Chapter 416: Chapter 416



Wade couldn’t resist reaching out to touch Ryland’s face. Even then, the child remained in a deep sleep, unresponsive to the touch.

After some time, the assistant returned. “Mr. Potter, should I hire a new nanny?”

“No need.” Wade’s gaze never left Ryland. “I’ll look after him myself.”

This child had to grow up healthy, and Wade didn’t trust anyone else, not even a new nanny. He had plans for Ryland, and he intended to take full control of his life. Additionally, Wade was determined to claim the role of Ryland’s father. If he was to assume that responsibility, he would embody it completely.

In the hospital, Katherine sat on the bed, her trousers and sleeves modestly folded back. Due to Joelle’s shove, Katherine had not only tumbled but also collided with the jagged edge of a table, resulting in several abrasions on her body.

Shawn held a cotton swab soaked with antiseptic, ready to apply it to Katherine’s wounds.

Katherine, fatigued yet defiant, said, “I can manage it on my own.”

Shawn glanced at her quickly. “I was raised to lend a hand whenever I can. Besides, standing by while someone struggles isn’t in my nature.”

Katherine sighed inwardly. It wasn’t that she lacked the inclination to argue; she simply didn’t have the energy. Ryland’s situation had already shaken her, and Joelle’s condition only deepened her concern.

Both Katherine and Shawn had red, puffy eyes. Since the incident, not just the two of them, but everyone seemed to be walking on eggshells, as if even breathing too loudly might be a mistake.

Shawn focused on applying the medication, meticulously covering Katherine’s wounds with Band-Aids and carefully wrapping the more severe ones with gauze.

When he finished, Katherine asked in a nasal tone, “How is she?”

“She needs some time. She has to accept it.”

Katherine stared blankly at the floor, murmuring, “How could something like this happen?”

Shawn felt the same way, but words seemed futile at that moment. He sniffed, then tightened the cap on the antiseptic bottle.

“Don’t be too upset.”

Katherine slowly turned to face him, her voice heavy with regret. “Shawn, if I had known, I would have held Ryland a little tighter, given him more hugs.”

As she spoke, silent tears streamed down her cheeks.

Shawn reached out to wipe them away, his hands still smelling of antiseptic, but Katherine didn’t mind.

She hugged her knees and wept.

Shawn longed to embrace her, but his hands hesitated in mid-air before retracting. He stayed by her side, patiently waiting for her tears to subside.

A knock echoed at the door. Katherine turned her head toward the window, unwilling for anyone to witness her in such a vulnerable state. “Shawn?”

The voice was familiar. Shawn pulled back the curtain to reveal Lily standing at the door, holding a large insulated lunch box.

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