Chapter 443

“Leave Sunshine here with me then.” Xara figured that since Jacob cherished Sunshine so much, her presence might help bridge their distance.

“Xara, I want to bring Sunshine back to my country, but her custody is with the church. I need to consult with Anna about whether I can get custody from the church,” Esther said.

Xara pondered for a moment and then urged, “Try asking her now.”

Esther took out her phone and called Anna. She explained her intention to bring Sunshine back to her country.

Upon hearing that, Anna responded with a heavy tone. “Esther, I was about to call you as well. The church informed me that someone wants to adopt Sunshine.”

“What? Adoption? That’s not acceptable!” Esther was resolute. Sunshine’s adoption was out of the question for her. Her concern stemmed from the possibility of the church engaging in illegal organ trade while presenting it as an adoption. This concern was amplified by Sunshine’s young age and recent heart surgery.

“Esther, the legal custody of Sunshine lies with the church. I’ve already consulted a lawyer-

Esther anxiously interjected. “Anna, haven’t you been paying for Sunshine’s foster care in the church?

You…”

“Esther, the lawyer said that legally, I don’t have custody over Sunshine. I have no right to take her away. The church demands that I return Sunshine within 24 hours. Otherwise, they will report me for child trafficking.”

Esther’s voice grew husky as she hesitated. “Let me try to figure something out.”

The moment they hung up, Esther could no longer hold back her emotions. She held Xara tightly and lamented, “Xara, I’m so useless.”

She could not protect Pixie, and now she was faced with the possibility of losing Sunshine as well.

Xara comfortingly patted Esther’s back. “Esther, don’t cry. We’ll think of something else. There must be another way.”

“Anna and I are both single. We’re not eligible to adopt.” Esther looked at Sunshine, who was playing with Felix in the distance, and despair washed over her. “This must be their revenge against me. They want to…”

“You might not be eligible as a single person, but someone else could pretend to be,” Jacob said lazily.

Esther’s mind had not made the connection between Xara and Steffan. With a hint of confusion, she asked, “Jacob, who could adopt her?”

“A person who feels far away, yet surprisingly near,” he replied.

At that moment, both Esther and Xara understood.

“I have no problem with adopting Sunshine.” Uncertainty flickered in Xara’s eyes. “The key question is how to persuade him.”

Considering Steffan’s indifferent nature, Esther realized that convincing him might prove to be challenging. He wasn’t one to interfere in others’ matters, and she lacked any leverage to sway him.

“Scratch that. I’ll think of something else.” Esther clenched her fist as a sudden thought.

crossed her mind. “They want me to send Sunshine back to the church within 24 hours? What if I take her back to my country right now Esther’s desperate yet illogical suggestion amused Xara “Esther, you need to wake up. If you really take Sunshine back to your country like this, I might have to meet you in prison next time.”

Esther’s eyes were bloodshot with anxiety. “We can’t just send Sunshine back to the church,” she said.

“You have no idea what they’re like. They’re involved in organ trade under the guise of adoption. Look at how adorable Sunshine is. Can you bear the thought of it?”

“Let me call Steffan. I’ll convince him,” Xara said.

Xara couldn’t bear the thought either. Having Sunshine around would bring her and Jacob closer.

Making this call was the right decision. She reached for the phone on the sofa and dialed Steffan’s number