CHAPTER 60: FATE

A few days later.

"Picking her up from the hospital? Who allowed it?" Sophia’s brow knit. "I’m on my way."

At the hospital, Daniel and Alma were insisting on taking Judy home. When the staff refused, they used the refusal as an excuse to make a scene.

They hauled Judy to her feet; the faint color had drained from her cheeks, as if a veil of dust had settled over her face.

They forced shoes onto her.

"Hey—no, you can’t. The patient’s condition is still unstable. She can’t leave now!"

"You’re being ridiculous. She’s my mom! Do you think I’d hurt her?" Alma pushed away the nurse who tried to step in. She had to move fast—if anyone else noticed, it would be a problem.

Just as Judy was about to be carried toward the exit, the medical staff were powerless to stop them.

"You—"

Then suddenly, everyone stopped dead in their tracks at the doorway.

Alma’s face went pale; Daniel looked worse.

Sophia stood there, gripping a metal baseball bat that scraped loudly against the tile floor.

Behind her, the six kids formed a little line—like six tiny bodyguards.

Sophia’s face was expressionless as she planted the bat heavily before her.

"Let’s see who dares take her out today," she said.

"Sophia! She’s my mother!" Alma protested, trying to reason.

"I don’t deny that," Sophia replied. "But I told you before she’s not to be discharged. You think my words... don’t mean anything?"

Then Sophia swung the bat.

"Ah!" Alma cried, eyes wide, the bat coming within a centimeter of her nose.

"What... what are you doing?! Don’t you dare! Sophia, you’re a public figure!"

Sophia snorted. "You’ve got one minute to put Old Mrs. Clark back in bed. Otherwise, feel free to test how good this bat is."

Alma straightened her neck defiantly. "I’m her daughter-in-law! Do you really think I’d let you hurt her?" she spat, poking Daniel. "What are you waiting for? Move!"

They took a step—and then—

"Ugh!"

Both of them made a strangled sound as Old Mrs. Clark nearly toppled. Sophia caught her, steadying her.

"Nurse, help Mrs. Clark back to bed," Sophia ordered.

The two who’d been struck at the calves by the bat looked ashen.

"You! I’ll sue you!" Alma pointed at her.

Sophia raised the bat again; Alma’s hand instinctively dropped.

"You did that on purpose! Don’t think you can act up just because you’re with Lucas!" Alma fumed.

She was furious. She had been staking out the place for days to grab the chance to take Judy away—and now Sophia had turned up.

"I never thought my pride came from anyone else. If you want to say it’s because of Lucas, fine—I won’t deny it. Smart people wait for the right moment." Sophia’s voice was cold. "You’re Alma, and that’s your husband Daniel. From what I know, this is your second marriage—something you’d rather keep private, huh?"

Alma’s eyes bulged. "What are you saying?! Don’t slander me!"

Daniel scowled. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"Whether it’s nonsense—look into it, and you’ll see. The two of you have no shame. You’ve ruined your own daughter and son—turned them into useless, hopeless people."

Sophia planted the baseball bat firmly in front of her, both hands resting on it.

"Three strikes and you’re out. Consider this your last warning. Today was a small punishment. If you think a lawyer’s letter will scare me, I’ll be waiting."

Sophia looked down from above, her expression calm but commanding. The two people pressed against the wall still trembled, their legs barely holding them up. She gave them a delicate, almost amused smile.

"Now," she said softly, "please leave."

She stepped aside. Behind her, the six children parted neatly in the middle, opening a path for them like tiny, disciplined guards.

"Sophia, you’ll regret this!" Alma snapped, her voice sharp with anger. "She’s our mother! You have no right to control us!"

Sophia twirled the baseball bat in her hand, the motion slow and deliberate—a silent warning.

The pair quickened their pace immediately.

Her gaze hardened. Without another word, Sophia turned and walked into the VIP ward.

Judy’s eyes were wet, her hands trembling.

"How is she doing?" Sophia asked.

The doctor beside her replied quickly, "Her recovery is going well. But with this kind of injury, she’ll need at least another week here before she can be discharged. After that, she must rest at home."

Sophia nodded. "Keep a close watch on her. Call me if anything happens. You can all step out for now—I’d like a moment alone with her."

The six kids obediently filed out, standing guard at the door, each wearing a pair of oversized sunglasses. Their serious little faces turned heads all down the corridor.

"Mrs. Clark, take a breath. Stay calm."

"They’re... unfilial! Heartless!" Judy’s voice trembled with fury.

Her weak heart had only just steadied. Dark bruises marred her thin arms where she’d been yanked around—it was painful just to look at.

"The head of the Clark family passed away two years ago," Sophia said gently. "It hasn’t been easy for you to hold the group together on your own."

"They’ll do anything for money—for inheritance!" Judy’s voice cracked, filled with grief. "How did I raise a son like Daniel? He must have been sent to collect my debt from a past life!"

"Don’t worry, Mrs. Clark," Sophia reassured her. "Until you’re fully recovered, I won’t let anyone take you from this hospital. In a few days, I’ll have to go to City Y for a fashion show, but I’ll make sure someone’s here watching over you."

"A show?" Judy blinked. "The design showcase the Wright family is sponsoring?"

"That’s right."

Judy struggled to sit up. Sophia quickly adjusted her pillows to help.

"You’re going to City Y?" Judy asked.

"Yes."

"Miss Morgan," Judy said, her voice trembling but firm, "please... take me with you to City Y."

Sophia crossed her arms. Judy’s chart showed a serious heart condition—travel would be risky.

"I’m seventy-eight," Judy said, her tone quiet but resolute. "I know my body. I still have unfinished business. I came to City A to find the daughter of an old friend, but I couldn’t locate her..."

Her expression darkened, heavy with sadness.

"The daughter of an old friend? Who is she?"

"My niece’s daughter," Judy explained. "Years ago, I was told she lived here in City A. But recently, I learned my niece passed away. That child—her daughter—I must find her."

Sophia frowned slightly. "You’re not giving up?"

"No," Judy said firmly. "I can’t. I won’t let everything the Clark family built be destroyed in my hands."

Judy reached out, gripping Sophia’s hand tightly. "Miss Morgan, I know I’m asking a lot, but please help me. Lucas has great influence—maybe he can help find her."

From the bedside table, she pulled out a bracelet—its beads shimmered in worn, multicolored glass.

Sophia froze. Her fingers instinctively brushed her own wrist.

She took the bracelet, turning it over again and again, her breath catching.

Her voice trembled slightly as she asked, "Mrs. Clark... who gave you this?"

"My little niece," Judy replied softly. "Her name is Aurora Turner."

Sophia’s pupils constricted.

Impossible.