Chapter 20

Noticing the icy gaze from the man, Adam didn't dare hesitate. He immediately began examining Cynthia. Cynthia, feeling slightly better by now, took the initiative to explain, "When I first fell, my chest hurt, but now, it's just a weakness all over. My arm feels immobile, but otherwise, I think I'm okay." Adam scoffed. "You fell from 20 feet. Be grateful you're still alive." Cynthia flushed with embarrassment. "I… When I saw Mason falling, I couldn't think about anything else." At that moment, all that mattered was protecting Mason. Perhaps it was an instinctive reaction that only a mother would have. Adam couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. Zachary's gaze lingered on Cynthia, his eyes dark and filled with conflicting feelings. A few minutes later, Adam completed his examination and said, "Luckily, you landed on the inflatable. There's no major damage—just a fractured arm. With treatment, it'll heal." Zachary's tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed at those words. Only then did the mall manager dare to step forward. "We deeply apologize for this accident. It's entirely our fault. We'll cover all medical expenses for the lady and the child and ensure the facilities are thoroughly inspected and repaired." His apology was sincere, but Zachary's expression remained cold and indifferent. He said curtly, "There's no need. This mall has no reason to remain in business. As for the woman who caused the accident, she should turn herself in." With that, he carried Mason in his arms and strode away. His towering figure exuded an unshakable authority, and everyone trembled. Who was this man, to declare so effortlessly that a shopping center should cease to exist? It was terrifying. … Less than half an hour later, news of a lady and a child falling at Galaxy Plaza exploded online, climbing to the top of trending topics. Someone recognized Zachary and "Janice", turning the news into a media sensation. "#JaniceSavesHerSon". "#TheBeaversHeirFallIncident". The news was flooded with accounts of the scene at the time, accompanied by gripping video recordings. Social media was ablaze with commentary. "Oh my God, that was terrifying!" "That's Janice, the famous talent manager! She's so selfless." "No wonder she's a match for Mr. Beaver!" "I'm obsessed with her now." … At the Beaver residence, Robert Beaver and his wife were equally stunned as they watched the news. "How could something like this happen? It was far too close!" "Janice usually acts so distant toward Mason. She's always busy with work and rarely spends time with him. But in a critical moment, she showed such courage. Impressive." "I approve of this daughter-in-law!" … Meanwhile, in a dark, secluded room, the atmosphere couldn't have been more different. Janice had been locked up for two days. When she woke, she found her hands and feet being bound with coarse ropes and her mouth gagged with cloth. Liam had even drugged her, leaving her weak and utterly helpless. Over the past two days, she had been enduring relentless abuse. She was in pain and despair. A voice from the television outside drifted into the room. "Zachary takes his wife and child shopping. An unexpected accident sees his wife risking everything to save her son." Zachary? Zachary! Janice thrashed against her restraints, inching toward the door. Through the crack, she caught a glimpse of the news broadcast. Then, she broke down. That wasn't her! Damn Cynthia! She had sworn to stay away from Zachary. Why was she shopping with him and even Mason? She wouldn't let this slide. "Mmph… Mmph!" She struggled desperately. Let her out! She had to get out and tear that woman apart! Liam opened the door and stepped inside. "Still have some fight in you, huh?" "Mmph! No!"