Chapter 574

Ishara observed with confirmationconfirmed that despite Leo's operation on Oscar's brain, the boy remained somewhat befuddled, unable to recognize people. Yet, amidst this confusion, he maintained an air of aloofness toward her.

Ishara couldn't help but wonder when he had begun to show affection, even viewing her as his master.

Additionally, Ishara had instructed her bodyguard to train the boy to be utterly obedient. Perhaps that the surgery had transformed the simpleton into someone so easily subdued.

Claire mentioned that Oscar adamantly refused to accompany Lawrence, insisting on staying by Ishara's side.

Something didn't sit right with Ishara.

Nevertheless, for the time being, having Oscar so compliant worked greatly to her advantage.

Ishara snapped, "I've disclosed all that I know! No matter how much you pressure me, I lack the answers. Perhaps Leo's surgery played a role, or maybe Oscar suffered trauma from being in your care for too long. It's conceivable for a child to develop psychological issues and ailments in such circumstances. I seldom interact with him... My intentions have always been good; there's no sense in targeting me."

"Huh. Even when you abducted him, I refrained from installing surveillance," Lawrence retorted coldly. "So whatever you claim holds little weight. I will hold you accountable for the torment he endured under your custody. First, let the child in your womb bear the consequences of your actions!"

Lawrence, voice steady and forceful, eyes cold, grasped her hair and was about to throw her down the stairs when he was interrupted. "Please, no! Mr. Rodriguez, the child, my child..." she begged.

"What the hell are you doing?" Bob charged into the room and lunged toward the window, grabbing Ishara's half-suspended body just in time. Thankful for her slight frame, Bob, with a face ashen with rage, turned and slapped Lawrence across the face. "Have you lost your mind? Do you want both of them to die? Get out! And don't you dare enter her bedroom again without my permission!"

Lawrence wiped blood from his lip, his expression blank as he rose to his feet. "Father, are you aware that this deceitful woman clandestinely abducted my son and kept him hidden for an entire month?"

Bob's countenance bore a stern expression as he cast a glance toward Ishara, whose complexion resembled that of a ghost. Firmly, he grasped her arm and pulled her upright. "The animosity between you, Ishara, and Winnie, baffles me. If there's evidence, bring it forth. However, our priority lies with the child she carries. Murder is unlawful, even for you, Lawrence. Do you understand?"

Prioritizing the lineage of his potential grandchild, Bob's concern diverged from Lawrence's sentiments. Winnie's social standing didn't meet Lawrence's standards; hence, her child might be acknowledged by the Rodriguez family but wouldn't be deemed an heir.

Bob's silent warning was not lost on Lawrence. He realized that it would be nearly impossible to harm Ishara now, given the protection afforded by his father. With the formidable shield of his father's influence, Ishara could seek refuge for some time. She had played her cards astutely, embedding herself within the Rodriguez household.

At present, Lawrence couldn't spare Ishara a thought. His immediate worry revolved around Oscar's troubling condition. Extracting a confession from Ishara, Lawrence learned about Oscar's brain surgery, a likely cause behind his alarming behavioral shift. Leo, it seemed, was behind the surgical procedure.

Determined to stand by Leo's side and diagnose Oscar's ailment, Lawrence aimed to effect change and cure his son. Oscar couldn't remain in such a state; in Winnie's presence, he exuded health and vitality, radiating warmth and charm. Certainly not like this...

He had made countless promises to that woman, vowing to return Oscar to her safe and sound.

In Leo's modest abode, Jeremy remained stationed, vigilant in his duty.

He bore witness to Oscar's obstinance upon Leo's return, flinging objects in a fit of rage, clamoring to pursue Soren, yearning to be among the ladies. It took considerable time before he relented, assuaged by Leo's comforting presence.

A car pulled up, Lawrence emerged, his strides swift and authoritative. Jeremy hastened to report, "Mr. Harrington, it's nearly impossible to forcibly take Oscar back with you now. He responds solely to individuals from Ishara's circle, and is very reluctant to even stay with Leo. The fact that we've managed to temporarily place him here is already a significant achievement. We could leverage this to pressure Leo into treating Oscar appropriately."

Lawrence's lips formed a tight line as he nodded solemnly, "If Oscar is willing to remain with Leo, then let him stay. I am in no hurry to reclaim him, to avoid further threats on my life. I cannot bear the thought of him enduring more harm. Summon Leo."

Jeremy chuckled bitterly, "Mr. Harrington, please don't take it personally. Oscar's recognition of people is skewed. It's not a personal rejection of you."

Lawrence remained silent, his first official meeting with Oscar had not gone as desired. He wondered if he could still find his son.

Leo approached cautiously, "Mr. Rodriguez, what are your instructions?"

"Ishara claims you tampered with Oscar's brain surgery, resulting in his altered behavior."

"I... I didn't," Leo protested desperately, refraining from disclosing the truth about the nonexistent surgery, fearing Ishara's wrath upon discovery. He found himself in a precarious position, unsure of how Ishara might retaliate.

Seeing his ashen face, Lawrence's cold gaze narrowed. "I don't care what tricks you've played on him or what deals you've made. I want my son restored to health. However, since you've erred in the surgery, it falls upon you to rectify it. I'll grant you time-be it for emotional stability, psychological counseling, or medical treatment but I expect to see improvement. And if he cannot be cured, your entire family will answer for it."

Leo turned ashen, overwhelmed by despair at the thought of treating a child feigning illness.

Oscar bided his time, remaining with Leo to infiltrate Ishara's circle and uncover secrets. But Lawrence doubted his son's innocence, evident in the anguish etched upon his face.

"Mr. Rodriguez, I can only endeavor to do my best..."

Lawrence fixed him with a piercing, icy stare. "If you cure him, you can redeem yourself. I also promise you won't suffer any covert revenge from Ishara.

"Jeremy, in an hour, return Leo's daughter to him, and let Oscar keep her company."

"No! Just take my daughter to the hospital, Mr. DeRoss, please. Her severed finger is in my fridge," Leo pleaded, itching to run back and fetch it.

Jeremy pursed his lips, a sneer breaking through. "Your daughter's finger isn't damaged. Did you really think Lawrence was as merciless as you imagined?"

Leo froze in place, his eyes flickering.

Lawrence sternly warnedwarned, "Leo, I expect my leniency to be rewarded. You better choose your side carefully; any more tricks and I'll personally cut off your daughter's ten fingers."

"Yes... y-yes! Mr. Rodriguez," Leo bowed his head, his eyes brimming with tears.

The way Lawrence commanded respect with both kindness and severity took Leo by surprise; it was a stark contrast to Ishara's venomous ways. He pledged to ensure Leo's safety beneath Ishara.

Leo knew well which side to choose.

Wiping the tears from his eyes, he spoke frankly, "Mr. Rodriguez, I'll make sure to 'treat' Oscar well, so he... accepts meeting you as much as possible."