie really intended to kill Joshua with the knife, there was no solution unless he rushed forward and confronted her directly.No matter what, there were risks.Shawn's eyes darkened; his only solace now was that the hostage was not Gale. Otherwise, what would he do? Though Joshua was important, Gale was more crucial. It was not that Shawn was heartless, but Gale was his top priority. Even if Nicole were in danger, Shawn would not completely lose his composure.As he was about to re-enter the ward, hurried
Matthew staggered into the room as well. Aurum stood at the ward's entrance, gazing at the hands blocking his way."Mr. Wood, can't I enter?" he said."Why are you here? Who informed you?""No one informed me. I just happened to be visiting Matthew," Aurum replied.Shawn let out a cold laugh. "I know Natalie was willing to repent, and you pleaded for her the last time. However, Gale refused to forgive her. You felt wronged. Do you still think Gale was wrong now?"Aurum clenched and then loosened his fist."It's because you've been too trusting of Natalie. She deceived you, and you couldn't see her true nature. It's far uglier than you could have imagined!""I never expected her to be like this. Otherwise, I wouldn't have pleaded for her! She doesn't deserve it; she's not worth it!" Aurum replied.Shawn sneered, "You were so eager to vouch for her, weren't you?"Aurum remained silent.He had misjudged her.Fortunately, Gale had not agreed to forgive her.Otherwise, the conse