Chapter 208
Maria’s time working for Paisley had taught her many things.
She remembered once encountering sulfur at Paisley’s place, where Paisley had explained that should always be stored away from fire.
it was highly flammable and
The sulfur smell coming from this man was stronger and more pungent. What’s worse, he reeked of gasoline as well.
Maria couldn’t bring herself to think too deeply, but her eyes stayed locked on the man.
She noticed that he wasn’t looking for his family or child, nor was he taking a seat at any of the empty tables. Instead, he wandered around the restaurant as if searching for something.
The more Maria watched, the stronger her unease grew. She picked up Serena, who was still eating, and said softly, “Rena, sweetie, let’s go home now, okay?”
“But I haven’t finished eating, Serena mumbled through her stuffed cheeks, confused.
“No more eating” Maria’s anxiety intensified, especially as she noticed out of the corner of her eye that the man seemed to have spotted her.
“Wasting food is bad.” Grayson said, looking up at Maria with a frown. She was lecturing him just a moment ago.
Maria hurriedly put Serena’s jacket on, grabbed her bag, and–after a moment’s hesitation–grabbed Grayson’s hand, saying, “Come on, you’re coming too.
Her panic was overwhelming. She was just an ordinary woman, incapable of saving everyone. All she could do was ensure Serena’s and her own safety.
Besides, everything was still just her suspicion. If nothing happened, she would have misjudged the man. Her plan was to get the children out of the restaurant and call the police to report her concerns.
She assumed that once Grayson left, his family’s tutor, Claire, would automatically follow. But to her surprise, Claire clung to Grayson tightly, glaring at Maria and yelling, “What are you doing? Trying to kidnap a child?”
Claire’s loud voice quickly drew everyone’s attention in the restaurant, including that of the dangerous–looking man. He was now staring at them with a cold, sinister gaze.
Maria’s fear spiked, but she didn’t let go of Grayson’s hand. No matter what, this was Paisley’s son. If there turned out to be no danger, so be it. But if there was, she would never forgive herself for doing nothing.
Tm not kidnapping anyone. You’re coming with us too. I’ll explain outside,” Maria said, glancing at the man out of the corner of her eye. She noticed he was slowly unbuttoning his cost, and her heart raced.
“Let’s go! Hurry, or it’ll be too late!” Maria hissed, pulling Grayson away from Claire.
As the man opened his coat and pulled something out, Maria didn’t wait to see more. She shouted to everyone in the restaurant, “Get out! There’s danger!”
Her warning had barely left her lips when an explosion rang out in the children’s restaurant.
At Harrowfell Hospital, the waiting room television broadcasted breaking news.
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Chapter 208
At 5:30
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a bombing occurred at the children’s restaurant on the first floor of the Grand Galleria in the city center. The perpetrator is now in police custody.”
Meanwhile, the emergency building was in chaos. Injured children and parents filled the halls. Cries, groans, and wails echoed everywhere. Medical staff had to shout to maintain order
The perpetrator hadn’t just brought homemade explosives but also weapons. After the explosion, he began indiscriminately attacking people, leaving countless casualties in his wake.
In the hallway, Maria held Serena tightly. She trembled as another small body covered in a white sheet was wheeled out, and her grip on Serena tightened even more.
“Maria, we’re okay now, Serena said softly, looking up at her. Seeing Maria’s tears, she reached up to wipe them, but a sharp pain in her stomach stopped her. She lowered her hand and sat quietly, glancing at the green wristband a nurse had just on her.
The nurse had explained that the green wristband meant her condition wasn’t serious, so she had to wait a little while.
put
Grayson’s wristband was also green, but Serena had seen how much blood he was covered in. He even seemed unconscious. “Maria, will Grayson die?” Serena asked.
Maria took a deep breath, steadying her nerves. “No, he won’t.”
“Oh, that’s good, Serena said with relief. She then began thinking abo yet?”
her mom. “Maria, have you been able to reach Mom
Maria tried calling Paisley again, but there was still no answer. She then tried Lucy, but she didn’t answer either.
Thankfully, Maria and Serena were both unharmed, and while Grayson looked worse, his injuries weren’t life–threatening- The real concern was for the children and adults wearing yellow and red wristbands–those in critical condition
Serena leaned closer to Maria, saying softly. “Maria, when can we go home? I’m cold.”
Hearing this, Maria took off her coat and wrapped it around Serena. “Soon, sweetie. Just a little longer.
They needed to stay for check–ups to confirm there were no hidden issues before leaving. Besides, the police were here, interviewing the conscious children and adults about what had happened.
Since neither Paisley nor Lucy had answered her calls, Maria sent them both messages, hoping they would see them and rush to the hospital.
Exhausted, Maria held Serena close and was about to close her eyes for a moment’s rest when a sharp cry startled her. “Oh my God! Sonny! My Sonny!” Lauren wailed as she ran over throwing herself onto Grayson’s small hospital bed.
Grayson was covered in injuries, his eyes closed as he remained unconscious. Lauren’s voice grew more frantic. “Sonny. wake up! Grandma’s here! Wake up!*
She grabbed one of the doctors attending to Grayson. “Is my grandson dead?”
“No, no!” The doctor quickly reassured her. “He just fainted fromthe sight of blood. He’ll wake up soon. Please step back, ma’am, so I can treat his wounds.”
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Dominick arrived just in time to hear the doctor’s explanation. His pale face regained some color as his emotions settled. He pulled Lauren aside. “Mom, let the doctor work.”
But Lauren noticed the doctor’s name tag, which read “Intern,” and her temper flared. “What’s going on? How can the hospital let an intern treat my grandson?”
The intern hesitated but patiently explained, Tm not treating him, just cleaning his wounds. Don’t worry, I’m following my supervisor’s instructions, and everything is in accordance with regulations.
“Besides, all the other doctors are busy with critical patients right now. Look, even those children over there are still waiting
for treatment.”
Dominick followed the intern’s gaze and was surprised to spot Serena and the nanny sitting in the hallway. However, Paisley
was nowhere to be seen.
