Chapter 2 Still Breathing

That little figure on the ground looked tiny, definitely a child. But they weren't moving at all.

"Nora, hang up now. We'll talk when I get home," she said quickly.

After hanging up the phone, she dashed over to the corner where she had observed the small figure. As she came closer, she realized it was a child, probably six or seven years old.

She hesitated for a bit before gently prodding him with her foot. "Hey, kid, are you still breathing?"

No response.

Well, that was enough effort for the day. She turned around, ready to walk away.

I really need to mind my business next time. What if someone accuses me of kidnapping this kid?

Just as she was about to leave, a weak little voice mumbled behind her.

"Mommy."

She froze on the spot. That voice hit her like a punch to the gut, reminding her of the baby she lost too soon.

Because of that painful past, she had a soft spot for kids around this age.

She let out a sigh. "Alright, kid. Get up. I'm taking you with me."

No reaction.

Nora crouched down and reached out, but the moment her hand touched him, her eyes widened in shock.

He was burning up!

"Geez, kid! You're basically a walking furnace!" She scooped him up and shook her head. "If I hadn't found you, you might've fried your brain by morning."

Without wasting another second, she bolted toward the hospital.

That afternoon, the entire upper-class society of Harrington was thrown into chaos when news broke out that Abner Murphy, the only heir of the mighty Murphy family, had vanished.

Nobody could believe it. Who in their right mind would dare lay a finger on that child?

Abner wasn't just any rich kid. He was the richest rich kid. His disappearance had every elite family on edge, terrified of what Mason Murphy might do next.

Meanwhile, in a hospital room on the fifth floor, Nora stood in front of the TV, watching the breaking news.

She slowly turned her gaze to the little boy lying on the hospital bed.

Then, she rubbed her forehead.

Nora, you just had to get involved, huh? Next time, just keep walking.

Earlier, she had barely escaped from Mason Murphy at the airport. And now? She had just unknowingly saved his son.

Of all the kids in the world, it had to be this one.

That boy was born with a golden spoon, while her own son never even had a chance to live.

Life was seriously unfair.

As she stood there lost in thought, the boy suddenly stirred.

"Mommy..." he mumbled.

Nora looked at him and sighed. "Kid, I really wouldn't call me that if I were you. If anyone hears you, I'm in big trouble. 'Auntie' works just fine."

Abner blinked at her, then gave her an innocent smile. "Mommy," he said again.

Before she could protest, the door suddenly burst open.

A tall, broad-shouldered man strode in, flanked by several men in black suits.

Oh, fantastic.

Not him again.

Six months ago, Nora may or may not have hacked a bank account in Aubrey and hacked three billion dollars. Ever since then, Mason Murphy had been hunting her down like a bloodhound.

And now, they were face-to-face.

"What are the odds?" she muttered under her breath.

Mason stepped forward, his deep voice smooth but commanding. "Are you the one who saved my son?"

If she didn't know better, she might've thought he sounded grateful. But Mason Murphy was as dangerous as they came.

This man was one of the most powerful people in the world. If he wanted to, he could snap his fingers and have the entire city of Harrington at his feet.

Nora shrugged. "Yeah, that was me. No need to thank me. He's fine now, so I'll be going."

She reached for her bag, but before she could take a step, a small hand grabbed her arm.

Abner looked up at her, his big puppy eyes filled with desperation. "Stay with me. Please."

Mason's expression flickered with surprise.

Everyone knew that Abner suffered from severe autism. He barely spoke and never showed attachment to anyone, not even his own father.

And yet, here he was, clinging to Nora like she was the most important person in the world.

Nora smiled at the boy and ruffled his hair. "Your family's here now. They'll take care of you."

But the moment she said that Abner's face crumpled.

"I don't have a mommy!" he cried, tightening his grip on her arm.

Nora blinked in confusion.

Wait a minute. What?

Wasn't Amanda his mother?

Sure, she didn't keep up with every single gossip about rich people, but she did know that Amanda had tricked Mason into getting her pregnant so she could climb her way into the Murphy family.

Thinking about it made her blood boil.

She had her own reasons for despising that woman.

If it weren't for Amanda, Nora's grandmother would still be alive. If it weren't for her, Nora wouldn't have gone into premature labor. If it weren't for her... her son would still be here.

Her heart turned cold at the thought.

With a deep breath, she gently pried Abner's hands off her. "Whether you have a mother or not isn't my problem," she said coolly.

Abner's eyes filled with panic.

He suddenly slid off the hospital bed, scrambled to the floor, and clung to her leg.

Tears rolled down his cheeks as he sobbed.

Nora turned to Mason, who had been silently watching the whole thing. "Well? Are you just going to stand there and let your son call another woman 'Mommy'? What if your wife finds out?"

Before Mason could respond, the door flew open once more, and a tall woman rushed in.

"Abner, sweetheart! Are you okay? Why are you on the floor? Get up, you're sick!"

She ran toward him and shoved Nora aside.

Nora didn't even need to look. She already knew who it was.

Amanda.

Of course. What a small world.

She should've known she'd run into her sooner or later. After all, this was her child, right?

But what happened next left Nora completely stunned.

The sickly little boy who had been lying in bed just moments ago suddenly sprang to his feet and headbutted Amanda straight in the stomach, sending her stumbling backward.

"Go away! I don't want to see you!" Abner snapped.

Amanda gasped. "Abner! I'm your mother! What's gotten into, AH!"

Before she could finish her sentence, Abner bit her arm Hard.

Blood instantly welled up where his teeth sank in.

Amanda let out a shriek of pain.

But as she clutched her arm, her face twisted into something ugly.

Her eyes burned with pure hatred as she glared at Abner.

Ungrateful little brat. You'll pay for this.