Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 520

Neil was unusually quiet today. Even when the conversation directly concerned him, he seemed to have nothing to say.

Earlier in the day, he had asked me to look after Hiram, his son.

"Faith, I..." I hesitated. I could refuse Neil, but faced with Faith's earnest plea, I couldn't bring myself to say no.

Given the circumstances, it seemed I was the only one who could help Neil.

"There's no need to force her," Neil finally spoke up, his voice cold. He glanced at me, his eyes devoid of warmth as if he was looking at a stranger. "We've discussed this. She can't help."

Faith looked disappointed but not surprised. "Alright, this is indeed a tough spot for Irene."

"How long do I need to take care of him?" I found myself asking before I could stop myself.

Neil looked surprised, then asked cautiously, "You agreed?"

Faith, overjoyed, replied, "Irene, we'll sort this out as soon as we can. Once Karina agrees to give up her custody rights over Hiram and leaves town, everything will be sorted."

Their goal was to make Karina give up her custody rights over Hiram and leave.

"Where are Serena and Brandon? Do you have some time?" Neil asked next. I appreciated his consideration for my own children.

"I've made arrangements. They won't be with me for a while. I don't know how long I can help you, so I hope you sort this out soon." I sighed, wondering why I was so soft-hearted. I must have owed Neil a lot in my past life to be spending this one repaying him. I hoped to finish paying off my debt soon.

Hiram understood our conversation and started crying again, "No, grandma, don't chase my mommy away, she's not a bad person!"

His cries echoed in the hospital room, making us all uncomfortable. But I knew this was all but decided. Once Neil made a decision, he wouldn't change his mind.

A nurse hurried over, "Mr. Whitmore, a young lady insists on seeing you and your mother. We tried to stop her, but she's very agitated. You should go see her."

I had a hunch it was Karina.

Karina was being held back by the nurse station. She looked disheveled and frantic, a far cry from her usual composed self. When Hiram saw her, he ran towards her, yelling, "Mommy!"

"Hiram!" Karina also rushed forward, only to be stopped by Neil just before they could embrace.

"Hiram!" Neil sounded angry. It was understandable. A child would naturally feel closer to the person he spent seven years with.

Just then, I saw Russel and Louis, who seemed to be looking for Karina.

When Russel saw Neil and me, he slowed his stride, an icy glint gathering in his eyes. Louis, however, looked at Neil with nothing but pure hatred.

I averted my gaze, avoiding any eye contact with Russel.

But Russel was the first to speak. "Irene," he began, "what are you doing here? Where's the kid?"

The others turned their attention to me. In their minds, Russel was the father, so it was only natural for him to ask about the child first.

"That's none of your concern. I'll take care of it," I replied calmly.

"Is it really necessary for you to abandon your own two kids to help Neil snatch another?" Karina's gaze flickered with hatred as she looked at me. The intensity of her hatred was so overt, it made me feel like I was staring at Bonnie.