Chapter 392

The server exhaled in relief at Donovan's words, quickly signaling for Penelope to approach.

Penelope rushed forward eagerly, only to freeze when she spotted Evelyn and Serena. Her gaze immediately snapped back to Donovan.

"Donovan," she began, voice trembling, "I went to the hospital and found out you took Oliver home. Why didn’t you tell me he was discharged? Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

"Since you can see he’s fine now, you can leave," Donovan replied flatly, his expression unreadable.

When Penelope failed to sway him, she turned her attention to the boy. "Oliver, thank heavens you're alright! I was so scared! This was all my fault—I’m so sorry! Are you feeling better? Do you want me to stay and take care of you?"

She reached out to embrace him, but Evelyn noticed Oliver instinctively flinch, his small body recoiling from his mother’s touch.

"You don’t need to take care of him. Just stay away," Donovan said coldly.

"Donovan, how can you say that? I’m his mother! You can’t just strip me of that right!"

He scoffed. "Really? Do you actually want to act like a mother?"

"Of course I do!" she shot back without hesitation.

Donovan gave a slow nod. "Fine. I’ll give you the chance now."

Before she could react, he continued, "Oliver is yours from today onward. I’ll petition the court to transfer full custody to you. I’ll pay child support monthly and cover his education until he’s an adult. But don’t expect a single cent beyond that. What do you say?"

Penelope paled, disgust flashing across her face. Meanwhile, Oliver clutched Donovan’s sleeve, his small fingers trembling. His downcast eyes brimmed with silent distress.

The boy had been silent throughout the argument, a pawn in the adults’ battle. The sight twisted Evelyn’s heart.

"Donovan, you can’t do this to me!" Penelope shrieked. "A child needs a complete family!"

"Did I cause this?"

His laugh was sharp, his words merciless. "Penelope, don’t insult my intelligence. We both know the truth. For Oliver’s sake, I’ve let the past go. But if you push me, I will make you regret it."

"Donovan—"

"Leave. Now. Before I lose my patience." His voice was ice.

Furious but powerless against him, Penelope whirled on Evelyn and Serena instead. "And why are you two here?"

Evelyn blinked, taken aback.

"I knew something was off that day," Penelope sneered. "You were trying to cozy up to Donovan, weren’t you?"

Her resentment from their last encounter still burned. Donovan dismissed her with ease, yet he treated Evelyn with warmth.

And Evelyn—beautiful, composed—was hiding something beneath that calm exterior. Penelope could feel it.

"Don’t even think about replacing me. Oliver is my son. Save your schemes."

Evelyn stayed silent.

"Penelope!" Serena cut in, indignant. "That’s enough! Evelyn has a boyfriend. Donovan invited her to thank her for saving Oliver! If it weren’t for her, Oliver would’ve—"

Penelope didn’t let her finish.

"Serena, shut your mouth! I trusted you, and now you’re siding with her? You introduced her to Donovan on purpose, didn’t you?"