Chapter 203
"Was there really an operation?" The old woman grabbed the doctor's white coat, her nails digging into the fabric.
The doctor shook her off, his brows furrowed in irritation. This woman was infamous in the hospital—everyone knew her antics. Now she was causing a scene in the ward, as if her granddaughter's life wasn't hanging by a thread.
"Madam, your granddaughter suffered a perforated intestine and peritonitis yesterday—she nearly died! The surgery was less than 24 hours ago. For heaven's sake, let the child rest!" He pointed at Phoenix on the bed, her face ghostly pale. "A child this young going through such an operation needs proper aftercare, or she’ll suffer complications. If you truly care for her, go home."
The old woman's mouth opened and closed like a strangled hen. She had assumed Lily and Phoenix were faking it to get her son Frank arrested. She never imagined her granddaughter had actually endured such agony.
Phoenix clutched Lily's hand, her eyes fixed on the ceiling, refusing to look at her grandmother. The old woman's flicker of pity vanished—how dare this girl cling to that wretched woman after all the Fergusons had done for her?
"Lily!" the old woman shrieked. "Go to the police station right now and clear this up! Release Frank! What’s wrong with a father disciplining his child? If everyone made a fuss like you, every parent in the city would be behind bars!"
Phoenix's fingers tightened around Lily's hand. Of course. Her grandmother wasn’t here for her. Every visit was either for money or to throw a tantrum. This time, she didn’t even bother pretending.
Lily felt her daughter tremble. She took a deep breath and stepped between the bed and the old woman. "I’ve made my statement to the police. You have no idea how close we came to losing her yesterday. If we hadn’t gotten her to the hospital in time..." Her voice cracked. "I’m filing for full custody. If you have anything else to say, take it up with the judge."
"What?!" The old woman's eyes bulged. "Phoenix is a Ferguson! You won’t take her anywhere!" She lunged for the IV line.
Lily shoved her back, sending the old woman stumbling. For a moment, the woman was stunned—her always-composed daughter-in-law had actually laid hands on her?
"Murder! She’s stealing my granddaughter and framing my son!" The old woman collapsed onto the floor, wailing.
"Keep screaming," Lily said coldly, pulling out her military ID. "I’m an active-duty officer, and Phoenix is a military dependent. Your son knows exactly what the penalty is for abusing a service member’s family." She turned to Luna. "Call Security."
Security arrived swiftly. The old woman was dragged out, still screeching threats, until someone mentioned calling the police. Then she fell silent.
At the end of the hallway, Lily watched the retreating figure, the weight in her chest finally lifting. She returned to the room and gently took her daughter’s hand. "Don’t be afraid. I’m here."
Phoenix’s tears fell at last, landing on their clasped hands.