Chapter 69 Protecting One's Own Child
"Grandmother is getting old, and there are times when Betty and the others can't take care of her. Why not bring Sam out and let the staff here handle the studio? This way, I can wholeheartedly take care of Sam," Tiffany tried to persuade Gabriel, speaking cautiously, while observing his reaction.
She had proposed this idea early on but was rejected by Gabriel.
His reason was that Madam would be too lonely in the old mansion, and Sam could keep her company.
Clearly, Sam did not receive attentive care in the old mansion, otherwise, he wouldn't have had such severe stomach pain to the point of passing out before being discovered.
This was a great opportunity, one that Tiffany didn't want to miss.
Looking at his weak son, Gabriel's heart wavered.
Tiffany was willing to forgo having her own child for the sake of Sam, and now she was even willing to give up her career to care for him.
It would be a lie to say that he wasn't moved.
But it would also be too cruel to her.
However, Sam did need someone to take care of him, and Gabriel didn't want another incident like today to happen again.
Tiffany continued to persuade, "You heard what Alfred said. Sam's condition hasn't improved, it's even worsening. His previous desire to go out and indulge in excessive eating were all due to psychological reasons. If this continues, there's no guarantee that Sam won't hurt himself again."
Alfred just left, and after seeing Sam, he immediately denied his previous statement about Sam's condition getting better, confirming that Sam's changes were just an illusion.
Now Sam had been hurt because of this illusion.
Gabriel rubbed his temples, his thin lips twitching slightly.
Just then, Sophia forcefully pushed open the door and walked in.
"I disagree," her sharp voice pierced the air like a knife, shattering Gabriel's previous decision.
Sophia pulled Tiffany away and stared at Gabriel with a cold and intense gaze.
"I absolutely disagree with this woman raising Sam. Gabriel, if you can't take care of him, then give him back to me."
Sam was asleep, she didn't dare to speak too loudly, afraid of waking him up.
But even when she lowered her voice, her imposing aura remained unchanged.
She stood in front of Sam's sickbed, as if Gabriel were an eagle trying to snatch away her chick, and she was fiercely protecting her own child.
Tiffany was nearly pushed down by Sophia, barely managing to stay on her feet.
She wasn't angry, but instead, wore a very sincere expression, "Miss Kelly, I have already explained what happened last time. It was an accident, and I've treated Sam as my own child. I even promised Gabriel that I won't have my own child."
Sophia sneered, "I don't care if you have a child or not. In any case, you are unworthy!"
Her words froze the expression on Tiffany's face, and then she looked at Gabriel with a helpless gaze, hoping that he would defend her.
However, Gabriel remained silent, his face expressionless.
Tiffany fixed her gaze on Sophia, wondering what she was thinking.
Tiffany bit her lip, feeling wronged and innocent as she glanced at Sophia.
"Miss Kelly, the way you speak is too much. I understand that being a stepmother is difficult, and I don't expect your approval. But at least, you should take a look at Sam's situation," Tiffany said with a hint of grievance.
"For five years, ask yourself, have you taken good care of Sam?" Sophia ignored Tiffany.
Her eyes turned red as she stared directly into Gabriel's eyes, questioning him sharply, as if her words were a knife piercing his heart.
"If she genuinely cares, then why is Sam still autistic?"
Tiffany was startled by this remark, a spark of enlightenment flickered in her eyes.
Fearful that Gabriel would be influenced by Sophia's words and start doubting her, Tiffany quickly responded, "Sam's autism is something none of us anticipated. We are all trying our best to help Sam improve..."
"Shut up!" Sophia coldly interrupted.
Tiffany inexplicably cowered in fear.
Though she wanted to slap Sophia twice, she ultimately chose to hide behind Gabriel in her vulnerability.
"Just as there is a stepmother, there is also a stepfather. If you dare let Tiffany take care of Sam, I will fight to the death to snatch him away," Sophia threatened, then turned around, a pained expression replacing her aggression.
She held Sam's hand, tears trickling down her face, as she stared at her son's pale cheeks.
It was all her fault for not noticing his condition yesterday.
She had been so inadequate.
Sophia felt a pang of remorse and guilt, lowered her head, and let her tears fall onto the bedsheets.
Tiffany gently tugged on Gabriel's sleeve.
Furrowing his eyebrows, Gabriel said nothing and led Tiffany out of the ward, leaving Sophia alone.
"Gabriel," Tiffany softly called, her heart filled with grievances.
"I believe you can take care of Sam, but I need some more time to consider this matter," Gabriel's voice was deep and resonant, and his eyes were as deep as a well, making it impossible to glean his true thoughts and emotions.
Before Tiffany could say anything else, Gabriel stepped away to find a doctor.
She stood at the doorway of the ward, her gaze becoming increasingly fierce.
Sophia caressed her son's tender cheek and whispered, "I'm sorry, Sam. Mommy didn't notice it sooner this time. But I won't let it happen again. I will bring you to me as soon as possible."
Bending down, she kissed Sam's forehead.
Over at the new product release, which was coming to a close, the designers were about to go on stage with the models.
However, Sophia had left suddenly, leaving Kathy Caroline with a hint of confusion.
At such an important time, Sophia was unexpectedly absent.
Could it be that she had given up?
After the new product release was over, Harrison treated the successful team members to a meal.
On the way to the restaurant, Harrison received a phone call from Gabriel who wanted to report the situation to him.
"Did Sophia go there?" Harrison asked.
"Did you tell her?" Gabriel inquired.
"After all, she is Sam's biological mother. With her around, Sam should feel more at ease," Harrison stated.
Gabriel didn't want to talk about Sophia anymore.
Leaning against the wall, he spoke with a heavy tone, "Alfred said Sam's condition has worsened, with increased psychological issues. He might need medication."
"How did this happen?" Harrison could clearly sense his friend's helplessness.
Gabriel could dominate Caroline at the mall, but when it came to his son's illness, he felt powerless.
"From now on, you need to work harder. I want to personally take care of Sam," Sophia suggested.
She was right. Over the past five years, he hadn't properly taken care of Sam.
"It doesn't matter to me. I'm all alone anyway. I can just cut back on some social engagements. Sam is the priority, and I still want to hear him call me 'godfather'," Gabriel replied.
After finishing the call with his friend, Gabriel felt a sense of relief.
He wouldn't give Sam to Sophia, nor would he agree to Tiffany taking care of him.
During dinner, Sam looked confused with his dark eyes wide open.
Tiffany held a bowl and scooped up a spoonful of porridge, bringing it to Sam's lips.
Sophia also held a bowl and scooped up a spoonful of porridge, offering it to Sam.
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