Chapter 232: Chapter 232

Chapter 232

The cops were in a pickle with this child abuse case, considering Leo’s family situation. The only fix was to strip the Leos of their adoption rights, removing them as Pattie’s legal guardians.

Leo remembered a fortune teller once saying his son’s and Pattie’s fates were tied. If Pattie left the family, would his son be in trouble? “No way, Pattie’s my girl, and we have a bond. We’ll make things right, no more hurting Pattie. You gotta believe me, officer.”

“This ain’t a place for your tall tales. We’re just following the book. You don’t wanna go to jail but still wanna keep Pattie. What do you expect us to do?” Said one of the cops. “Go finish the paperwork, pay the fine, and you’re good to go.”

Leo tried to argue, but the female officer who was interrogating Penny walked in. “Leo, your wife’s signed off. She’s given up Pattie’s adoption rights.”

“So what’s gonna happen to Pattie?”

“That’s none of your business,” the cop said. “You sign, and you’re free to go. Pattie has nothing to do with you anymore.”

Leo knew he couldn’t fight the police. He had to give up Pattie, he couldn’t let Penny go to jail, and they still had a son to take care of. Their home couldn’t fall apart.

Leo signed the termination of the adoption agreement and paid the fine. Though Leo was good to go, Penny couldn’t leave the station just yet.

After Leo left, the chief, holding the agreement, walked into his office. “Mr. Salstrom, everything’s settled. You can start the adoption procedures for Pattie tomorrow. She’s your kid now.”

Sitting on the office couch was Herman. He found out about Pattie’s situation from a call from the kindergarten. He decided to grab this chance and get custody of Pattie.

His wife Anastasia was barren, and she adored Pattie. So he decided to adopt Pattie, which would surely make Anastasia happy. Anastasia had been down lately. Now with Pattie in trouble, she’d be even more upset. But seeing the adoption papers could cheer her up a bit.

Herman got up. “Thanks for your help, chief.”

“No sweat, it’s my job. That kid’s had it rough. Being adopted by you is her lucky break.”

Child abuse was a tricky thing to define. Pattie’s main issue was her high fever, and the stick wounds were secondary. Though Penny did hit Pattie with a stick, she avoided vital areas and didn’t endanger the child’s life. Pattie spent the night in the living room. It got colder, and her resistance was low, so she caught à fever.

Considering Leo’s family situation and Penny still nursing, they didn’t put Penny behind bars.

Back at the hospital, Pattie’s fever was gone. She was still unconscious. Anastasia was taking care of her in the ward, wiping her face and hands.

“Anastasia, let me.” Herman walked over and took the towel from Anastasia.

Anastasia sat down to rest. “How did the Leos react?”

“They’ve agreed to give up the adoption. I’ll start the process tomorrow,” replied Herman. “Pattie’s our daughter from now on.”

Hearing the news, Anastasia felt relieved. “We should’ve adopted Pattie last time, then we wouldn’t have this mess.

Looking at the unconscious Pattie, Herman felt at peace. “Once Pattie’s better, we’ll bring her home. By the way, do you want to give Pattie a new name?”

Since they’d decided to adopt, Pattie was now Herman’s daughter, a member of the Salstrom family.