“You don’t love Mommy Vivienne anymore?” Adrian teased, ruffling his hair lightly.
Elias frowned, tiny lips pouting. “She’s mean sometimes. She always makes me sleep early and eat vegetables. She doesn’t even let me watch cartoons.”
Seraphine chuckled softly. “She’s just strict, sweetie. She doesn’t mean to be mean.”
“But I don’t like her,” Elias said firmly. “I like you, Mommy. You’re nicer. You give me candy, and you don’t yell.”
My hands shook against the doorframe. The words struck me harder than I expected.
Adrian leaned closer to him. “Remember what we talked about, Elias? You have to stay nice to her. Don’t make her suspicious, okay?”
Elias nodded eagerly. “Yes, Daddy. You said to pretend so she wouldn’t be sad.”
Seraphine smiled and kissed his forehead. “That’s my good boy.”
I turned and walked straight to the hospital administrator’s office. The nurse looked up, startled. “Mrs. Calder?”
“I’ll pay for all of Elias Calder’s medical bills,” I said, placing my bag on the desk, my voice calm but firm. “Every single expense. Whatever it costs, send the invoice to me.”
The nurse blinked slowly. “Of course, Mrs. Calder. That’s… generous.”