Chapter 138 Magic for Mom
"After Liam was taken to the hospital, Teresa went along, too. Later, Yvonne hired a couple with similar builds to Liam and Teresa come to Liam’s place to shoot the remaining footage, which was then edited together with the earlier recordings to create the scandalous clip that's going viral online," the officer explained, promptly clarifying the situation.
Sitting at his desk, Gabriel listened, his hand that hung by his side gradually clenched into a fist, his whole being exuding a chilling aura like never before.
Yvonne! To dare humiliate the person at the very heart of Gabriel's world, no amount of retribution could suffice.
"When Teresa was in the hospital, she was humiliated by Yvonne, framed, then taken back to the Evans household, beaten, and injected with a torturous drug, which caused Teresa to fall into a coma. The hospital just called to say that Teresa was unconscious all night and only woke up this morning," Seeing Gabriel's seething rage yet his silence, the officer continued to convey the details.
From the moment Mason took over the case last night, their team of over a hundred hadn't rested, thoroughly investigating and apprehending all involved to unravel the situation.
"You know, overconcern could cloud one's judgment," Mason said, keeping his gaze on Gabriel, who was visibly wrestling with heavy regret and self-reproach. Getting up, Mason walked over, gently tapped Gabriel on the shoulder, and sighed deeply, "Thankfully Teresa is alright. Now that everything is out in the open, you should head back to the hospital and comfort her. Leave the rest to the police and us."
Though the computer screen was frozen, Gabriel's eyes remained fixated on it, unblinkingly red and brimming with heat that threatened to spill over and moisten his eyes once more.
After a moment, his clenched fists by his side relaxed, he hung his head slightly and stood up without a word. He glanced sideways at Mason, then turned and strode away decisively.
William, sitting to the side, watched Gabriel leave and finally felt a sigh of relief.
"Mason, what's our next move?" the supervisor asked once Gabriel was gone, looking to Mason for direction, unsure to make a move on his own.
"It's simple," Mason replied with a sense of relief, "restore the truth, release the original video, and clear Teresa’s name."
"And Yvonne and all involved?" the supervisor inquired.
"They'll face serious consequences," Mason said with authority.
"Got it."
......
In the hospital, Teresa had cried for a good while, and after what seemed to be enough tears, her emotions slowly settled.
In truth, there wasn't much to be sad about. Yvonne's disdain and hatred for her, the inevitable retaliation and humiliation, were all expected. However, Teresa hadn't anticipated Yvonne going so far as to involve Liam in her schemes.
Being upset, angry, or vindictive over Yvonne was pointless!
And as for Gabriel... after every incident, the true colors of people were revealed.
It wasn't that Gabriel's feelings for her weren't genuine; it was just that his devotion couldn't withstand the trials and tribulations. This time, he had lost his faith in her. How much faith might they have in one another to resolve any future conflicts?
Maybe it was best to part ways while their love hadn't gone too deep and their wounds weren't too severe.
"Mommy!"
As Teresa sat propped up in her hospital bed, staring contemplatively out the window, the sweet and tender voice of a child reached her ears, bringing her instant joy. She turned to look.
Katherine had brought little Croissant over.
"Katherine, you came," Teresa greeted with a smile, as Sophia, who had been keeping vigil in the room, stood up happily at the sight of Katherine and the little one.
"Grandma," the little guy chirped, calling out for Sophia again.
"Hey there, little one."
"Hey, in-law," Katherine announced as she walked into the hospital room, holding Croissant. After greeting Sophia and handing the little guy over to her, she turned to Teresa with a look of concern and asked gently, "Teresa, you're awake. How are you feeling? Any discomfort?"
"Katherine," Teresa called out to Katherine with a small smile and shook her head, "I'm fine now."
Katherine took a seat beside the bed, took Teresa's hand, and patted it reassuringly, "Teresa, you've been through so much. That monster Yvonne, what she did to you is unforgivable. Our family won't let her get away with it."
She hadn't gone to the police station herself, but the butler had told her everything. She was well aware of the whole situation.
"Thanks, Katherine." Teresa said, her eyes rimmed with redness but she didn’t feel like crying anymore, a smile emerged on her face, "I’m really okay now."
"You are so strong; some girls would be in an uproar over such mistreatment," Katherine lamented. Then, smiling at Sophia, who was playing with the little one, she remarked, "In-law, how did you raise such a wonderful daughter?"
"Grandma, I want Mommy," the little guy wriggled impatiently in Sophia's arms, eager to get to Teresa.
"Alright, sweetheart," Sophia said with a light chuckle, bringing him over to Teresa.
Teresa extended her arms, embracing her child, who brought peace to her troubled heart.
"You are crying, Mommy. Are you unhappy and sad, why?" The little one's chubby hands cupped Teresa's face, seeing her reddened eyes and cheeks; his little pout formed in empathy.
Teresa kissed his forehead and cheeks, smiling again, "Because Mommy missed her baby, that's all."
"Mommy, don't cry. I missed you too, "The child leaned in and planted a firm kiss on Teresa's face, "Mommy, I want to do magic for you, okay?"
"Wow, you can do magic now, that's amazing!" Teresa's face lit up in admiration, "Come on, show Mommy your magic trick."
"Mm, mommy, no peeking while I hide my hands behind my back," the little guy said with a practiced air, deftly tucking his tiny hands behind him and nestling his left thumb into his palm.
Teresa nodded with a smile, playing along, "Alright, I won't peek."
"Ta-da! Mommy, look, my thumb is gone!" Under Teresa's delighted and expectant gaze, the little one extended his hands toward her, and indeed, his left thumb was nowhere to be seen.
"Wow, where did your thumb go? Let me find it," Teresa humored the adorable tot, grasping his little hands and looking from the left to the right, "I found it! Here is your thumb."
"Hehe... Mommy's so clever. Kisses," he said, and with that, the little one lifted Teresa's face and planted a big kiss on her cheek.
"Gabriel, you're back," Katherine's voice suddenly rang out just as the little one was kissing Teresa.
Teresa turned her head and saw Gabriel standing motionless at the doorstep, eyes fixed on them.
Their eyes met momentarily, and Teresa's breath hitched, but just as quickly, her expression returned to calm, and she looked away.
