A week later, Jess appeared at my door, beaming with joy. Her arrival didn't surprise me in the slightest. What caught me off guard was the sight of David standing beside her, clutching her hand tightly.

"Is David's condition better now? Did the doctor allow him to leave the hospital?" I asked, my eyes widening in disbelief.

David had been a premature baby, born with underdeveloped organs and whisked straight to the NICU. He'd recovered enough to go home eventually, but trouble loomed again when, in third grade, he collapsed during a gym class.

He was rushed straight to the hospital, where the doctors discovered he had a heart issue. They estimated he had barely three months left.

That day, Jess had clung to James, crying for hours.

Feeling sorry for her, I had promised to cover the medical expenses. I even reached out to my business contacts, hoping someone could find a specialist for David. Yet, no precaution had prepared me for Jess setting her sights on my son's heart.

At my question, Jess awkwardly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yes, the doctor says David's heart is suddenly fine now."

Her eyes sparkled as she added, "Carrie, isn't it strange?"

I shook my head, keeping my expression neutral. "It's good news, isn't it? He's finally discharged, that's what matters."

I stepped aside, inviting them in, though my gaze lingered on David. Something about him seemed… off, but Jess was too lost in her own happiness to notice.

"Carrie, how's Nicholas? Is he doing okay?" Her tone was casual, but her question sent a chill down my spine.

Feigning sadness, I sighed heavily. "Lately, he hasn't been eating well. He's always tired and just wants to sleep. I've been thinking of taking him to the hospital."

Her laughter rang out, bright and carefree. "A hospital? For what? Babies are like that. You worry too much, Carrie. Taking him to the hospital all the time will just make things worse."

I nodded absently. "You're right. Maybe I am overreacting."

As we spoke, Jess suddenly noticed David was no longer beside her. "Where's David? Did you see where he went?" she asked, glancing around in panic.

My eyes darted to the open door behind her, a sinking suspicion already forming. "Did he go outside?"

Before I could finish the thought, a scream pierced through the air from the opposite house.

"Who let this little brat in my house? How dare you make a mess here? I'll beat you to death!"

Jess's face turned pale as she bolted toward the noise. I followed close behind, only to find David locked in a scuffle with that troublemaker Derrick.

David was pinned to the ground, his leg twisted unnaturally, while Derrick stomped on him mercilessly. Bite marks covered David's bloodied body, but he didn't seem to feel the pain.

Jess let out a shriek, shoving Derrick aside and cradling her injured son in her arms.

David's face was streaked with blood, his tiny frame trembling, yet his expression remained unnervingly calm.

The neighbor stormed out, fury etched across her face. "You're his mother, aren't you? Can't you teach your son some manners? Look at what he did to my boy! Pay up!"

Seeing that the blame was being shifted onto her, Jess yelled, "I'm calling the cops!"

Jess's anger flared, but just as quickly, it flickered out. Her voice wavered as she crouched down and snatched the baby bottle from the woman's unsuspecting grip.

Her hands trembled, her eyes wide with dread. "W-Where did you get this bottle?"

Turning toward me, her gaze was filled with accusation and despair. Tears welled up as her voice cracked. "This… this is the bottle I gave to Nicholas, isn't it?!"