Chapter 5 Mystery

Hearing Paul's interrogation, Shawn hesitated before answering carefully. "I actually only asked the lady to help take me to the hotel, and I was planning to stay there, but... the guard found me before I could. I really don't know what you mean..."

After hearing his answer, Paul let out a cold snort.

"I don't care what happened between you and that woman. From now on, you are not allowed to step out of this house. And I forbid you from seeing that woman again. You will stay here and reflect on your actions. Also, all your toys will be confiscated. Don't even think about getting any new ones for a whole year."

Why was this guy so strict?

Shawn had thought his biological father might be a warm and loving person.

But instead, he turned out to be a cold, emotionless man.

And judging by his tone, he absolutely despised Mommy.

Shawn lowered his head in frustration.

He was starting to dislike this so-called father.

Paul immediately noticed the unhappy expression on the child's face. His gaze shifted to the new clothes the boy was wearing, and his voice instantly turned cold.

"Take off those clothes. You are not allowed to accept anything from that woman, including gifts and clothing. Do you hear me?"

"Daddy, you don't love me at all anymore!"

Shawn didn't know how to argue with the man in front of him. Frustrated, he ran straight into his grandma Malia's arms, refusing to even look at Paul.

"Enough! It's just new clothes, why are you making such a fuss? You're always busy with work, never home when the child misses you, and now that he's acting out a little, you get angry? Do you think he's one of your employees, someone you can boss around however you please?"

"Let me tell you, this child is under my protection now. Get out of my way! From now on, I'll take care of Sean, and you-don't interfere!" Malia rarely lost her temper, but after arranging a blind date for her son, which led to her grandson running away from home, she felt guilty.

Now, her son had the audacity to scold the child, nearly making him cry. How could she not step in?

Paul was momentarily speechless. He couldn't possibly argue with his own mother.

Meanwhile, Shawn, who had been sulking, instantly brightened. It seemed Grandma still had authority in this household-and she cared for him! He clung to his grandmother like a lifeline.

"Grandma, I don't want to see Daddy right now. Let's go rest. He's so annoying!"

Hearing her grandson's spoiled tone, Malia smiled in satisfaction. She cast a cold glance at her son before leading Shawn upstairs.

As they walked away, Shawn even turned back and made a face at Paul.

Annoying Daddy!

Paul was stunned. Since when did his son start acting like this? He felt like something was off.

Right now, Hannah's actions were a complete mystery. Was she trying to take the child away for good? Or was she planning to use him as leverage-just like she did five years ago?

No matter her intentions, this time-he would not let that woman escape again!

....

Meanwhile, after fleeing with Sean, Hannah flagged down a taxi and rushed toward the city center, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts.

At night, the city center was bustling with people. Carrying the child, Hannah pushed through the crowd, occasionally getting jostled. After a while, she stopped by a night market stall and bought a coat, a hat, and a pair of sunglasses.

Once she had disguised both herself and the child, ensuring they wouldn't be recognized by surveillance cameras, she hailed another taxi.

"Driver, take me to Eden Apartments."

About ten minutes later, Hannah, carrying her feverish son, entered the residential complex and took the elevator up to an apartment door.

She pressed the doorbell, and soon, a young woman dressed in casual homewear opened the door.

"I've been waiting for you ever since I got your text. I even prepared fever medicine just in case something unexpected happened and you couldn't make it. Come in quickly-don't worry, this place is safe."

Hannah let out a sigh of relief. The woman speaking was Joanna, the biological younger sister of Josie and also Hannah's former high school classmate.

Back then, they weren't particularly close.

However, during their final year, Joanna was unwillingly caught up in a love triangle.

A couple who had been dating for two years broke up, and the guy immediately pursued Joanna. Even though she rejected him, the ex-girlfriend held a grudge.

One afternoon after school, the ex-girlfriend brought a group of older street thugs and cornered Joanna, intending to beat her up.

Hannah happened to pass by and tried to call the police, but the group grabbed her as well, planning to teach her a lesson too.

They would have been in serious trouble-except that was the moment Hannah's violent side emerged. She single-handedly took down the entire group, leaving them sprawled on the ground.

From that day on, she and Joanna became bestfriends.

Later, she chose Josie as her agent largely because of her bond with Joanna.

"Alright, Shawn took the fever medicine, and his temperature is already going down. There's no need to worry. Plus, I'm a doctor-I promise, he's fine."

About ten minutes later, Joanna reassured Hannah as she checked on the child.

"Thank you," Hannah said sincerely. "You know I can't take him to a hospital-Paul would find out immediately. I'm lucky to have you help me. I should've listened to you from the start and stayed at your place. Who knew booking a hotel would cause such a huge mess?"

Hannah truly regretted it now. She should have canceled the hotel reservation.

***