A Father's Betrayal: The Marrow

For Nina's sake, I rented an apartment near the hospital.

Over the years, even though caring for a sick child left me with little time, I still made delicate jewelry pieces and sold them online.

Over time, I built up a group of loyal customers and managed to save a decent amount—enough to support basic living expenses.

As for Nina's future medical expenses, I would naturally ask Adrian for them.

As her father, that was his responsibility.

"Mom, I kind of miss Dad. He never used to stay away this long without coming to see me." At the dining table, Nina looked down, her voice low. "Does Dad not like me anymore? Is he really going to be someone else's dad?"

It had been a week since we moved. Aside from the call he missed on the first day, Adrian hadn't contacted us at all.

"No, that's not it. Dad's just been busy trying to find ways to treat your illness. Next week, I'll take you to see him, okay?"

I didn't want to see her upset.

Besides, once I finalized the details of the collaboration, it would be time to meet Adrian and move forward with the divorce procedures.

At the same time, Adrian had just left the hospital.

Mia's surgery had gone smoothly. Only then did he feel at ease enough to come look for me.

While waiting at a red light, Adrian lit a cigarette out of habit. As he rolled down the window, his pupils suddenly tightened.

In a café not far away, I was discussing plans to establish my own jewelry brand with a business partner, completely unaware of Adrian's call.

When I got home, Adrian was already standing at the door.

"I brought your favorite seafood salad. Let's talk inside."

Thinking of Nina, I silently took it and let him in.

In truth, I hadn't been able to eat seafood for a long time. After giving birth, I developed a severe allergy to it.

Even the cleaning staff at the Foster Estate knew that.

"You came at the right time. Let's settle the divorce today. I know you've always loved Sophia. I'm willing to step aside for her. I only have two conditions—Nina's custody must go to me, and three hundred million dollars in cash. I'll spend every cent of that on Nina. No matter what, you're still her father. She cares about you a lot, so I hope you'll come see her when you have time."

"Nora, when did I ever say I wanted a divorce?" Adrian dropped his usual impatience, his voice turning gentle. "If you leave me, what will you rely on to survive? The outside world isn't what it used to be."

He glanced around the 150-square-meter apartment before continuing, "How much money can those little things you make even bring in? It'd be hard just to cover the rent for this place. Nora, I just neglected you for a while. You've made your point. Come back home with me."

Adrian raised his hand to touch my head, but I stepped back and avoided him.

"It wasn't neglect. Adrian, you never cared about me at all."

But what about Nina?" I demanded, my eyes red. "She's your biological daughter! Do you even know her life-saving bone marrow is gone?"

The words that had been choking me finally burst out. My emotions broke loose completely, and I sobbed uncontrollably.

"I know. I know." A flicker of guilt passed through Adrian's eyes as he pulled me into his arms. "Nora, didn't you say before… that if it came to it, we could have another child? That way, we can definitely save Nina."

My heart wavered.

I had mentioned it before. But Adrian also knew that after giving birth to Nina, my body was no longer the same. Another pregnancy might be more than I could endure.

But now that he brought it up himself, it probably meant there were no other options left.

"Dad! You're here!"

Nina ran out, still half-asleep. After the initial excitement, she puffed up her cheeks and turned her face away.

Adrian knew exactly why she was upset. He had already prepared her favorite doll.

"Nina, I bought this just for you. Forgive me, okay? And I've decided—over the next three days, I'll take you and Mom to a hot spring resort. I'll stay with you the whole time. I won't leave at all!"

Nina's eyes lit up. Adrian lifted her into his arms and shot me a glance.

I was still hesitating when Nina looked at me eagerly, "Mom! Mom! I want to go!"

Nina hadn't been this happy in days. I didn't want to disappoint her, so I nodded in agreement.