Chapter 614

Chapter 614

The elevator descended slowly, the cold light inside the metal box casting a harsh glow on Zoey's blood-stained cheek.

Zoey's breathing gradually steadied, The earth-shattering rage that had consumed her earlier dissolved into a heavy, bone-deep exhaustion.

Henry’s hand moved slowly along her back, soothing her like one would calm a trembling cat.

"Let's go back to Gabriel's room," Zoey murmured against his chest, her voice muffled and shaky, "I miss the kids."

Henry placed a gentle kiss on the crown of her head. The faint metallic scent of blood lingered between them.

He reached over and pressed the elevator’s pause button. The car shuddered softly to a halt.

"Let's change our clothes first," Henry said softly, rolling up Zoey's blood-stained sleeve, "You don't want to scare the kids."

Zoey paused, looking down at her hands, her knuckles red and Upton's blood still under her nails.

She imagined three-year-old Travis looking at her with those innocent eyes and shivered.

"You're right." Zoey quickly pulled her hand back, attempting to wipe it clean on her clothes—only to smear the blood even further.

The elevator resumed its descent, reaching the first floor.

As they walked out of the hospital, the sunlight in Marigoldia poured down as usual, almost unbearably hot.

Twenty minutes ago, Zoey had walked through this sunlight seeking revenge; now, the sunlight remained the same, but she was no longer the mother who had entered the hospital.

The resort's shuttle was waiting at the entrance.

As they boarded, Henry wordlessly draped his suit jacket over her shoulders, shielding the most obvious bloodstains.

The driver glanced curiously in the rearview mirror but quickly focused on driving after catching Henry's warning look.

The villa was only a ten-minute drive from the hospital.

Zoey headed straight to the bathroom as soon as they arrived, throwing her blood-stained clothes into the trash.

Hot water gushed from the showerhead, and she scrubbed her hands vigorously until her skin turned red.

The woman in the mirror had a fierce look, her mouth set in a hard line—this was a mother who had avenged her child, not the gentle figure her children knew.

Zoey inhaled slowly, closing her eyes as she pushed that version of herself deep, deep down.

When she opened her eyes again, her gaze was much softer.

She changed into a clean, light blue dress and sprayed some orange blossom perfume that the kids liked, finally feeling that the terrifying morning was drifting away.

Henry also took a quick shower and changed into casual clothes.

When he saw Zoey emerge from the walk-in closet, his expression visibly relaxed. The Zoey before him was once again the elegant and gentle woman he knew, with only her slightly reddened knuckles hinting at the recent events.

“Let’s go.” He intertwined his fingers with hers.

In the hospital room on the seventh floor, Mabel was angrily shouting at the police.

"How could you just stand by and watch Upton get beaten? Even if he made mistakes before, Zoey nearly killed him!"

Her voice echoed in the empty room, "Upton's nose is broken, two teeth knocked out, and he might lose sight in his left eye!"

On the bed, Upton was heavily bandaged, only his swollen lips and bruised eyelids visible.

The anesthesia made him drowsy, but Mabel's sharp voice still made him stir uneasily.

At the door, two Marigoldia police officers exchanged a glance.

The younger officer couldn't help but speak up, "Ma'am, your brother is suspected of hiring kidnappers to abduct two three-year-old children. According to our laws, this carries a minimum of twenty years in prison."

Mabel's rant came to an abrupt halt, her meticulously made-up face blank with confusion, "What kidnappers?"

The older officer handed her a document without expression, "This is the testimony from the kidnappers arrested this morning. Your brother paid a $200,000 deposit, instructing them to sell the Windsor family's two sons abroad."

Mabel’s fingers trembled. The paper slipped from her grasp and fluttered to the floor.

She stared at the unrecognizable Upton on the bed, suddenly feeling dizzy. This wasn't just simple revenge; it was a serious crime that crossed legal boundaries.

With Henry's influence in Marigoldia, Upton might never walk out of prison again.

"Upton, are you insane? I told you not to do this, but you went ahead and kidnapped Zoey's children." Mabel muttered, her perfectly manicured nails digging into her palms.

Laughter spilled through the doorway as Zoey and Henry returned.

Opening the door, they saw Gabriel and Travis sitting side by side on the bed, their eyes glued to the TV screen. An awkward bear in the cartoon was falling over, making Gabriel and Travis laugh heartily.

Gabriel's bandage had been replaced with a smaller one, and he looked much better than he had in the morning.

Travis held a cookie, occasionally feeding Gabriel a bite. Sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, outlining them in a warm, golden glow.

The sight washed away the last of Zoey’s darkness.

She stood at the door, greedily taking in the sight of her two sons, wanting to etch this moment into her memory.

"Mom! Dad!" Travis was the first to notice them, waving his little hand excitedly, "The nurse gave us cookies!"

Gabriel turned too, crumbs still on his lips, "Dad, I want to go home this afternoon. The doctor said my head is much better."

Zoey sat beside him, brushing his cheek tenderly.

Gabriel's warm skin, steady breathing, and clear eyes—these ordinary details were more precious than any treasure in the world at that moment.

"Let's stay one more day, okay?" Zoey said softly, carefully avoiding Gabriel's wound with her fingers, "Mom wants to make sure you're completely better."

Gabriel pouted, but seeing the worry in Zoey's eyes, he nodded obediently, "Can I have ice cream then?"

"You can have a small cup." Henry laughed, ruffling Gabriel's hair, then turned to Travis, "You too, make sure Gabriel doesn't sneak any extra."

Yara stood up from the sofa, "Ms. Spencer, I'll go get the kids some ice cream. Vanilla, right?"

Zoey nodded in thanks. After Yara left, she sat on the edge of the bed, pulling her two sons into her arms.

The familiar scent of her children made her eyes well up. She had come so close, so very close, to losing this warmth forever.

"Mom, you're hugging too tight." Travis squirmed in her embrace.

Zoey quickly loosened her grip but noticed Gabriel watching her quietly with eyes that looked so much like Henry's.

"Mom, are you sad?" The three-year-old asked perceptively, his small hand touching her cheek.

The question nearly broke Zoey's resolve.

She took a deep breath, fighting back tears, "No, Mom is very happy. Very happy."

Henry stepped in at the right moment, picking up the remote to change the channel, distracting the kids with a new cartoon.

He sat beside Zoey, his fingers gently squeezing her waist, silently offering his support.