Chapter 4

Will carefully wiped the tears streaming down my face. "Enough now. If you keep crying, it'll tear me apart. When everything is settled tomorrow, I'll come with you to see Paula."

Each sob tore through me, leaving me gasping for air. Suddenly, I sank my teeth into Will's arm. A hiss escaped him, but he made no move to resist.

As the metallic tang of blood spread across my tongue, I pulled away.

"Will… do you ever dream of Mia in the dead of night?"

He paused, his features hardening. After a moment, he held me gently in his arms. "Louise, try to stay strong. We'll have more children of our own someday."

…

The next morning, Jeremy came to pick me up for the press conference.

As soon as we entered the venue, the reporters wasted no time shoving their microphones right in my face.

"Mrs. O'Hara, what makes you believe the son of your husband's savior is responsible for your child's death? Do you have any proof to back up these allegations?"

"Mrs. O'Hara, could jealousy be influencing your accusations against Ms. McGrath and her son?"

Peter stood behind the reporters, silently urging me forward with his eyes. Jeremy passed me the microphone, while Will nudged my waist.

I took the microphone almost on autopilot. Sticking to the script, I offered my clarification and apology.

But before I could finish, the reporters unleashed a storm of biting questions.

"Mrs. O'Hara, are you genuinely sincere in admitting your mistake?"

"Why are you reading from a script? Is your apology heartfelt, or are you just caving to public pressure?"

The pointed questions and flashing cameras overwhelmed me. I stepped back, only to see Will blocking my way.

Out of nowhere, a hand clutched my skirt.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. O'Hara. My mother only brought me to Ardenfield for medical treatment. We never meant to snatch Mr. O'Hara away from you.

"That day, Mia accidentally fell into the water. I didn't push her. Please, forgive me."

As soon as Finn finished speaking, the reporters immediately shifted their microphones toward him.

Violet reacted instantly. While apologizing to me, she scooped Finn into her arms and started backing away.

Without hesitation, Jeremy's team stepped in to create a protective barrier around them.

The reporters quickly turned their attention back to me, firing questions about whether jealousy had driven my accusations.

Just as Violet began to walk away, a gold pendant slipped from Finn's neck and fell to the floor.

My eyes widened the moment I spotted it. Instinctively, I lunged forward, reaching out to grab it.

But Violet was faster. She snatched it away before I could.

Just then, Will stepped in and held me firmly. "Have you forgotten about Paula?" he whispered.

From the crowd, a voice shouted, "This vile woman just tried to attack someone in front of all these witnesses! It's obvious she never intended to apologize sincerely."

"Exactly. Who could be that heartless?"

Suddenly, a water bottle was hurled onto the stage. The moment it struck my shoulder, a gasp escaped me.

Without warning, the crowd surged forward, their fury spilling over.

Will and Jeremy swiftly stepped in to escort Violet and Finn to safety.

Meanwhile, the enraged crowd grabbed at my arms. Filled with despair, I looked ahead, only to see that Peter was already gone.

As the crowd pressed tighter around me, I was shoved to the ground, blows raining down on me like a fierce storm.

I instinctively shielded my belly, my voice shaking with fear.

"No… Will! Jeremy! Peter! Please… save me!

"Save the baby…"

However, my cries were lost in the chaos. No one heard me.

Suddenly, I felt warm liquid spreading beneath me.

My child was in danger.

After what felt like forever, the crowd finally noticed the blood soaking my skirt. With frightened screams, they scattered in all directions.

Still, no one moved to call for help. Eventually, it was the staff who took action and dialed 911.