Chapter 616

Chapter 616

Zoey paused for a moment, her gaze turning icy cold.

She adjusted Gabriel's hospital gown collar, her voice eerily calm, "She deserved it. Anyone who would hurt a three-year-old has probably ruined countless families before."

Henry shrugged and reached out to smooth Zoey's disheveled hair.

They didn't need many words between them; anyone who hurt children had to pay the price. It was an unspoken rule they both understood.

"Joseph and Marigoldia's doctor said this morning that Gabriel can be discharged in two days," Henry changed the subject. "I've arranged a private jet. He can recuperate at home once we're back."

Zoey nodded, her gaze falling on Gabriel, who was focused on munching his cookies.

Gabriel indeed looked much better. Apart from the small bandage on his head, it was hard to tell he was a child who had just recovered from a kidnapping and concussion.

"About things back home," Zoey hesitated, "your parents and my dad..."

"We'll deal with it when we get back," Henry interrupted gently. "Telling them now would only make them worry unnecessarily."

Zoey pursed her lips, clearly not agreeing with the decision, but seeing Gabriel and Travis carefree, she nodded.

She knew how much Hazel, Alfred, and Franklin adored Gabriel and Travis. If they heard about the kidnapping and injuries, they would fly over immediately.

"Mommy, I want juice." Gabriel suddenly looked up, cookie crumbs still on his lips.

"I want some too!" Travis chimed in, completely forgetting the "cookie battle" from earlier.

Zoey smiled and pressed the call button for the nurse to bring juice.

Just then, the door to the room opened slightly, and Celine peeked in. "You're all awake?"

Behind her were Claire and Joseph, carrying breakfast bags and fruit.

Claire's eyes lit up when she saw the kids, "Little ones! Look what I brought—your favorite mangoes!"

The room instantly became lively.

Celine expertly set up a small table, Claire distributed the steaming breakfast, while Joseph went to Gabriel's bedside to professionally check his pupil response and wound healing.

"You're recovering well," Joseph announced with a smile, "You'll definitely be discharged the day after tomorrow, just in time to go home with us."

"You should join us on the private jet back," Henry said, accepting the coffee Claire handed him. "It's a long flight, and with Dr. Green on board, any issues Gabriel has can be promptly addressed."

Joseph nodded, "I was thinking the same. Besides..." 

He gave Henry a meaningful look, "Some people might have follow-up 'medical advice' to seek."

Zoey caught the look but didn't ask further.

She knew Henry and Joseph had many unspoken secrets, just like the woman who became mentally impaired in prison.

Travis climbed onto Joseph's lap, curiously playing with his stethoscope, "Joseph, will Gabriel still have a wound in his head?"

Joseph chuckled at Travis's innocent question, "No, little warrior. Gabriel's head will soon be as smart as it was before, though maybe not as smart as you."

Travis proudly stuck his tongue out at Gabriel, sparking another round of "brotherly battle." The adults laughed as Gabriel and Travis tussled, filling the room with a long-missed sense of ease.

The sunlight grew warmer, streaming through the window and bathing everyone in its glow.

Zoey leaned against Henry's shoulder, watching the heartwarming scene, suddenly feeling that the nightmare in Marigoldia was finally coming to an end.

But deep down, Zoey knew some things had changed forever—her understanding of human evil, her resolve to protect her children, and the haunting image of the woman with vacant eyes in prison would remain etched in her memory.

Two days later.

As the private jet landed at the capital's international airport, the runway was bathed in golden light from the setting sun.

Three-year-old Gabriel pressed his little nose against the window, excitedly pointing outside, "Travis, look! We're home!"

Travis wriggled in his seatbelt, trying to stand up, but Zoey gently pressed him back into his seat, "Stay put until the plane comes to a complete stop."

Henry turned from his seat in front, his gaze sweeping over his two sons, noting Gabriel's bandage and the thin scab on Travis's forehead.

Though the children had recovered well, those scars still felt like knives in his heart.

"When we get home, your parents will definitely ask about this," Zoey whispered to Henry, her fingers unconsciously stroking Travis's small hand.

Henry nodded, his eyes resolute, "We'll tell them the truth. There's no hiding it."

The plane taxied to the tarmac, and the cabin door opened. Celine, Claire, and Joseph bid farewell to the Windsor family at the jet bridge.

"Gabriel, Travis, say goodbye," Zoey gently nudged her sons.

"Goodbye, Celine! Goodbye, Claire! Goodbye, Joseph!" Gabriel and Travis chorused, waving their little hands.

Claire crouched down, giving Gabriel and Travis each a hug, "I'll bring strawberry cake to see you in a couple of days, okay?"

Travis's eyes lit up like little stars, "Double strawberries!"

"Greedy," Gabriel shook his head maturely, but couldn't help licking his lips.

After the farewells, the Windsor family's convoy was waiting outside the airport's VIP entrance.

Gabriel and Travis, like two happy little birds, rushed into the waiting arms of their longtime nanny, Iris, whom Hazel and Alfred had specially sent to pick them up.

"My little darlings!" Iris's eyes instantly reddened, her rough hands carefully touching Gabriel's head wound, "How did this happen? Does it hurt?"

"It doesn't hurt anymore!" Gabriel puffed out his chest, looking like a little man, "Joseph said I'm the bravest kid!"

Zoey and Henry exchanged a glance, seeing the worry in each other's eyes. If Iris reacted this way, they couldn't imagine how Hazel and Alfred would respond when they saw their grandsons.

As the convoy entered Windsor Manor, the sky had completely darkened.

The courtyard was brightly lit, like a festive celebration, arranged by Hazel to welcome her beloved grandsons home.

As soon as the car stopped, Alfred and Hazel were already standing on the steps.

Gabriel and Travis couldn't wait to jump out of the car and run towards Alfred and Hazel.

"Grandpa! Grandma!" Gabriel and Travis's calls made Alfred and Hazel beam with joy.

But as Gabriel and Travis got closer, the bright courtyard lights revealed the scars on their heads, and Alfred and Hazel's smiles instantly froze.

Hazel pulled Gabriel and Travis into her arms, her fingers trembling as she touched Gabriel's bandage and Travis's scab.