Chapter 328
Madeline was unsure if the trending topic was orchestrated by the show or Lucas’s company. It wasn’t her doing, and she had no intention of being linked with Lucas
Gavin emerged from his room. “Maddie, how come you didn’t tell me about your old family bothering you on that show? I promise I can make him regret hovering around like a pesky fly”
e up
A fly! Madeline thought Gavin’s description was spot–on. Lucas could be truly annoying, always talking and showing unexpectedly. Still dealing with him was unnecessary.
“You should focus on healing instead of roaming around, Madeline said, putting the remote down. “Besides, you haven’t explained what exactly happened with your injury.”
Gavin hesitated. “Well, my team got attacked, and
A lot of people died. Although I managed to stop the attackers, most of our staff were gone–and worse, my core research got destroyed. My team triggered a self–destruct to prevent data leaks, so everything’s wiped out.”
“But… Madeline’s concern was evident. She wondered, Was all of Gavin’s hard work gone!”
my
mind
“It’s okay. Gavin sighed. “Even though the physical data is gone, it’s all in here,” he pointed to his head. “Unless I lose too. It’s just a matter of time to restore it. This lab was something I set up three years ago. It turns out offshore facilities are much safer. The lead couple there didn’t make it–I only managed to save their child, and she is in the hospital now.” Madeline felt a pang of compassion. Even though Gavin didn’t share all the details, she could imagine how horrific the situation must have been. “So, how’s the baby doing?”
“She’s okay,” Gavin replied. “She’s so young, just over two months old. She was hidden in a cabinet and got slightly injured. At least in the hospital, there’s care and food. If I brought her back with me, I wouldn’t be able to look after her. Sending her overseas is tricky too: no one can care for such a tiny baby there.”
Gavin frowned, deep in thought. “I’m considering taking her to an orphanage. She’s so young that she would likely be adopted quickly. But then, losing track of her like that feels wrong, especially after knowing how much her parents loved her. Who knows if an adoptive family would treat her well?”
Gavin didn’t mention that he’d seen how lovingly the couple doted on their child, making it even harder to hand her over to strangers.
Madeline thought for a moment. “Were you close to them?”
“They were my friends–trusted companions. Another genius who returned with me from overseas. Had they not come back. with me, they might have been safe. Gavin admitted, guilt evident in his voice.
Se her yourself. You’ve ei
“Then maybe you should the resources to hire a nanny,” Madeline suggested as she turned off the TV. “But it’s just a thought. Whatever you decide, ensure it’s best for her.
“If you raise her, she’ll have good health and education with your means. But you won’t be able to provide parental love.
Gavin nodded knowingly. “Are you free tomorrow morning? Want to come see how she’s doing?”
“Sure. Madeline agreed readily. The poor little one had been injured at just two months old–her heart went out to her. Madeline went to the hospital with Gavin in the morning.
The nurse smiled when she saw Gavin. The baby’s doing well and is ready to be discharged.”
Madeline followed the nurse to see the baby. She was an adorable little girl, all soft and chubby. Madeline could tell she was her parents‘ cherished treasure. Her big eyes sparkled brightly.
Her tiny hands reached out as they approached, offering a sweet smile. Madeline’s heart melted. “Can I hold her?”
“Of course.” Gavin gently handed the baby to her. “I’ll handle the discharge paperwork and check with the doctor for any special instructions.” NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.
Chapter 31s
The baby babbled and tugged softly on Madeline’s hair, giggling with her toothless smile.
Madeline felt a wave of empathy. The little one, just two months old, didn’t know her parents were gone or how narrowly she escaped danger Madeline wondered, “How old was I when separated from my parents? Maybe even younger
Moved. Madeline cuddled the child, rubbing their cheeks together. “It’s okay now. The hospital isn’t like home. Let’s take you home, alright?”
Though the baby didn’t understand Madeline’s words, she liked being held comfortably and was content.
The nurse asked with a hint of concern, “You’re just taking the baby home like this? Where’s her blanket? You left nothing behind when hospitalized: you can’t just leave things like that.”
Madeline replied sheepishly. “Uh… I forgot. I’m not really experienced with this
“You’re way too carefree! said the nurse.
Suddenly feeling a bit lost. Madeline realized that even with past experiences, she’d never actually raised a child herself. She sat by the bed holding the baby and quickly searched online for what a baby might need when leaving the hospital.
“Food: snacks, formula, calcium supplements….
“Drinks: baby water. bottles, thermos….
“Essentials: wipes, diapers, small basin, blanket… Madeline mumbled as she took notes and saved screenshots. She sent them over to Gavin to ensure they were prepared,
While Gavin was handling the paperwork, his phone buzzed with a notification–Madeline had sent a screenshot, reminding him to buy a baby blanket. He paused for a moment, puzzled. “A baby blanket?”
When he initially brought the child, she had some injuries and was wrapped in a small blanket, which he discarded after treating her wounds. So indeed, there was none now.
Gavin thought, ‘Can’t I just use adult clothing to wrap her for now? I can buy one later. As he pondered, Madeline sent another message, pressing for quicker action.
Gavin asked the people at the counter for advice and headed to the hospital’s convenience store. There, he also learned he’d need diapers because he would never know when babies would need them.
Standing in front of the shelf, Gavin was overwhelmed by the options. He frowned and scratched his head. “Why are there so many kinds?” He picked up a few to compare but couldn’t tell much difference. Finally, he decided. “Well, you get what you pay for. The most expensive must be the best.