Chapter 5

Fortunately, after a thorough examination, the female doctor declared Sophia Laurent perfectly healthy.

"It's nothing serious. This isn't a tumor. It will disappear soon. Just maintain a light diet."

Sophia was overjoyed.

I drove her back home.

"Having you with me was wonderful. Thank you, John."

We stood at her doorstep, about to part ways.

Strangely, I felt a twinge of reluctance and concern for her.

"Well..."

"Yes?"

"Nothing. I should head back." I waved and addressed her mother. "Goodbye, Mrs. Laurent."

She ignored me, listlessly pushing the stroller on the lawn.

Leaving Sophia's house, I longed to talk with her a bit longer.

Outside, a street vendor sold children's toys. I smacked my forehead. "That's it!"

I returned using the excuse of meeting the baby for the first time and bringing a gift.

Sophia was probably resting at home.

Eagerly, I approached to knock. Just then, I saw Mrs. Laurent scolding the child impatiently on the lawn.

The baby cried. She yelled, "Stop your crying! Don't you see I'm exhausted?"

"Keep crying, and I'll spank you!"

I was horrified. As I moved to intervene, she grabbed the baby's tiny arm and delivered a harsh slap.

The infant wailed even louder.

Damn it!

I instantly saw red. I rushed over and snatched the stroller away.

"Mrs. Laurent, what are you doing? The child is so small. Why would you hit her?"

Heart aching, I held the baby, soothing her gently.

Mrs. Laurent clearly didn't expect my sudden return. Cornered, she had no defense.

"Who asked you to meddle? Why are you back anyway?"

I retorted that if I hadn't returned, I would have missed this.

"Your heart is truly cruel. Not only do you show favoritism, but you also harm a child. If you didn't want to care for her, you should have said so!"

I can't stand such injustice and spoke bluntly.

Mrs. Laurent argued fiercely, refusing to back down.

Sophia came out. Her mother played the victim first, accusing me of slander and claiming I misunderstood.

I stated coldly, "You know exactly what you did. If this weren't a family matter, I would have called the police."

"Sweetheart, look what Uncle brought you!" I took out the toy and comforted the baby.

Mrs. Laurent threw a tantrum, sobbing about never being so wronged. She shouted a stream of insults, then stormed off, vowing never to return.

I smiled wryly at Sophia. "If I hadn't seen it myself, she might have bruised the child. She hit her hard!"

To my surprise, Sophia's face turned icy. "Why did you provoke my mother? This is none of your business."

I was completely stunned.