CHAPTER 273
The next day...
Arianna stopped by a fruit shop and picked out a basket of fresh, delicious fruits. Next, she visited a florist, where she bought a bouquet of vibrant flowers. With these in hand, she headed to the hospital.
When she reached the door of the child's ward, she took a moment to adjust her clothes and then knocked softly.
Footsteps echoed from within, and a moment later, the door opened to reveal a middle-aged woman. She looked at Arianna curiously and asked, “Yes, how can I help you?”
Arianna recognized the woman immediately as the mother of the child she had rescued earlier. She had caught a glimpse of her when the parents rushed into the studio that day.
As expected, the woman didn’t recognize her. The mother had been too focused on her son during the chaos to take note of Arianna’s face.
Smiling warmly, Arianna said, “Hello, you must be Brian’s mother. I work at Starlight TV, and I’ve come to visit Brian.”
Brian was the name of the boy she had saved that day.
Brian’s mother looked surprised.
“Oh, didn’t some people from Starlight TV already come to visit him? Why are you back again?”
Arianna remained composed. “Our senior management is very concerned about Brian’s recovery, so they asked me to come by and check in again.”
“That’s so thoughtful of you,” Brian’s mother said with gratitude, stepping aside to let Arianna in.
“Please, come in.”
Arianna handed her the fruit basket and bouquet. “These are from all of us at the station.”
Billy’s mother smiled warmly. “Thank you so much. Your visit means a lot. You didn’t need to bring anything.”
After placing the gifts on a nearby table, she added, “Let me get you a glass of water.”
Brian’s mother went to pour some water, while Arianna quietly approached the bed where Brian was resting.
He was propped up against the pillows, with a bandage of white gauze wrapped around his neck. His expression was distant, almost vacant, as he stared at the cartoon playing on his tablet.
Arianna spoke softly, trying to reach him.
“Hi, Brian.”
But Brian didn’t react. It was as if he couldn’t hear her, his gaze still locked on the screen, lost in his world.
Brian’s mother returned with a glass of water and sighed heavily when she saw her son’s lack of response.
“I’m sorry, Miss. Brian hasn’t spoken or reacted to anyone since that day. Please forgive him.”
Arianna shook her head gently. “No need to apologize. I understand. What have the doctors said?”
“The doctors explained that it’s a psychological response. Brian’s so young, and the terror of what happened, followed by everything that came after… It was just too much for him. He’s overwhelmed and scared, which is why he’s withdrawn and not talking right now. They said we need to be patient with his recovery.”
Arianna’s heart ached as she looked at Brian’s sad, distant expression.
That was exactly why Starlight TV felt so secure. Brian’s silence was their trump card—without him speaking up, it was nearly impossible for Arianna to clear her name.
Just then, Brian’s mother’s phone rang. She glanced at it, looking apologetic. “I’m sorry, I have to take this call. Would you mind staying with Brian for a moment?”
“Of course, no problem,” Arianna replied.
With a grateful nod, Brian’s mother stepped out of the ward to take the call.
Arianna sat beside the bed, gently brushing her hand through Brian’s hair and whispered,
“You have to get better soon, okay? You’re a brave little guy.”
Even if he couldn’t testify for her, she genuinely wished for his recovery. After all, she had risked her life to save him, and that alone meant more than the outcome of her situation.
Brian slowly lifted his gaze and looked at her for a brief moment before lowering his head again, focusing on the tablet in his hands.
A few minutes later, Brian’s mother returned after her phone call. Arianna stood up, ready to take her leave.
Brian’s mother nodded gratefully. “Thank you for visiting Brian. Your company invited us to the awards dinner in three days. I suppose we’ll see you there.”
Arianna forced a slight smile.
William had certainly gone to great lengths to ensure Harmony shone in the spotlight. Having Brian and his mother attend the awards would draw extra attention, further solidifying Harmony’s image and boosting her profile.
Arianna took a deep breath and replied,
“Yes, see you there.”
Before leaving, she leaned down once more and softly patted Brian’s head. “Take care, Brian. I’ll visit you again soon.”
Brian remained unresponsive, as though the fleeting moment of eye contact had been a mere illusion.
“I’ll be going now.”
“Thank you again. Take care,” Brian’s mother said warmly.
Arianna exited the room and paused for a moment outside, collecting her thoughts. She then reached into her bag, pulled out her phone, and dialled a number.
