Chapter 448
"Thud!" A small figure barreled into Evelyn Roland's arms like a cannonball, glaring warily at Ruby.
Olivia Valdemar hurried forward and enveloped Evelyn in a warm embrace. "Evelyn, you shouldn't have had to go through this."
Ruby clutched her dress hem and shrank back, eyeing the sudden newcomer with timid curiosity.
"This is Ruby," Evelyn murmured, smoothing Theodore's hair before gently guiding the children to shake hands.
Two small hands hesitantly touched.
"From today onward, you'll be friends."
The two special children tilted their heads, intrigued by this new concept.
"Olivia, what brings you here?" Evelyn brushed dust off her clothes while keeping a firm grip on both children.
Olivia checked her watch. "You're trending everywhere. Theodore insisted on seeing you. Traffic was terrible."
Evelyn nodded gratefully, her gaze flickering to the man standing nearby.
Sebastian Valdemar's cool eyes were fixed on her.
When their eyes met, the corner of his mouth lifted almost imperceptibly.
"Hello everyone!" Theodore suddenly turned to face the camera, enunciating clearly. "I'm Theodore, just like Ruby!"
Evelyn's heart clenched.
The little boy faced the lens without fear. "Evelyn made me better. Nobody gets to hurt her!"
Olivia's eyes instantly welled up.
Ruby stepped forward too, tiny fists clenched. "If anyone bullies her, I'll call the police!"
Their innocent words dissolved the tension.
Both children looked up at Evelyn. "Don't be scared."
"With you here, how could I be?" Evelyn ruffled their hair affectionately.
Their cheeks turned pink with shy delight.
The livestream exploded.
#EvelynRolandHealsAutisticChildren began trending globally at unprecedented speed.
The clip went viral across every platform, appearing on virtually every smartphone screen.
[Tears... Dr. Roland saved two children]
[Those rumor-mongering accounts belong in hell!]
[Report them! Make the liars pay!]
The troublemaking couple was escorted away by police as onlookers dispersed.
When the broadcast ended, Sebastian was the first to reach Evelyn's side.
"You're leaving?" Ruby clung to Evelyn's sleeve.
Evelyn knelt to meet her gaze. "Will you help me take care of the other children, Ruby?"
The girl nodded vigorously, extending her pinky. "Pinky promise!"
Their elongated shadows stretched across the ground in the setting sun's glow.