Grief, Betrayals, and a Core of Blaze

Chapter 542 The Children's State

"This is a breakthrough." Baron said calmly. James must have run into Payne's son, Rio, back on the high seas, but since Brian couldn't get a hold of this James, then Baron couldn't be blamed for intervening. He still remembered his wife saying she wanted to travel. If the issues here remained unresolved, even a trip for the family of four might encounter problems, so it was best to settle things first. "Let’s go see your son. Is the little one awake now?" Beth’s face softened immediately when her son was mentioned. "He’s awake, but because he hasn't been with me for the past two years, he lacks a bit of security. I’ve had to spend a lot of time with him before he was willing to talk to me. Although his physical body has been saved, I feel like something is wrong with my son." Beth sighed, her eyes filled with sadness. Natalie didn't know why Baron suddenly changed the subject, but since Baron didn't want to continue the discussion, she didn't press him. "Was he severely bullied while with James for the past two years, leading to a degree of self-isolation?" Natalie wasn’t sure if her guess was right, but due to the strictness and harshness of the Summers family parents, there was a period in her childhood when she really didn't want to talk to anyone, or even interact with people around her. Beth immediately became anxious when she heard this. "Then what should I do? If my child is truly self-isolating, is there a way to help him?" Her son was only six years old; what would happen if he became withdrawn now?Natalie, also a mother, saw her distress and quickly said, "I'm just guessing; it might not be right. How about we go look at the child?" "Okay." Beth led Baron and Natalie to her son’s room. Although the surgery was very successful, the little boy was skin and bones, the bones in his wrists clearly visible. Moreover, Beth said her son was six years old, yet he wasn't even as tall as Susie. This was clearly the result of long-term malnutrition. It was probably a miracle that this child was still alive. Natalie instantly felt distressed. "Is his physical condition very poor?" Baron nodded. "Yes, long-term malnutrition, being kept in dark places, and never seeing sunlight for years—there are definitely psychological problems with this child. 'Self-isolation' might be the most polite term for what you've guessed." Baron’s words immediately made Beth’s eyes well up. "It’s my fault. I shouldn't have given my son to that beast James! I shouldn't have believed in the bond of blood or thought that even a tiger wouldn't eat its own cub." Seeing her so heartbroken and self-reproachful, Natalie couldn't help but pat the back of her hand. "Don’t cry. Don’t scare the child." Hearing that it would scare the child, Beth quickly held back her tears. Natalie went up to the child and saw he was drawing, but his drawings consisted entirely of dark elements, without any color.This kind of drawing gave off a sense of oppression. Natalie didn't understand medicine, but she understood drawing and art. All her designs were drawn out. She had to admit that the child in front of her had high artistic talent, but the dark elements were unsettling to look at. This child even has tendencies toward self-harm and suicide! Natalie’s expression became serious. "Let’s change the child’s name." James likely severely abused his biological son these past two years, and his former name might be the deepest source of the child’s fear. While changing the name wouldn't instantly help the child recover, it would at least be a good start. Beth was somewhat confused. Baron, being medically knowledgeable, knew the reason. "Beth, James must have called your son’s name every time he abused him. If his memories from the past two years were good, hearing his name would bring pleasant feelings. But if they weren't, you should know what he’ll think of." Beth immediately understood, her face flushing with anger. She now wished she could personally kill that beast, James. Baron seemed to guess what she was thinking. He whispered, "Don’t worry. If James falls into my hands, as long as you promise he doesn't die, you decide how he is treated." Beth’s eyes moistened again. She suddenly dropped to her knees in front of Baron and Natalie."Ms. Stone, you are the saviors of me and my son. Without you, we might not be alive in this world. My life is yours from now on. Just tell me what you need me to do." Seeing this, Natalie quickly helped Beth up. "We are just ordinary people; we don't need you to do anything for us. On the contrary, your son will likely need a long time of dedicated care and companionship from you. I see he has a lot of artistic talent. How about finding him a drawing teacher? And since I'm in design, you can come work at my studio. I’ll pay you a monthly salary, and you can bring your child to the studio to play. Perhaps seeing the design drafts at the studio can help him emerge from his previous darkness."

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