Chapter 5 A Father's Fury
Connor looked up at Elena and replied, "Mia went to the restroom."
Elena immediately turned and ran toward the bathroom, calling back to Connor, "Connor, pack up quickly. Charlotte's waiting for us downstairs. Parking isn't convenient there, so we need to hurry."
As soon as the words left her mouth, Elena had already burst into the bathroom.
Lily was reaching for the sink to wash her hands. Before she could process what was happening, Elena swept into the bathroom, scooped her up, and quickly headed back to the rest area.
Lily nestled against Elena's chest, her mind blank. When the faint scent of Elena's perfume drifted to her nostrils, Lily felt an inexplicable sense of comfort.
By the time Elena returned to the rest area with Lily in her arms, Connor had already packed everything. Elena took Connor's hand and hurried downstairs.
Meanwhile, Harrison, having finished handling company matters, returned to wait outside the operating room.
Seeing Harrison approach, Mandy rushed over with an ingratiating expression.
"Harrison, the light in the operating room just went off. The surgery must be over. Now we'll definitely be able to see Dr. Johnson."
Standing nearby, Mia overheard Mandy's plan to intercept Ella. Her little mind started working rapidly. Her mom had just completed a major surgery, expending enormous energy. If these people intercepted her now, who knew how exhausted she would become.
No, she absolutely couldn't let Mandy have any opportunity to show off in front of Harrison.
Although Mia wasn't certain whether the tall and imposing Harrison was indeed the father Lily had mentioned, she was determined to intervene.
Harrison ignored Mandy's attempt to please him and took Mia's hand, walking toward the operating room.
At this point, Mia had to admit that Harrison seemed quite good to his daughter.
To get back at Mandy for pinching her earlier, Mia immediately began her performance.
Mia, whose face had been fine just moments ago, suddenly burst into loud tears.
"Daddy, it hurts so much! I'm in so much pain!"
Harrison immediately crouched down, his face filled with panic and concern.
"Lily, what's wrong? Are you in pain somewhere? Tell me."
Mandy stood beside Harrison, watching the scene unfold with growing unease. She glared threateningly at Mia, her eyes warning her not to say anything inappropriate.
Unfortunately for Mandy, Mia wasn't Lily—she wasn't a child easily intimidated.
As Harrison examined Mia, she deliberately exposed the bruise Mandy had inflicted.
When Harrison saw the purple bruise, his expression changed abruptly, and the temperature around them seemed to drop several degrees.
"Lily, tell me, how did you get hurt?"
Harrison's reaction satisfied Mia immensely. She had to seize this opportunity to teach Mandy a lesson.
Mia gave Mandy a weak glance, then turned to Harrison with a pitiful, aggrieved expression. She sobbed without speaking.
Harrison understood everything just from Mia's glance.
"Mandy, tell me, how did Lily get these bruises?" Harrison asked sharply.
Mandy panicked. She hurriedly explained, "Harrison, listen, I—"
Before Mandy could finish, Mia began sobbing and threw herself into Harrison's arms.
"Daddy, it's not Mommy's fault. I was being naughty and made Mommy angry, so Mommy pinched me. I'm not good. I'm not a good child. I need to grow up quickly. Then I won't make Mommy take me to the bathroom anymore."
Hearing Mia's words, Harrison's expression darkened further as he looked at Mandy.
"Mandy!"
"Harrison, I—"
Mandy was almost speechless with fear at Harrison's expression. She stood there, looking at Harrison, feeling a strong urge to strangle Mia.
"Mandy, how many times have I told you? If you want to take care of Lily, then take care of her. If you don't want to, don't bother—she's my daughter, and I'll be responsible for her. She has a heart condition and isn't well. I'm always extremely careful with her, afraid she might get hurt. You dare to pinch her? Do you have a death wish?"
Harrison abruptly stood up, his eyes bloodshot with anger as he glared at Mandy.
