Her Precious Baby

Faced with her expectant gaze, Evander thought of how much she wanted Angeline to be her mother, yet could not

bring himself to tell her the truth.

He glanced down, picked up a piece from the pile of blocks, and attached it to the tiny window ledge. It was a neat

little addition.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a mother, Floretta. I love you all the same.”

Evander’s tone was solemn, but Floretta was thrilled by the addition to the window frame. He wondered if she had

heard him.

Meanwhile, Angeline headed home after leaving Floretta and eased herself into a bath. She even set her tablet on a

portable desk to watch “The Journey.”

She had been too busy shooting of late to have even seen her own show.

The highly anticipated series by the major media companies attracted heavy investment in the setting and

costumes, making it a pleasure to watch.

In addition, the sequence was particularly aesthetic, with superb editing.

Just when she was getting into it, Angeline was alerted by a WhatsApp notification bell across her homepage.

Frowning, she opened the app and saw that it was Jonathan, who she had not contacted for a long time. He had

sent several images.

Angeline suddenly froze when she loaded the file. She grew pale with fright.

It was a boy, of about five, with the most exquisite features she had ever seen. He was dressed in clothes adorned

by patches that revealed scars of various sizes all over him.

Some of them were fresh wounds, and others were old. The sight of his skeletal figure looked especially forlorn.

Her heart raced when she realized what was happening. After struggling to regain her composure, she dialed his

number.

As if awaiting her call, Jonathan picked up almost immediately.

“Congratulations on the success of your ventures of late, Ms. Sorelle. You’re doing well, I see.”

“What is your purpose for sending me those photographs?”

“It’s only been a few days. Have you forgotten what your child looks like?” Jonathan’s voice dripped with mockery

as if he was taunting her.

Deep down, Angeline felt awful.

Since I began suspecting that Floretta was the child I had lost all those years ago, I have neglected the child I

engaged Jonathan to locate for me.

“Speak your mind.”

“I’d only just known what an awful life this child must lead. His alcoholic father would take things out on him

whenever he lost money gambling by beating and berating him,” Jonathan said quietly, his voice becoming grave.

Angeline grew deeply uneasy at those words.

“Where are you now? I’m coming to you with the police,” she said desperately as she clutched her phone.

Even if the child is not the one I seek, child abuse is against the law. Furthermore, the wounds on the child look

serious. His life may even be in jeopardy if he isn’t given medical attention.

“Have you become stupider from shooting those commercials, Angeline? The matter is still not yet known to be a

conspiracy. Besides, who knows what the good-for-nothing father would do to you in his panic if you insist on taking

the child away?” Jonathan barked, not hesitating to remind her harshly.

Angeline gradually regained her calm at Jonathan’s words. Her gaze turned grim.

“I understand. Please, keep an eye out for an opportune moment.”

Jonathan responded with a hearty grunt. Several moments later, he dropped his voice.

“However, I have something to ask in return. Consider yourself warned. I will come knocking after I rescue the boy.”

“What—”

Before she could ask further, Jonathan hung up.

Angeline felt conflicted, and doubt surfaced in her eyes. Though she was unclear about Jonathan’s motive, she

knew it would not be simple.

As I have not confirmed that Floretta is my daughter, any accident could happen at this juncture.

She perused the photographs from Jonathan again. Staring at the wounds all over the little boy, she felt a boulder

weighing down on her chest, making it difficult for her to breathe.

A DNA test is all it takes to learn who my child is.

Angeline’s spirits plummeted. Her back slid dejectedly down the side of the bath and into the water. She shut her

eyes wearily.

Hallsbay has been incredibly unfair of late. I’ve been struck down by wave after wave of hardship quicker than I can

cope with them.

Clad in white sportswear and a cap, Joseline held the club firm and took careful aim. With a resounding thud, she

sent the ball flawlessly into the hole on the far end of the golf course.

“Sublime golfing, Mrs. Yiurk.”

A round of applause sounded behind her.

Joseline turned around and glanced at Joey. “You’re here,” she remarked, raising her chin haughtily.

“I have indeed, Mrs. Yiurk, with something important to report.”

“Mmm,” Joseline responded. She handed her club to the caddy and stretched lazily. “It wasn’t easy for me to get

out of caring for the old man in the hospital for a breath of fresh air. What a refreshing change of scene.”

“Congratulations, Mrs. Yiurk. I heard Old Mr. Sorelle is quietly searching for an attorney to prepare the distribution

of his assets.”

Joseline’s heart leaped at those words. She frowned.

“Has he found a lawyer?”

“He has. After many years of your arduous care, along with our meticulous planning, Sorelle Group will be yours.”

Joseline arrived at the lounge. She took a seat and picked up the glass of watermelon juice from the table. A feeling

of unspeakable joy rose in her heart as she admired the beautiful view.

“Have you completed everything I asked?”

“I have. My men are planted in the village as we speak. Upon finding out how badly the kid is beaten by his

deadbeat father, Angeline would not be able to stop herself from seeking him out. By then, we’ll just…”

Joey did not finish his sentence. Instead, he drew a finger across his neck with malice in his eyes.

Joseline chuckled knowingly. She folded her legs and sat up straight to take a deep breath.

Nobody is going to ruin my plans this time, nor would I have to live in fear anymore. My future with my son will be a

bright one once I capture Sorelle Group.

The parent-teacher conference officially commenced that day in the kindergarten. The grounds were livened up by

colored ropes hanging from every corner, and the students stood in lines to await their parents bringing them away.

“Mark.”

A woman’s gentle voice sounded.