Chapter 208

Haley's presence had lifted Julia's mood considerably. … The next day, it was evening by the time Haley finally wrapped up her work and rushed to the hospital. The moment she saw Julia, Haley couldn't help but complain, "Today nearly killed me, Julia. You've got to hurry up and get better so you can come back and help me." Before her words had even faded, a child's voice spoke up from the corner. "What is it? Can I do it? Ms. Barlow, please don't make Mommy work, okay?" Haley turned, startled. She saw Xavier sitting obediently on a stool, watching her with hopeful eyes. He must have arrived at some point without her noticing. The instant she realized it was Julia's ungrateful son who had spoken, Haley blurted out, "What are you doing here, you little traitor?" As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized how harsh they sounded. She pressed her lips together but didn't apologize. She couldn't help it. The boy hadn't just taken his useless father's side against Julia—he had