Chapter 273

Evan probably got caught up in my emotions and finally broke down crying. His tiny nose was twitching with each sob, and fat teardrops shimmered under the light. "Evan... Mom wants to ask you something. Do you think, if a mama hen found her lost chick again, would the chick forgive her? Even if she was the worst mom in the world..." My voice completely broke then. Right at that moment, I felt a firm, warm hand on my shoulder. I looked up—it was Henry Smith. His gaze was deep, his face trying to look calm as he gave a small smile. He tried to sound casual. "Sophie, don’t blame yourself like that. If we’re pointing fingers, it’s my fault. I didn’t do a good job protecting you and Evan. It’s on me, not you." I quickly covered my mouth with my hand, scared that if I didn’t, I’d start bawling. Meanwhile, Evan’s freshly washed face was now a mess of tears and snot. He wiped it with his sleeve like a heartbroken little kid. Henry, clearly at a loss on how to comfort me, turned his attention t