bChapter /bb18 /b

Upon entering the hallway, Maxine felt relieved when she saw Naomi’s colleagues at the other end of the corridor and clearly not intending bto /be bover /bHer expression remained indifferent. “Ms. Atkins, as you said, I do have a family, but it won’t be long before I don’t anymore. My biological child will be taken care of by my soon–to–be ex–husband. After that, I n to take Jessica abroad.”

Naomi seemed curious. “Divorce? Why?”

Maxine didn’t want to borate, countering instead, “Does this have anything to do with adopting Jessica?”

“Oh, of course not,” Naomi replied gently, not feeling offended at all. She merely reminded Maxine, “Adopting Jessica as a single mom might be a bit tricky.”

Maxine stood firm. “I know. I’ll figure it out. In any case, I’ll keep this child by my side and ensure nothing happens to her.”

Naomi’s eyes flickered as she pondered for a while, then probed, “No offense, but do you want to adopt Jessica because you were close with her mom?”

Maxine shook her head and spoke the truth without hesitation. “I couldn’t see her mom’s case through to the end. After anotherwyer took overb, /bthe

case was lost, and Ivanna was driven to despair–she jumped into the river.”

Even though Maxine hade to terms with it, speaking about it now still brought a pang of indescribable pain.

Naomi’s eyes softened with sympathy. “You’re a very responsible woman, Ms. Hudson. This isn’t your fault.”

“Whether it’s my fault or not, I’ll see it through to the end and clear her mother’s name.”

With that, Maxine took a deep breath. “Of course, Ms. Atkins, please rest assured. I’ll treat Jessica as my own. During this time, I won’t let her get btoo /binvolved in her mother’s unresolved case. I’ll do my best to ensure she has a happy childhood.”

Naomi nodded thoughtfully after a long silence.

Finally, she let out a deep sigh. “I must admit, my visit today was somewhat intrusive. The truth is, I was worried about little Jessica meeting the wrong people. But after hearing what you said, I feel much better.”

After some thought, she requested, “However, I hope we can exchange contacts. Before you officiallyplete the adoption procedures, I might drop by from time to time to check in. Would that be okay?”

Seeing that Naomi seemed genuinely concerned for Jessica and wasn’t up to anything shady, Maxine felt more at ease.

She wasn’t worried about Naomi visiting and agreed without hesitation.

After exchanging contacts, Naomi prepared to leave.

Thinking about her earlier suspicions, Maxine couldn’t help but speak up. “Ms. Atkinsb, /bthere’s something I need to ask of you.”

“Please go aheadb, /bMs. Hudson. If it’s about the child, I’ll do my best,” Naomi replied.

“Jessica’s mom’s case is quiteplicated. The defendant has quite a bit of influence, so overturning the case will be difficult in the short termb, /band we will face countless obstacles.

“iYou /ican visit her, but I hope that you can visit her alone before I take Jessica abroad. Also, please don’t share our address with anyone elseb, /bokay?”

Naomi agreed very readily, “Of course.”

Watching Naomi leave, Maxine felt a weight lift off her chestb. /b

Back in bthe /bward, she saw Jessica hugging her knees and curling up in the corner of the bed. A pang of guilt sparkled inside bof /bbMaxine /bbinstantly/b.

b10:45 /bbTue/bb, /bb17 /bbJün /b□ GO

She slowly walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, gently patting Jessica’s head. “Jessica, don’t be afraid. I’m right hereb” /b

Jessica raised her teary eyes and looked at Maxine in panic. “Maxine, who… who killed my mom?”