Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier) novel Chapter 307

"We're just here to check on things."

Lily instinctively stepped in front of Hayden, placing the gifts down. "The past is behind us."

Upon hearing this, the wariness in Jasmine's eyes seemed to soften, though she still kept a firm grip on her grandson's shoulder, shielding him protectively.

They lived in a run-down house on the outskirts of Jadeford, paying only a few hundred bucks a month. The cold seeped in through the windows and doors, and the interior was poorly maintained.

The orphaned mother and child appeared even more pitiful in such dire conditions.

Hayden emerged from behind Lily, silently observing the little boy. He was around three or four years old.

"I... I'm sorry. Everything that happened was our fault. The child is innocent. Please, I beg you. Help him…"

Suddenly, Jasmine collapsed to her knees. She had fallen into gambling, losing all the money she had received from Sarah.

Now, she could barely afford food, and her child had been starving along with her. He had lost several pounds over the past few days.

Regret consumed her, but it was too late. She couldn't control herself—whenever she had a little money, she couldn't resist the temptation to gamble, always hoping for a big win that would fix everything.

As she knelt, the child cried out in fear. Hayden stepped forward without hesitation, lifting the child and turning to leave the cramped, dimly lit apartment.

Lily stood still, watching Jasmine, whose face was filled with regret. "Does the child have any other relatives?"

"After we lost the lawsuit, the child's grandmother wanted to take him in, but she insisted on changing his last name. I couldn't accept that. This is the Clark family's bloodline…" Jasmine stammered.

After the lawsuit, Lily followed Hayden's wishes and paid the Clark family 100,000 dollars as compensation for the child.

Lily quickly saw through Jasmine's intentions—she was afraid that the child's grandmother would come for him and demand money, so she refused to give him up.

She couldn't bring herself to feel any sympathy for the distressed woman.

The tightness in his chest began to ease up. Lily helped Hayden to his feet and guided the grandmother and grandson to the car.

The woman opened the backseat door for the boy but didn't get in herself. Instead, she turned to look at Lily and Hayden.

"I'm sorry. On behalf of my daughter, I apologize. She was foolish…" She took a few steps forward and bowed.

Lily quickly helped her back up but didn't say anything. Her attention was on Hayden.

Hayden instinctively reached out to support the woman. "If you ever need help, don't hesitate to let me know."

"Don't worry. We can raise him well. You focus on living your life and put this all behind you!"

She had heard through the news about the severe psychological toll the incident had taken on Hayden.

Her heart ached. Her daughter had been foolish in trusting the Clark family's encouragement. In the end, she lost her life and hurt others in the process.