Lizetta''s questions came rapid-fire, leaving Ste at a loss for words. Nerves twisted her hands together as she cast an imploring, wounded look at Remington-hoping for a lifeline.


    But Remington''s gaze never left Lizetta. He didn''t spare Ste so much as a nce.


    All he could hear was the echo of Lizetta''s voice from moments ago-her calling him "my boyfriend." She had admitted it, called him her boyfriend right in front of everyone.


    "Remington, I—”


    Ste tried again to defend herself, but Remington cut her off with a cold, decisive voice.


    "That''s enough. Ste, a child was abused under your watch-whether you knew about it or not, you failed your responsibility as a guardian. As for whether you condoned it or took part, you can exin that to the police at the station."


    He shot a sharp look at the two officers, his irritation clear in the tight line of his jaw.


    The police stepped forward immediately, one on each side, taking hold of Ste''s


    arms.


    "Ms. West, please cooperate."


    "I didn''t do it, I swear I didn''t!" Ste protested desperately, struggling against their grip.


    Outside the hospital room, a crowd had gathered. Phones were raised, recording every humiliating second as Ste was led away.


    She tried to shield her face, voice breaking. "Stop filming me! You can''t do this! I never hurt that child-I''m being set up!"


    Her protests made no difference. The officers dragged her down the corridor, cameras following her every step.


    Anna, in contrast, was subdued. She got to her feet, head bowed, and quietly trailed after them.


    But this was the pediatric ward, filled with parents and rtives of sick children. News of a nanny abusing a child spread like wildfire, and the crowd''s outrage red.


    People muttered about what they would do if it were their child, anger mounting. Someone shoved Anna, calling out:


    "Monster! She''s lower than scum-she deserves what''sing to her!"


    “Get her name—she should never work with children again!"


    "How could anyone hurt a little kid like that? She needs to know what pain feels like!"


    Anna cowered, arms over her head, not daring to utter a word.


    One of the officers, realizing things were getting out of hand, hurried back to pull Anna out of the mob and escort her away safely.


    Back in the hospital room, Lizetta cradled Ron, gently patting his small back to soothe him.


    She worried that themotion might have frightened him, but Ron simply rested on her shoulder, his big eyes wide and curious, darting around the room. It was as if he understood Lizette was protecting him from the bad guys. Instead of crying, he tilted his head, taking in everything.


    Such a sweet, brave little thing, Lizetta thought, feeling a pang of affection despite her earlier reservations She couldn''t imagine how Ste ?r Anna could ever bring themselves to hurt a child like him.


    "Our Ron is so brave, so adorable, isn''t he?" Lizetta said, giving him a reassuring


    pat.


    She automatically nced at


    Remington, only to realize he was still watching her-intently, almost


    piercingly. He hadn''t spoken for several minutes, and his silence felt oddly heavy.


    The air seemed to thicken between them. Lizetta blinked, flustered by his gaze. "Why are you staring at me like that?"


    She couldn''t help but squirm under his attention.


    Remington finally smiled, his voice low and warm. “Liz, do you remember what you just said?"


    She frowned, puzzled, reying thest few minutes in her mind buting up empty. "No... What did I say?"


    He leaned in, the curve of his lips growing more pronounced. "Why don''t you think a little harder?"