A small crowd started to gather around her, their whispers growing louder.

Even though Sophia’s constant interference annoyed Ethan deeply, seeing her hurt stirred a flicker of concern inside him.

He turned and walked back toward her without hesitation.

“Are you all right?” he asked as he reached her side.

Sophia’s face was deathly pale, a thin trail of blood still seeping from the cut on her forehead.

She lifted a trembling hand and clutched his sleeve weakly. “Ethan… it hurts so much. Please take me to the hospital.”

Ethan looked down at her pained expression, his own features tightening with conflict.

His eyes then drifted toward Liam, who was watching everything with wide, anxious eyes.

“Daddy…” Liam tugged gently on Ethan’s sleeve, his small voice full of worry.

Ethan’s brow furrowed. After a brief hesitation, he made his decision. He would take Sophia to the hospital.

He pulled out his phone and called Benjamin. “Get to the KFC now. I need you to take Liam back to Hawthorne Residence.”

There was a short pause before Benjamin replied, “You’re at KFC, Mr. Blackwood? Do you need me to bring anything?”

“Just get here quickly,” Ethan said, ending the call. He turned to Liam. “Liam, I have to take her to the hospital. You’ll go home with Benjamin, okay?”

Liam, young but perceptive, nodded solemnly. “Okay, Daddy. Please hurry.”

Hearing Ethan’s plan, a wave of triumph washed over Sophia.

She clung to his arm, whispering, “Thank you, Ethan.” He remained silent.

Minutes later, Benjamin arrived at the KFC.

He spotted Ethan and Sophia sitting together, with Liam standing close by.

“Sorry for the delay, Mr. Blackwood. The traffic was terrible,” Benjamin apologized as he approached.

“It’s fine. Just take Liam home,” Ethan instructed, nodding toward the boy.

Benjamin nodded, crouched down beside Liam, and asked softly, “Ready to go, champ?” Liam glanced from Ethan to Sophia one last time before following Benjamin out of the restaurant.

Watching Liam leave, Ethan felt a complicated mix of emotions.

“Ethan…” Sophia’s voice pulled him back to the present.

“Let’s go,” Ethan said, helping her to her feet and guiding her toward the exit.

He assisted her into the car and then got in beside her.

The car pulled away, heading straight for the hospital.

The atmosphere inside the vehicle was heavy and silent.

Sophia leaned back against the seat, her face still devoid of color.

The sharp scent of disinfectant filled the air as they entered the hospital.

The doctor cleaned and dressed Sophia’s wound with efficient movements, causing her to gasp softly a few times.

“All done,” the doctor announced, securing the bandage and removing his gloves. “The cut isn’t deep. Keep it dry and change the dressing regularly to avoid scarring.”