But then the memory of Henry''s rejection shed in her mind...
She abruptly pulled her hand away from Timothy''s grasp.
Timothy''s expression darkened, his voice icy. "You need to stop this, Jessica. Henry is sick, he''s calling for his mom—are you just going to abandon your own son?"
Jessica stood motionless, unmoved.
Timothy raised a trembling finger at her, frustration etched on his face, but in the end, his hand dropped helplessly to his side.
He picked up his phone and started a video call with Mabel.
Mabel answered, the camera pointed right at Henry.
She was gently wiping Henry''s forehead with a warm towel as hey there, eyes squeezed shut in difort, his weak little voice calling out, "Mommy... Mommy..."
Jessica heard Henry''s soft, desperate plea and her hands clenched into fists.
"Sir, I''ve already called an ambnce. You and your wife should hurry back," Mabel said.
"Mommy..."
Jessica nearly broke down in tears. She didn''t have to see him to know just how miserable Henry was feeling right now.
Toddlers have such fragile immune systems—before the age of three, they always seem to catch fevers.
Every time Henry got sick, Jessica would stay by his side day and night, tending to him without rest.
He was her own child, the one she''d brought into this world, raised from a tiny, helpless bundle into the boy he was now...
No matter how much a son resents his mother, a mother could never resent her
son.
Her heart softened, despite herself.
Jessica quickly pulled fresh clothes from her suitcase, changed, and hurried out the door.
Timothy ended the call and followed after her.
Back at The Gilded Whisper Estates.
Jessica rushed straight to Henry''s room, but she froze in the doorway.
She, dressed in hospital scrubs, was cradling Henry, gently rocking him. "Don''t cry, Henry. The ambnce will be here any minute..."
"Waaah... I don''t want... Mommy anymore. Miss She, can you be my mommy instead..." Henry sobbed, tears streaming down his cheeks.
Jessica''s face went ghostly pale, even her lips losing all color.
She staggered back two steps, unable to control herself.
Outside, the wail of an ambnce siren echoed up the drive.
Timothy hurried inside, heading straight for Henry''s room.
She looked up, relief flooding her face. "Timothy, thank God you''re back."
She gathered Henry in her arms.
But Timothy, remembering She''s own injuries, quickly stepped forward, took Henry from her arms, and strode out the door.
She followed close behind.
As she passed Jessica, She''s gentle features held the faintest hint of smugness a silent, loaded challenge in her eyes.
Then, as if Jessica was invisible, She looked away and quickened her pace, catching up to Timothy.
Jessica''s knees nearly buckled. She had to brace herself against the wall to stay upright.
Mabel emerged from the bedroom and, seeing Jessica''s ashen face, rushed to steady her.
"Ma''am, when did you get back?" Mabel''s brow furrowed with worry. Young master had called She, and She had rushed over from the hospital. Young master had even told She he wanted her to be his mom. Mabel wondered if Jessica had heard it all.
Oh, what a mess.
Jessica pulled out her phone and typed a quick message: "Just got back."
Mabel helped her to the living room and eased her onto the sofa, her voice gentle but firm. "Ma''am, now that you''re home, please... don''t leave again, alright?"
Mabel was terrified that if this went on much longer, the whole family would fall apart.
She stood and poured Jessica a ss of hot water.
Jessica managed a few sips, and the warmth helped settle her trembling body. This home needed her less and less with each passing day.
She''d always thought Henry only pushed her away because she couldn''t speak. She could ept that it was her w.
But she never imagined Henry would actually wish for She to be his mother. She took out her phone and typed another message.