Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 58

Chapter 58

When they arrived, Alexander practically jumped out of the cartriding into the hospital with a sense of urgency that made people step out of his way. He ignored the front desk and continged directly to the elevator, pushing the button labeled VIP Floor. Reaching the door to

Emma's room, his heart thudding in his chest, he didn't even bother to knock but simply pushed it open.

Two pairs of eyes turned towards him as he entered: Emma's, wh her exhaustion and pain; and Jaden's, full of hostility that was guarded well. Alexander's gaze brielly fluttered towards Emily, who slept serenely on a small hospital bed provided for her. His chest seemed to tighten even further.

"I just heard what happened." he said, his voice filled with a mix worry and frustration as he walked toward Emma He ignored the piercing glare Jaden shot at him.

Jaden took one step forward, standing protectively in front of Emma. "Haven't you and your girlfriend done enough damage?" he growled.

Alexander's icy gaze locked onto Jaden. "I am not here for you, boy," he asked gently, his usual confidence wavering under the weight of worry

"Leave, Alexander." Emma's voice was so low, but the weight of her words hit like a hammer. Her expression was unreadable, though her trembling hands betrayed her. "I don't want more trouble."

Alexander's face softened as his gaze shifted to Ethan, who lay motionless in his bed, wired up to wires and machinery. It tugged at his heart. "How is he?" he asked softly, some of the customarily stressed machismo gone from his tone as his brow frowed in concern. Emma turned back to him, her eyes pooling with unshed tears. "You should leave," she said, her voice cracking. "We're not your responsibility. We'll take care of ourselves.

"Emma..." Alexander started to say, but she sharply cut him off.

"Don't!" This time, her voice was louder and it sent Emily moving restlessly in her sleep. Immediately, Emma moderated her tone, looking at her daughter before continuing. "We don't need your help. Just go."

Alexander's jaw went tight, anger rising, but he didn't raise his voice. "I'll get to the bottom of this daycare accident. Whoever's responsible...

"I said don't!" Emma snapped, her voice rising again. She whirled back, her face streaked with tears, "We don't need you swooping in like some savior, Alexander. Just leave us alone.

Jaden stepped closer, his voice as cold and firm as ice. "She's right. You have caused enough damage. This may be your hospital, but we have rights as patients. It's time for you to leave

Alexander's gaze swung one last time to Ethan, his heart heavy. He wanted to protest, wanted to stay, but the look on Emma's face told him it would only cause her more pain. And that was the last thing he wanted.

He didn't say another word, only turned and was gone: the doorswung shut behind him. Emma let out a trembling breath as she sagged down in the chair beside Ethan's bed, taking his small, pale hand in her own. Silent, hot tears streamed down her cheeks as she stared at his face, willing him to wake up, to smile to tell her everything was okay.

Jaden huddled down beside her, wrapping his arms around her. "It's going to be all right," he whispered, though his voice shook with doubt. Emma didn't say a word. Her world was crumbling around her feet, and she wasn't sure how to pick up the pieces.

The moment Alexander sat back in his car, he turned to Kevin, his voice firm and low. "Considering where the daycare was that accident couldn't have been coincidental. I want you to investigate that accident. Every detail, every angle. Find out what really happened" 1/2 21:15 Tue, Dec 17

Chapter 38

"Yes, sir," Kevin replied, already pulling out his phone to make the necessary calls.

Alexander leaned back in his seat, his jaw clenched as he stared out of the window. The blurred hospital building receded as Kevin drove away. His mind raced to the pain etched on Emma's face and the stillness of Ethan's small body in that hospital bed. The memory made his chest tighten with an unfamiliar ache.

Emma had warned him to stay away, to let her handle things on her own, but this time Alexander couldn't obey. For once, he wanted to be her knight in shining armor, even if she didn't want him to.

"I also want all those videos scrubbed from the internet," he said harply, leaving zero room for an argument. "Every one of them. And get our PR team on this immediately. Damage contre needs to be flawless."

"Yes, sir. It will be handled," Kevin assured him.

AAAAA

Annie threw her head back and laughed as she scrolled through the comments on her phone. Today was going all her way, it seemed, and she couldn't resist popping open the cork on a bottle of champagne. The slap from Emma had been unexpected, true, but it had turned into a blessing in disguise. The videos went viral, painting her as the innocent victim and Emma as the jealous, bitter ex-wife.

She took a long sip of the champagne, savoring the moment, and glanced at the time. Alexander was running late again. It annoyed her. She wanted him home, here with her, before the night got too late, but he always seemed distracted these days. Irritation turned to anticipation as the sound of his car pulling into the garage reached her ears. Laying aside her phone, she quickly segued into her role of practiced victim, lips quivering. By the time his footsteps approached the door, her mascara-streaked face was perfectly arranged for maximum effect.

The moment Alexander entered, Annie rose to her feet; her tear-filled eyes met his. She sniffled and held a handkerchief in her one hand. "Tm sure you must have seen what happened today," she started off, her voice still trembling. "Emma, she slapped me." She pointed to her face, showing him the faint mark that was left.

Alexander didn't turn to look at her. He brushed past her, heading directly for the dressing room. "I've had a long day," he said shortly, loosening his tie We'll talk about it tomorrow."

The dismissive tone caused Annie's inner joy to falter for a heartbeat before she recovered. She followed him, the rise of her voice around each word growing slightly more marked. "Alexander, it's not just about me! She humiliated me in public. everybody saw it!" He let out a deep sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as he hung his tie on the hangar. "I said we'll talk tomorrow, Annie. I'm not in the mood for this tonight.

The finality in his tone stung, but Annie forced herself to keep up the act. "Fine," she said softly, her voice breaking as if she were holding back more tears. "Goodnight."