"Based on our preliminary assessment, the child’s memory confusion does not appear to stem from any physical or neurological impairment," the specialist explained.

"At this stage, it seems more likely to be a psychological response to severe emotional trauma. A child psychologist should eventually be involved. However, given his current condition, his physical recovery should remain the priority. Once he’s stronger, if his symptoms persist, we can begin psychological intervention."

Outside the hospital room, both Elise and Dylan fell into a heavy silence as they listened to the department head’s conclusions.

Robin had mistaken Elise for the mother he remembered.

That alone revealed something important—deep within his subconscious, Elise remained the person he trusted most.

As for Quinn, he hadn’t mentioned her once since waking up.

Even when Elise gently asked whether he remembered how he had gotten hurt, Robin merely shook his head with an innocent, puzzled expression.

He couldn’t remember the fall.

He couldn’t remember being pushed.

Most importantly, he couldn’t remember Quinn at all.

Combined with the doctor’s observations, the signs pointed strongly toward post-traumatic stress.

For a five-year-old child, being pushed down a staircase by the very person he trusted as his mother was a devastating betrayal—one capable of leaving scars far deeper than any physical injury.

Breaking the silence, Dylan looked toward the doctor.

"Is there any chance he’ll recover on his own?"

The specialist pressed his lips together and sighed softly.

"Cases like this are relatively uncommon. Children experiencing trauma often display symptoms in unpredictable ways, so it’s difficult to make a definitive prediction. A child psychologist would be better qualified to answer that question."

After the doctor left, Dylan turned to Elise. His expression was serious.

"You heard what the doctor said. In Robin’s current state, you’re the person he believes is his mother. You’re the one he trusts."

Elise lowered her gaze to her hands. When she spoke, her tone carried equal parts resignation and reluctant acceptance.

"Don’t worry. Robin saved my life once. I won’t abandon him when he needs help the most. Until he recovers, I’ll cooperate and do whatever I can to keep him emotionally stable."

Dylan stared at her for a moment. His throat tightened slightly before he finally spoke, "Thank you."

"Don’t thank me yet," Elise replied calmly. "I have a condition."

A faint frown appeared between Dylan’s brows. "What condition?"

"I want Zoe back."

"She isn’t suffering overseas," Dylan said evenly. "I’ve only restricted her from re-entering the country."

Elise met his gaze without backing down.

"Dylan, I’m not negotiating. I’m setting terms. I’ll help you and play the role of Robin’s mother, and in return, you bring Zoey home. If you refuse, then Robin’s care is no longer my responsibility."

His face darkened instantly.

"So this is your way of taking advantage of the situation?" he said coldly. "You accuse me of using Robin, but what exactly are you doing right now?"

A faint, humorless smile touched Elise’s lips.

"I’m simply learning from you," she replied. "Don’t hold me to a standard you refuse to follow yourself."

Dylan’s jaw tightened. His handsome features grew increasingly grim.

After a long moment, he lowered his head and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"Fine. Zoey can return."

Elise’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"But," he continued, "from now on she’ll work under Oliver and answer directly to me. She’ll also sign a three-year employment contract. As for her friends, my previous decision stands. They will never be allowed back into the country." 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Elise frowned immediately. It was control dressed up as compromise.

A three-year contract? It sounded less like employment and more like a leash.

"I can’t agree to that," she said firmly. "Zoey is an adult. She isn’t obligated to sacrifice her freedom for my sake."

"No, she isn’t." Dylan’s lips curved into a faint smile that never reached his eyes. "But aren’t the two of you supposed to be inseparable?"

His voice turned icy.

"Then let’s use this opportunity to find out whether Zoey is any different from Quinn."

Elise’s hands clenched into fists.

"You’re despicable!"

Dylan remained unmoved. "Elise, you’re far too willing to trust people. Consider this a lesson."

She had no desire to continue arguing, yet she had no better option.

Threatening him with the pregnancy would only provoke him further. Knowing Dylan, he’d likely place her under even stricter surveillance before allowing her any leverage.

Once he set his mind on something, almost nothing could change it.

For now, enduring the humiliation was the wiser choice. The right opportunity would come eventually. And when it did, she wouldn’t give up without a fight.

Dylan instructed Oliver to relay his conditions to Zoey.

On the other end, Zoey requested to speak directly with Elise.

Taking Oliver’s phone, Elise pressed it to her ear.

"Zoey... I’m sorry. This happened because of me. I’ve dragged all of you into this."

"Oh, spare me the guilty nonsense," Zoey snorted. "We underestimated him this time, that’s all. If this had happened overseas, do you really think Dylan would’ve been able to throw his weight around like this?"

"Zoey, you don’t understand. I know exactly how Dylan operates. He has leverage over all of you."

The line fell silent.

Because it was true. Dylan was holding something over them.

People in their line of work rarely had spotless records. Survival always came first. As for right and wrong, those were luxuries defined by whoever happened to hold power.

After a moment, Elise spoke again, guilt weighing heavily on her voice.

"Zoey, I’m sorry. If I hadn’t asked you to come back and help me, none of you would be trapped in this situation."

"There you go talking nonsense again." Zoey scoffed. "Stop worrying about me. Dylan may be a complete jerk, but all he’s done is keep us in a villa. We can’t leave, sure, but we’re being fed well and treated fine. You’re the one I’m worried about. Are you okay? Did all this stress affect the baby?"

Her voice remained as spirited and energetic as ever. That alone reassured Elise somewhat.

At least Dylan hadn’t mistreated them.

The knot of anxiety in her chest loosened slightly.

After a brief pause, she said softly, "Zoey, I’ve thought about it. You should stay overseas. I can handle things here myself."

"Handle things yourself?" Zoey snorted again. "You’re pregnant. This is exactly when you need people around you. How am I supposed to sit comfortably abroad knowing you’re dealing with all of this alone?"

Elise felt her eyes sting.

"Zoey, three years is too long. I know you. Being tied down and controlled by someone else would make you miserable."

"Oh, come on, it’s not that bad."

Zoey sounded completely unconcerned.

"Besides, Dylan wants me working under Oliver, right? The more I think about it, the less terrible that sounds. The guy’s pretty handsome. Maybe I’ll just seduce him, make him fall for me, and convince him to betray his boss."

Elise turned completely speechless.

"I swear, the plan is brilliant!" Zoey declared excitedly. "I get to stay with you and flirt with a handsome man at the same time. That’s a win-win situation."

Despite the seriousness of the conversation, Zoey somehow managed to turn everything into a joke.

Elise still felt guilty. Three years was an enormous sacrifice. But she could hear the determination in Zoey’s voice. Once she made up her mind, changing it was nearly impossible.

Eventually, Elise stopped trying to persuade her.

Oliver later relayed Zoey’s decision to Dylan.

To his surprise, Dylan raised an eyebrow.

"She’s loyal, I’ll give her that."

After a brief hesitation, Oliver cleared his throat. "Sir, are you really planning to assign her to work under me?"

Dylan raised a brow at him. "Is there a problem with that?"

"There is, actually." Oliver rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "We should probably add a clause to the contract."

"What clause?"

"Something about absolute obedience to her direct supervisor." He paused before adding seriously, "And another one stating that employees are prohibited from physically assaulting said supervisor."

***

When Dylan and Elise returned to Robin’s hospital room, the little boy was still asleep.

Elise briefly explained Robin’s condition to Mrs. Lander. After listening carefully, the housekeeper nodded.

"Don’t worry, Mrs. Bennett. I understand."

"I’ll stay here with him for now," Elise said. "Could you go home and pack some of his things? The doctor said he’ll likely be hospitalized for at least a week."

"Of course. I’ll leave right away."

Once Mrs. Lander departed, Elise walked over to the bedside and slowly sat down.

She lifted a hand and gently pressed against her lower back.

The discomfort had been growing more noticeable lately.

She wasn’t even three months pregnant yet, but standing for extended periods already left her back aching.

Deep down, she knew why. The damage from carrying twins years ago had never fully disappeared.

Across the room, Dylan noticed the movement immediately. A faint crease formed between his brows.

"Is your back hurting?"

Elise’s hand froze briefly. Then she resumed rubbing the sore spot.

"It’s nothing."

"You should have a doctor look at it while we’re already here."

"No need."

She didn’t even look at him. Her voice was calm, distant, and unmistakably cold.

"I’ll stay with Robin. You can go take care of whatever business you have."

The dismissal was obvious.

Dylan remained standing where he was.

His gaze settled on her, dark and unreadable, the temperature in his eyes dropping by the second.