Chapter 89
"Same to you." Michael had no intention of letting go.
Since it was all about using each other, everyone was using everyone else—he was no more noble than anyone.
Walter frowned, about to say something more when the police entered the hospital room. "Walter, please cooperate with our investigation into James's assault case."
Walter glanced at Michael, his expression darkening.
Was Michael calculating against him too?
"Mr. Wood, James's assault is a serious matter. Nora definitely won't settle, especially after suffering such grievances. Please tell the truth," Michael said calmly.
Walter took a deep breath. Fine, that was Michael for you.
James was part of the Smith family, Michael's brother. If Michael reported it to the police and testified, it would be too obvious, and Nolan would definitely be angry with Michael.
But if he, Walter, testified and exposed James for assault, that would be a different story.
Besides, if he covered for James, Nora would definitely be more disappointed in him when she found out.
Michael was killing two birds with one stone, planning everything perfectly.
"Samuel, you stay here with Mom. Dad will come back later." Walter rubbed Samuel's head, crouching in front of him. "Call Dad if anything happens, remember?"
Samuel nodded with red-rimmed eyes, carefully glancing back at Michael.
He wanted Michael to be his dad, but Nora had also said Walter was his dad.
Feeling a bit dejected, Samuel lowered his head and stopped talking.
Walter had Royce stay to look after Samuel and left with the police.
Michael realized Walter had done it on purpose—deliberately establishing his identity. Whatever Michael did, it couldn't change the fact that he was Samuel's father.
Between Nora and Walter was Samuel, this bond that Michael could never sever no matter what he did.
"Does Samuel have school tomorrow?" Michael asked quietly.
Samuel cautiously moved closer to Michael, his small hands clutching tightly at his clothes.
Jasper and David were outside the room. Inside were only Michael, Samuel, and Nora.
"How's school going?" Michael asked again, reaching out to Samuel.
Samuel burst into tears, throwing himself into Michael's arms but not daring to cry out loud.
Michael took a deep breath and rubbed Samuel's head.
"I don't want to go to school anymore." Samuel said in a muffled voice. He liked being held by Michael—it made him feel safe.
"Why not?" Michael didn't even notice how gentle his voice had become.
"Because I got in a fight. They said bad things about Mom." Samuel stood there looking pitiful, too heartbreaking to watch.
David came in to say something but was stunned for a moment seeing Samuel standing pitifully in front of Michael.
They looked so alike. Samuel's expression right now was so similar to Michael's.
"You still have to go to school. You're about to start elementary school—you can't fall behind in preschool." Michael spoke in a teaching tone, yet unusually gentle.
Samuel wiped his tears and said quietly, "I'm sorry."
He couldn't call him Dad anymore, but he really wanted to call Michael Dad. "I got in a fight, and the school doesn't want me anymore."
Michael frowned and glanced at David. "Look into this."
David quickly closed the hospital room door and went to make calls.
"Will Mom be okay?" Samuel asked quietly, afraid of waking his mother.
"Yes." Michael nodded.
"Mr. Smith, thank you." This time Samuel didn't call him Dad.
But Michael felt a bit disappointed.
"Study hard, and thank me again when you grow up." Michael set a goal for Samuel.
Samuel's eyes lit up, and he nodded firmly.
"Mr. Smith, the kindergarten said Samuel hit Ms. Smith's son, Joseph. But apparently Clea from the Williams family already contacted the school. They're taking it seriously and said they'll personally pick up Samuel to return to school tomorrow morning." David looked at Michael in shock.
What was Nora's relationship with Clea?
Clea was famous in their circles for being tough. Three years ago she married a wealthy businessman, and within a few years he died. She, a woman alone, brought back his billion-dollar fortune to the country—definitely a ruthless character.
At the door, Jasper was also stunned. "Clea? She's my boss. I work as her bodyguard."
David's mouth fell open in shock. "You're Clea's bodyguard? You're pretty brave."
Jasper was really bold.
Rumor had it that Clea's deceased husband was part of the Novaria mob. When Clea brought the inheritance back to the country, her late husband's family naturally wouldn't let her go. Being Clea's bodyguard really meant risking your life for money.
Jasper said nothing—after all, it was his boss's private business, and he didn't want to pry.
But Clea had actually helped him with the kindergarten matter.
"Veda gave you trouble?" Michael looked at Jasper.
Jasper nodded. "Yes, no kindergarten would take Samuel, so I had to ask Ms. Williams."
Michael frowned.
Why didn't Nora call him?
Was she afraid of troubling him?
He looked back at Nora. Michael didn't know what approach would make her completely let down her guard.
"Take Samuel home. He needs to sleep. Tomorrow morning, I'll have David take him to school." Michael rubbed Samuel's head.
Samuel looked back at Nora and nodded obediently.
If anyone else had told him to go home, he definitely wouldn't have listened. But Michael's words—he would listen to those.
Jasper was also a bit surprised. Although Samuel was well-behaved, he was stubborn by nature. With Nora injured, he definitely wouldn't want to leave. But at Michael's words, he agreed so obediently.
"I'm here. Your mom will be fine." Michael reassured him again.
Samuel looked up at Michael, opened his mouth, but still couldn't say "Dad." He turned and ran to Jasper's side.
"I'll handle things here. You can rest easy. The Smith family will probably come looking for trouble with Nora. You should keep your distance for a while and not get involved." Michael kindly reminded Jasper.
"Mr. Smith... my sister and I—is there anything we can do for you?" Jasper wasn't one to owe favors, and he didn't want Nora to owe Michael too much.
"I won't help you for nothing, but I won't do anything underhanded either." Michael put Jasper's mind at ease.
Jasper took a deep breath, picked up Samuel, and left.
Michael wasn't like James.
At least he wouldn't force Nora to do things she didn't want to do.
As for other uses, in Nora's words, it was just mutual exploitation anyway.
The next morning, Nora slowly opened her eyes. Looking at the IV bag above her head, she felt a bit dazed.
"You're awake?"
On the sofa, Michael was propping up his head, speaking with a frown.
Nora looked at Michael nervously. Had he really stayed here all night? "Mr. Smith."
Michael made a shushing gesture. "James was taken by the police for questioning. The Smith family will be here soon. No matter what they say, don't say anything."
Michael was going to protect Nora.
Nora nervously clenched her hands, clearly afraid.
James was in the police station—how could the Smith family possibly let her off easily?
"Don't be afraid. I'm here." Michael stood by the hospital bed, reassuring Nora.
Nora's eyes reddened, and she nodded.
But how long could Michael protect her?