Chapter 2 - The Viral Storm
By the time the sun rose the following morning, the footage had already been viewed thirty million times.
The terrifying video of Beatrice dropping a baby over an open flame was completely inescapable.
Every major news network in America was broadcasting the horrific clip on a continuous loop.
Social media platforms were absolutely ablaze with righteous fury and demands for immediate justice.
Clara sat in the sterile waiting room of the local hospital, staring blankly at the overwhelming news coverage on the wall-mounted television.
Her phone had not stopped vibrating for six straight hours.
Reporters, distant relatives, and complete strangers were desperately trying to contact her.
She swiped the screen to turn the device off, needing absolute silence to process the trauma.
Leo was peacefully sleeping in his portable bassinet, completely unaware of the global chaos he had inadvertently caused.
A kind-hearted nurse approached with a steaming cup of terrible hospital coffee.
"Mr. Pendleton is finally out of surgery, and he is asking to see you," the nurse whispered gently.
Clara quickly grabbed the bassinet handle and followed the nurse down the brightly lit corridor.
When she entered the recovery room, Arthur was lying on the bed with both arms heavily wrapped in thick white bandages.
Despite the heavy dose of pain medication, his sharp eyes remained intensely alert.
"You did not have to risk your own life for us, Arthur," Clara said, tears welling in her exhausted eyes.
Arthur managed a weak, raspy chuckle.
"I have watched that toxic family abuse you for twenty years, Clara."
He shifted slightly against the pillows, groaning softly.
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"I was merely the estate groundskeeper, but I could not stand by and let them murder an innocent child."
Clara gently placed her hand on his uninjured shoulder, overwhelmed by a profound sense of gratitude.
