Chapter 2: The Cry Was Never the Problem
Chapter 2: The Cry Was Never the Problem
The bodyguard's voice was barely audible.
"Boss... someone got into the penthouse nursery."
Adrian's expression darkened.
"What?"
"The security feed went black for exactly three minutes. Whoever did it knew our system."
The restaurant erupted into controlled chaos.
Half the bodyguards rushed outside.
The others formed a protective circle around Adrian.
But Emma barely heard any of it.
Her attention remained fixed on the baby.
She gently turned him onto his side and carefully loosened the expensive cashmere blanket.
"There," she whispered.
"What is it?" Adrian demanded.
She pointed toward the baby's tiny back.
Hidden beneath the folds of his designer onesie was a small adhesive medical patch.
It wasn't placed correctly.
The edges had curled, exposing irritated skin that had become bright red and swollen.
"This patch has been on too long," Emma said. "It's burning his skin."
Adrian frowned.
"He needs that monitor."
"I'm not saying he doesn't," Emma replied calmly. "I'm saying whoever put it on ignored the instructions. Look."
She peeled one corner back just enough.
The skin underneath was blistered.
The baby's cries had never been about hunger.
He had been screaming because every movement rubbed the chemical adhesive deeper into his skin.
Emma immediately asked for cool water and a clean towel.
A nervous waiter hurried to bring them.
Within minutes, the baby relaxed completely.
He fell asleep against her shoulder.
For the first time all evening, Adrian looked uncertain.
"You figured that out in less than a minute."
Emma smiled sadly.
"My younger brother spent years in children's hospitals."
She paused.
"I've seen this before."
Before Adrian could respond, another phone rang.
One of his security officers answered.
His face lost all color.
"Boss..."
He swallowed hard.
"We found something else."
"They didn't come to kidnap your son."
"They came to replace his medication."
May you like
Silence filled the room.
Someone inside Adrian's own household had helped them.
