Chapter 305 A Family of Three
The basket of meat landed precisely on the dog, toppling over and scattering chunks of meat across the ground.
This action immediately diverted the dogs that were originally targeting Seb. They pounced on the meat chunks and began eating frantically.
Seb had clearly anticipated that. The moment he threw the basket, he turned to run under the bridge. He stepped over the dying black dog and bent down to pick up the swaddled baby.
"Sweetie." Seb lifted the blanket, revealing a soft, chubby little face.
As he lifted the corner of the blanket, Sweetie opened her eyes and looked at him. Her face was still streaked with tears, but she suddenly gave him a sweet smile when she saw him.
That smile filled Seb's heart with warmth.
Seb put the blanket back down, covering Sweetie's face, and then carried her, walking past the pack of dogs.
Just as everyone was breathing a sigh of relief, a dog suddenly lifted its head and lunged forward.
"Mr. Landon!"
"Mr. Landon!"
Isabella watched in horror as the dog lunged at Seb, its bared fangs sinking deeply into his left arm.
Another gunshot rang out, and the dog fell to the ground, rolling and twitching.
The gunshot startled the dogs that were eating, but Seb was already on the shore with Sweetie before they could give chase.
After finishing the meat, the dogs paced restlessly. But within minutes, they started foaming at the mouth, convulsing, and soon lay lifeless.
It turned out that the basket of raw meat was laced with poison. Even a single bite was enough to kill a dog.
Seb and Sweetie were taken to the hospital.
Sweetie was fine, with only some bruises, but nothing serious.
Seb's left arm was stitched up, and he was given a rabies shot.
Jack bought formula and diapers for Sweetie. Then Isabella prepared the formula and fed her. After eating, Sweetie fell asleep.
When Seb opened his eyes, he saw Isabella sitting by the bed, gently touching Sweetie's little face with her fingers.
He sat up in bed. "Let me hold her."
Seb reached out his hand, inadvertently tugging at the wound, causing a sharp pain that furrowed his brow and drenched him in a cold sweat.
Isabella quickly said, "The doctor said your wound is serious and you need to rest. Don't move around."
She handed Sweetie over, whispering, "She just fell asleep."
Seb touched Sweetie's nose with his other hand, his eyes softening."Our Sweetie is really beautiful."
Isabella and Seb held Sweetie and watched her for most of the night.
They only managed a few hours of sleep before the first light of dawn crept into the room.
Morning light filtered through the curtains as Jack entered the room. He saw the three of them squeezed onto one hospital bed, with Seb's entire back almost hanging off the edge, about to fall, while an empty crib stood nearby.
Seb was usually a light sleeper, but today, he was in a deep sleep and didn't even notice Jack coming in.
Reflecting on all that had transpired recently, Jack marveled at their rare moment of peace and serenity. Unwilling to disturb them, he quietly set down the breakfast and slipped out.
Closing the door, Jack stood guard outside.
Kelsey called, asking how things were going.
Jack replied, "We found Sweetie!"
"Really? That's great," Kelsey said excitedly, "I need to start preparing something. I can't meet the baby empty-handed."
"Yeah." Jack nodded. "The baby will love whatever you prepare."
"What are you going to give?" Kelsey asked.
Jack hesitated, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I'm not good at picking gifts. Can you help me choose a few? I'll give you the money."
"Your money is my money anyway. It's too much trouble to give back and forth. I heard the peaches from Emerald Isle City are good. Can you bring some back for me?"
Jack understood that peaches could be bought anywhere; Kelsey didn't truly crave the fruit. What she cherished was the time spent affectionately with him.
Isabella and the others stayed in Emerald Isle City for two more days. After the paternity test results confirmed Sweetie's identity, Vanessa was charged with kidnapping.
Vanessa also did a paternity test, but it was with Abby, who was adopted by the Maximilian family.
As Isabella suspected, the child Maximilian adopted was indeed Vanessa's biological daughter.
The situation became clear. Emma had likely made some agreement with Vanessa. After Vanessa gave birth to Abby, she abandoned her at an orphanage, and Abby was later legally adopted by Maximilian and Mira. Meanwhile, Emma secretly gave Isabella's child, Sweetie, to Vanessa.
Although the two children were only a few months apart, their identical gender as girls aroused no suspicion.
If Emma hadn't mentioned Emerald Isle City, no one would have thought to investigate there. Even if Isabella and Sweetie met face-to-face years later, Isabella might not have recognized her own daughter.
Who would have thought that Vanessa would abandon her own child and raise her enemy's child?
Every time Isabella thought about it, she felt a chill. The bruises on Sweetie's body were evidence of Vanessa's abuse. If Sweetie were raised by her, it would have a profound impact on her character. Vanessa may destroy Sweetie bit by bit.
Thinking of this, Isabella hugged Sweetie tightly and kissed her repeatedly. Fortunately, they found Sweetie.
Seb hugged her from behind, his long fingers gently pinching Sweetie's cheek. "If I didn't know this was my daughter, I'd be jealous of how much you're kissing her."
Isabella turned to kiss him on the cheek.
Seb, feeling spoiled, turned his left cheek."Kiss this side too."
"Equal treatment," he said matter-of-factly.
Isabella was speechless.
As they were being affectionate, there was a knock on the door.
Seb didn't change his position and said, "Come in."
Jack entered, followed by Maximilian and Mira, who were carrying Vanessa's daughter, Abby.
As soon as they entered, Maximilian and Mira, with tearful eyes, were about to kneel before Isabella and Seb. "Mr. Landon, Mrs. Landon, we really love this child. Can you help us? Please don't let them take her away."
Isabella looked at Jack.
Jack explained, "It's Peter. He is now the only guardian besides Vanessa. Vanessa will be charged with abandonment and kidnapping, but as the child's father, he has the right to take her back."
