Chapter 425

Despite the internet storm back home, Esther remained unfazed. She stayed in the hospital room, guarding Pixie with the protection of her bodyguards. As Pixie's anesthesia wore off, Esther grew increasingly anxious. She gazed at Pixie with unease, unsure how to face the awakening child. Esther gently touched Pixie's hair, her face revealing a bitter smile of helplessness. She tried to reassure Pixie, to let her know she was her mother. However, Pixie fiercely bit Esther's hand as it reached out. "Bad person, let go!" Awakening and still weak, Pixie sat up in the hospital bed. Her gaze warily fixed on Esther as she cried out, "Mommy! Daddy!" Esther had imagined how Pixie would react upon waking up, but this reaction was unexpected. "Pixie, don't be scared. I'm not a bad person!" Despite her hand's pain, Esther reassured softly, "Really, I'm not." As Esther moved closer, Pixie grew more frightened, curling under the blanket. Seeing Pixie in a ball under the white cover tugged at