Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 542

"Alright, we'll see what Hiram chooses. Just hope you won't regret it later," Karina tossed over her shoulder before turning to leave.

Neil shot Russel a frosty glance, "Still hanging around here, Russel?"

Russel didn't answer Neil's question but turned to me with an ambiguous reminder, "Taking care of a kid is exhausting. You should bring yours back home sooner."

I sensed a hidden message in Russel's words, but he didn't elaborate. Could he know something?

I hadn't told Russel that I had sent Serena and Brandon to stay with my parents, so he shouldn't have known.

Before I could say anything, Russel's phone rang. It was a call from the office. A minute later, he stared at Neil with an even colder gaze.

"I understand," he said after listening to the caller. He then turned to Neil, his voice indifferent, "The loss you've caused the Dawson family, I'll make sure you pay double."

"We'll see," Neil replied with a smirk, unfazed and as nonchalant as if it was all a trivial matter.

Without further delay, Russel left, presumably to deal with office matters.

I didn't know the extent of the business feud between Neil and Russel. Ever since I found out that they had a falling out many years ago, I stopped thinking it was all about me.

Since it wasn't about me, I decided not to meddle.

As I walked into the hospital room, Hiram had returned to his bed, his face still showing signs of anxiety. When he saw me and Neil enter, he asked in a small voice, "Ms. Finch, you and my dad aren't going to abandon me, right?"

"Of course not, he's your dad, he's not going to abandon you," I reassured him, although it felt a bit redundant. I believed Neil wouldn't abandon his own flesh and blood.

As I spoke, I turned to Neil. His expression was still distant, which I found strange. I motioned for him to comfort Hiram. Finally, he spoke, "Hiram, daddy would never abandon you. Just behave yourself."

Neil's words seemed to put Hiram at ease. A smile appeared on his face as he obediently lay down to rest.

Vance Whitmore didn't have the luxury of time to stay long. He gave me a nod and left for the office. I stayed with Hiram, the little boy who used to be so hostile towards me now looked at me with dependence. Each time he noticed me watching him, he would shyly look away.

I found it amusing, "Hiram, why can't you look at me?"

"Ms. Finch, I was so rude to you before, aren't you mad?" Hiram asked curiously.

"I was mad, but you're a kid and you were sick. I won't hold it against you, just remember to be polite in the future," I replied casually, expressing my genuine feelings.

Especially after discovering that Karina was using Hiram, my sympathy towards him deepened.

Children are innocent in adults' love and hatred. He was not only involved, but at such a young age, he became a pawn, a tool for Karina to return to the Whitmore family. He didn't have any power to resist and could only be manipulated. The thought of it was heartbreaking.

"However, I want to ask you, why didn't you choose to leave with your mom today?" I asked Hiram. This was something that surprised me.

Hiram became silent. He didn't respond, just stared blankly at his nails.