Chapter 534
534:
Ethan, too, pulled every string at his disposal. He sent out his personal yacht and recruited nearby fishing vessels, combing the waters in a near-impossible hunt.
By dawn, sunlight danced across the waves, scattering shimmering reflections. But no one paused to admire the beauty; they were consumed by despair.
A bright, kind, precious child—vanished without a trace? Not even a body to mourn?
Brenna refused to accept it, as did everyone else.
Around midday, Ellie’s phone rang. She hadn’t had a sip of water since the ordeal, her face pale, lips chapped, her mind haunted by visions of Patrick’s small frame being claimed by the sea.
An unknown number flashed on her screen.
After a brief pause, she picked up.
“Mommy…”
The soft, unmistakable voice on the other end brought tears streaming down Ellie’s face. Patrick’s voice was faint but clear. “It’s Patrick!” Ellie exclaimed.
Her voice drew the attention of everyone nearby.
“Patrick, thank God you’re okay! Where are you?” Ellie asked.
“I’m in the hospital,” Patrick answered, his voice weak but steady.
A moment later, a man’s voice, weathered and middle-aged, echoed.
“Hi, I’m a fisherman from Plomond. Last night, I was out at sea and found the boy floating, unconscious. I rushed him to the hospital, and he only woke up a short while ago. I knew his family must be worried, so I asked him to give his family a call. He’s weak now, with some fluid in his lungs, but he’s going to be fine…”
When the family reached the hospital, Patrick was still in bed, receiving an IV drip.
Jayceon, overwhelmed with gratitude, handed the fisherman a check for a hundred thousand as a heartfelt thank-you.
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After bidding farewell to the fisherman in the hospital corridor, Jayceon turned and saw Brenna standing nearby. Her face was softened by relief, but Jayceon’s expression hardened as he approached her. His eyes were cold, brimming with accusation. “What happened to Patrick is entirely your fault.”
Patrick, just six years old, had been lost at sea for hours. If he hadn’t been trained in survival skills, if he hadn’t been sharp enough to stay calm and free himself from the ropes in secret after waking on the boat, he would likely be dead now.
Jayceon’s chest tightened at the thought of Patrick’s small wrists, marked by rope burns. No child should endure such trauma.
He said to Brenna, “If you hadn’t made enemies, they wouldn’t have gone after Patrick. From now on, you should stay away from my son and Ellie. I won’t let your enemies come for my son again.”
Brenna felt a wave of guilt, knowing she had endangered Patrick. Unable to refute Jayceon’s words, she stayed silent, absorbing his blame.
Jayceon’s harsh words continued, each one cutting deeper. Brenna held back her frustration, accepting his criticism without protest.
Just then, Ethan walked over and cut through Jayceon’s tirade. “You’re mistaken. This isn’t Brenna’s fault. You were the one who didn’t protect your son well. How dare you pin this on Brenna?”
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