Chapter 507 Do Liam and Atticus Know Each Other?
Ethan found himself speechless, his throat seeming to close up as he watched Andy dissolve into tears.
"Come here, buddy," he said softly, gathering the sobbing child into his arms. "It's okay."
Ethan was baffled. Andy typically presented himself as so mature and brave; seeing him break down like this was jarring. But of course—despite his usual composure, Andy was still just a child. After such a frightening experience, he naturally longed for his mother's comfort.
"Daddy," Andy looked up with teary eyes, studying Ethan's troubled expression. "Did something happen to Mommy? Is that why you won't let us see her?"
"I..." Ethan hesitated, unsure how to respond.
Just then, Nate stirred, wincing as he touched the tender spot on his head. "It hurts."
"Nate, you're awake!" Ethan and Andy exclaimed in unison.
"Where does it hurt?" Ethan asked gently. "I'll get the doctor right away."
"My head hurts, Daddy," Nate mumbled.
"Andy, stay with your brother while I find the doctor."
As soon as Ethan left, Nate's pain began to subside. "I'm feeling better now," he told his brother.
Andy examined the large bump on Nate's forehead with concern. "Did that bad man do this to you?"
Nate nodded. "He said Daddy punished his daughter, so he wanted to punish Daddy's sons."
"What does that mean?" Andy frowned.
After Nate explained what Marc had told him, Andy's suspicions were confirmed. "I knew it! Mommy must have been hurt at the palace. That's why she hasn't come home!"
"Is she badly injured?" Nate's voice trembled. "What should we do?"
Andy's eyes gleamed with determination. "Remember our plan? When Daddy comes back, we don't stop asking until he agrees to let us see Mommy."
They high-fived just as Ethan returned with the doctor.
After examining Nate, the doctor reassured them, "Just a minor external injury, Your Highness. The headache should subside in a few days with proper medication. I'll write a prescription."
Once alone with the children, Ethan held Nate close. "You'll feel better soon, buddy."
Nestled in his father's arms, Nate gazed up adoringly. "It's nice having you here, Dad."
"Do you know who took you?" Ethan asked gently.
"He said you punished his daughter and made her suffer, so he wanted to hurt your children." Nate's eyes welled with tears. "He said Mommy was badly beaten at the palace. Is that true? Please let me see her!"
As both children looked at him with pleading eyes, Ethan felt his heart breaking.
The information clicked into place—the kidnapper must be Marc, still seeking revenge. Ethan felt a surge of rage at the thought of the man targeting innocent children.
"Daddy, is what Nate said true?" Andy pressed. "Is Mommy hurt? Is that why you're keeping her at the palace away from us?"
"Whenever I don't feel well, Mommy always makes it better," Nate added. "I want to do the same for her."
Ethan sighed heavily, guilt washing over him. "I'm sorry," he admitted. "Your mother was injured at the palace. I didn't want to worry you, but she's recovering well now."
"Can we see her?" Andy asked hopefully.
"Please, Daddy?" Nate echoed.
After a moment's hesitation, Ethan nodded. "Alright. Once we get your medication, I'll take you back to the palace."
The boys cheered, relieved to hear their mother was recovering but eager to see for themselves.
Later, as they drove back to the palace, Andy brought up the stranger who had helped them. "Daddy, we owe that man who helped save Nate. Do you have his contact information? I'd like to thank him properly."
Ethan suddenly remembered Liam's business card. "I do," he said, pulling it from his wallet. "And that reminds me—he mentioned he was going to Muse Fresh Dairy Company to see Atticus. Does he know your godfather?"
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