Chapter 322

"You can't blame Lily, Mike. She saved Nick, and I can testify to that!" Lisa, seemingly acquainted with the man, defended Lily, surprised by Helen’s reaction.

"Lisa," Mike nodded politely. "Is this your friend?"

"Yes, she's my friend! Lily saved Nick and didn't hurt him. I can guarantee it!"

Helen countered, "Is she a doctor, Lisa? How can you guarantee she didn't hurt him? Maybe Nick was fine, but her actions made it worse. She even put her dirty hand in my son's mouth…"

A flicker of understanding crossed Mike's face behind his glasses. "What did she do to him?"

"She put her hand in Nick's mouth and unbuttoned his shirt. It's not me… it's not me, Mike! How could I harm my own son…" Helen protested.

"Why didn't you say so then?! Lily was obviously trying to save Nick. How could you slander her?" Lisa's fury erupted; she'd considered Helen a friend and sympathized with her, never expecting this. Lily had clearly been trying to help.

Everyone had been uncertain what to do; Lily was the only one who acted. Regardless of the outcome, her intentions were good. Yet Helen insisted she was harming the child. "I… I was too anxious," Helen mumbled, her voice barely audible.

Ignoring Helen, Mike fixed his gaze on Lily. "Tell me. What did you do to my son?" His expression was impassive, his emotions carefully controlled.

Lily explained calmly, "The child showed signs of a food allergy. It was an emergency; I couldn't identify the allergen. I had to administer first aid to prevent his condition from worsening before the ambulance arrived. I made him vomit to reduce the allergen, then gave him water. I unbuttoned his shirt because severe allergies can cause breathing difficulties; it made him more comfortable. That's all. Believe it or not, Mr. Corden."

Mike remained silent, his eyes deep and unreadable. The atmosphere grew tense. He resembled Alexander in a way—a quiet intensity that commanded respect. His mere presence made others self-conscious. He was a natural leader, explaining Helen's fear. But Lily didn't deserve to be scapegoated.

After a moment, Mike said, "Thank you."

Lisa breathed a sigh of relief. Lily responded calmly, "You're welcome."

Helen, stunned, cried hysterically, "Why don't you believe me, Mike?! You believe a stranger over me! I'm Nick's mother!"

"I said before, you don't deserve to be," he replied indifferently.

The emergency room door opened, and a doctor emerged. "Who are the child's family members?"