As soon as Arlo confirmed Sefan was in the city, she knew she had to step forward to protect Ethan and Eli. She took out her secondary phone and called.
"Hello, Madam Victoria!" Arlo said urgently.
"Hello, Miss Arlo! How are you? How are Clara and Ethan?" Victoria asked, her voice carrying its usual sass.
"Clara is dead, Ma'am," Arlo stated, her voice tight with grief.
"What? What are you saying, Arlo?" Victoria asked, suddenly serious.
"Yes, Ma'am. I guess you need to come back fast. I need to talk to you about very important matters, as fast as possible!" Arlo said, ending the call before Victoria could ask more.
The emergency meeting began. MD and CMO stood defensively in front of Lucas.
"Really, Dr. Ethan is just a normal doctor, a normal employee of our hospital," Lucas said, his voice cold with fury. "And yet, he's the one thinking about society and our hospital's prestige! He tried to fix this mess, while you guys—shame on your positions—literally avoided Dr. Ethan and told him not to do anything! Is this your professionalism?"
"Sorry, Sir..." the CMO began.
"Please don't apologize! This is huge!" Lucas ordered. "I need all the files regarding the medicine supplies immediately. I need to know where you sourced the illegal medicine from that Mafia and who our business partner is who is involved in this!"
"And for the hospital medical camp," Lucas continued, "before I hear any excuses—"
"Ah, yes, Sir! Miss Arlo already insisted and provided the fund for this society work," the MD quickly interjected.
"Good. This weekend, we are going on a five-day trip to the Mountain Country region. We're camping there to provide medical help, as they are far away from city hospitals. By doing this work, we can at least establish that our hospital is also involved in society work," Lucas announced.
Everyone quickly agreed, and the meeting concluded.
After the meeting, Lucas met Arlo outside. "Ah, Arlo, you can take a taxi and go back. I have some errands to do. I'll meet you tomorrow evening as I can," Lucas said. "And I don't need any driver or bodyguards; I can handle myself."
"Ahhh, Sir, can I—" Arlo started.
"You should go now," Lucas commanded.
Arlo left, thinking, He's definitely going to meet Ethan!
Lucas drove straight to Eli's school. Since the Principal already knew Lucas was Eli's father, they allowed him to take Eli out.
"Ahhh, let's go to lunch?" Lucas asked inside the car.
"Hey, you uncle! Where are you taking me? If my Papa knows, he'll slap you!" Eli said fiercely.
"Ah... Me... Uncle!? I'm not even cross 25, I'm just 23 years old, and you called me 'uncle'! You're rude, just like your Papa," Lucas teased. "By the way, is your dad really going to slap me? Is he that capable?"
"Yesss, I saw it with my own eyes!" Eli declared.
"What? When?" Lucas asked, alarmed.
"Ahhh, in front of my school that day! Two aunts came there! And one talks too much, and she tried to give a small piece of paper, and my Papa slapped her!" Eli recounted.
A piece of paper? Is that Selena? Oh, something definitely happened between Selena and Ethan! That's why he was angry this morning! Lucas thought, pulling up in front of a big luxury hotel.
They went inside. Lucas ordered everything Eli liked and wanted. As they ate, Lucas smiled.
"Ahhh, this time I'm the winner in the challenge!" Lucas announced.
"Challenge winner? How? Did you prove my Papa is yours?" Eli demanded.
"Yes." Lucas pulled out the photos he had secretly taken in his room—the ones showing their intimate proximity. "Look!"
Eli stared at the pictures. Ohh, my Papa and this guy are so close! Does he own my Papa? Eli looked concerned. "Ahhh, are you going to take my Papa?" he pouted.
"Aww, don't worry," Lucas said, pulling the boy close. "Your Papa is not only mine; he's yours too. He's your Papa, and I am his boyfriend."
"Boyfriend?" Eli asked, confused.
"Ahhh, boyfriend..." Lucas searched for the right words. "You see, Eli, every family has a Mother, a Dad, and a baby. Just like that, I'm the Dad, your Papa is your Papa, and you are our baby," Lucas explained carefully.
"Ohhh, you're my Papa's husband?" Eli asked, finally getting it.
"Yes, correct, my son!" Lucas exclaimed. "And as per the challenge, you need to accept me as your dad. From today onwards, you should call me as Dad only!"
Eli nodded cutely.
"Okay, call me now. Dad. I want to hear that from your sweet voice!"
"Da... Dad..." Eli whispered softly.
"Ahhh, I can't hear anything! Can you tell me once more?" Lucas asked, leaning in.
"Dad!" Eli shouted playfully.
"No, no, I still can't hear anything!" Lucas insisted, laughing.
"DAD!!!" Eli screamed with all his might.
"Who's Dad?"
The voice made Lucas and Eli turn. Standing there, rigid with shock and anger, was Ethan, flanked by Cury and Satraus.