The dean frowned, his tone turning cold and impatient.
"Eddie, given the storm of negative public opinion surrounding you, you’re not to return to work for now."
I barely acknowledged his words, my gaze fixed instead on the live-streaming camera stationed in the middle of the room.
"What negative public opinion?" I asked, my voice calm yet sharp.
"Is it the claim that I let my wife and child die or the accusation that I’m greedy for fame and fortune?"
The live-stream had been capturing the Johanssen family presenting the silk banner to Robert, but the moment I appeared, the viewership skyrocketed.
Comments flooded the screen in a torrent:
"Isn’t this the husband who refused to save his wife?!"
"I saw the video! He was playing games while his wife was in labor! Disgusting!"
"How can someone so heartless even call himself a man?!"
"This scumbag and his whole family should rot in hell!"
Amid the growing hostility online, Susan ’s voice broke through, sharp and trembling.
"Eddie," she began, her eyes red-rimmed with tears, "I understand why you didn’t save me."
"But I nearly died giving birth to our child and now, instead of coming to see her, you’re still obsessing over your job?"
She raised a piece of paper, her hands shaking as tears streamed down her cheeks.
The document was unmistakable—a paternity test, stamped with an official red seal.
"Here it is, in black and white. This child is biologically yours."
"How can you be so indifferent?"
The live-stream exploded again, comments whizzing by faster than the eye could follow.
I glanced at the number of viewers, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips.
"Indifferent?" I said softly, my voice tinged with amusement.
"Of course I care."
"Not only do I care about the child, but I also have a special gift for all of you."
Susan froze. Her expression shifted, a flicker of unease crossing her face.
