The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 495

After wiping his face, Petty gently stroked the baby's head. "Baby, Mama knows you've been working so hard, and you're so tired. But let's be brave just one more time, okay? This time, Mama and... Papa will be right here with you."

Abacus nuzzled against her palm. "Papa... Mama..."

"That's right. Be strong, baby."

A tiny, milky voice echoed her, "St'ong."

Petty broke into a watery smile, her heart completely dissolving at the sound.

Outside the isolation room, Franco stood clad in a crisp black shirt, his dark gaze locked on the surveillance monitor. He watched Petty lovingly nuzzle the little boy.

She had always been fierce and unyielding, but beneath that stubborn exterior was a foundation of pure tenderness. Now that she was a mother, that warmth radiated from her, softening her every movement.

"You're not going in?" Galen asked, leaning against the wall. What was the point of staring at a screen? It was like trying to scratch an itch through a boot. What the hell was his problem?

Franco's fingers hesitated over the controls. A second later, he switched off the monitor. "If I go in, she'll be unhappy."

Hearing such raw self-awareness come out of Franco's mouth was jarring. Galen wasn't used to it.

The man had truly been humbled by Petty if he was finally speaking like a rational human being.

Noticing Franco turning away, Galen frowned. Was he leaving?

He quickly matched his stride. He hadn't even realized Franco had swapped out his hospital gown for regular clothes.

Galen knew exactly how deep that stab wound was; there was no way he was cleared for discharge today. He had to be pushing himself to do something reckless.

"Where are you going?" Galen demanded, sticking close. Jay was fiercely loyal, but he was useless when it came to reining Franco in. Someone had to keep an eye on him.

Franco's expression remained perfectly cool. "To get some tea."

...

Inside a private room at an upscale tea house, Franco sat alone at a polished wooden table. The water in the kettle rolled to a steady boil, the steam drifting out the open window.

Earlier that morning, Nash had just arrived at the university for a meeting when his car was intercepted in the parking garage.

The man blocking his path had been none other than Franco's assistant, Jay.

Concealing his unease, Nash walked into the private room and slowly took the seat opposite Franco.

"To what do I owe this invitation, Mr. White?"

A delicate cup of freshly brewed tea was slid across the table, stopping perfectly in front of him.

Franco's tone was conversational. "Have a taste, Professor. Tell me what you think."

Nash glanced at the intimidating man across from him and calmly picked up the cup.

Just as the porcelain touched his lips, Franco's cold voice cut through the silence. "I heard you courted Petty's mother back in the day."