Chapter 232 Smooth Adoption
Considering Alan's family situation, the police found it challenging to handle this child abuse case.
The only solution was to strip Alan and his wife of their adoption rights over the child, preventing them from being the child's guardians.
Alan remembered the master's words and felt a connection between his son's and Adalia's fates. If Adalia left the home, there would be no way to mend any harm that might occur to their young son.
Alan firmly disagreed, stating, "No, Adalia is my daughter. We have a bond, and we will change for the better. We won't harm Adalia again. Officers, you must trust me."
"This is a place of law, not a place of empty promises. We operate according to regulations. You don't want to go to jail, yet you want to continue adopting Adalia. How do you expect us to proceed?" The police respond, "You completed the necessary procedures, paid the fine, and you could leave."
Before Alan could say more, a female officer investigating Susan entered, saying, "Alan, Susan has signed, relinquishing her rights to Adalia's adoption."
"And how will Adalia be positioned?" Alan inquired.
"You need not worry about that," the female officer replied. "Once you sign, you can leave, and Adalia will no longer have any connection to you."
Realizing he could not resist the authorities, Alan reluctantly relinquished custody of Adalia. The family must not fall apart.
Alan agreed to terminate the adoption agreement and paid the fine. However, they would detain Susan for thirty days, while Alan could leave.
After Alan departed, the police chief entered the office with the agreement in hand.
"Mr. Flores, everything is in order. Tomorrow, you can proceed with the adoption process for Adalia and transfer her under your care."
Sitting on the office sofa was Fiorello.
He received a call from the nursery informing him of Adalia's situation. Seizing the opportunity, he decided to directly take over Adalia's guardianship.
Maggie could not conceive, but she had grown fond of Adalia. Maggie should be delighted by her adoption.
Given Maggie's recent bad emotional state and Adalia's situation, seeing the adoption process through might lift her spirits.
Fiorello stood up, saying, "Thank you, Chief."
"This is a trivial matter, but that child is truly pitiful. It's fortunate for her to be adopted by you," the chief remarked.
Defining child abuse was challenging. In Adalia's case, the high fever was the primary concern, with the bruises being secondary.
While Susan's actions were harsh, she avoided vital areas, ensuring no life-threatening harm.
Adalia spent the night in the living room, and with the temperature dropping, her weak immune system led to the fever.
Alan made the decision to detain Susan for only thirty days, taking into account her breastfeeding status and Alan's family circumstances. Otherwise, she would have faced a longer sentence.
Fiorello returned to the hospital; Adalia had just recovered from a fever and was still in a daze. Maggie was taking care of Adalia in the ward, wiping her face and hands.
"Maggie, I'll take over now."
Fiorello walked over and took the towel from Maggie's hands.
Maggie sat down to rest. "Have the Smiths agreed?"
"They have signed the adoption papers; I will go through the process of adopting Adalia tomorrow," Fiorello said, "From now on, Adalia will be our daughter."
Upon hearing this, Maggie felt relieved. "Last time, we should have insisted on adopting Adalia; then she wouldn't have suffered this harm."
Fiorello touched the softest part of his heart as he gazed at the unconscious Adalia. "Once Adalia recovers, we will bring her home. Oh, you can choose a name for Adalia.
Since they were adopting her, Adalia would take Fiorello's last name.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
