Chapter 11 Brenda's heart burned with resentment, yet her face twisted into perfect remorse. "It's my fault. I haven't loved Casper enough, and he becomes ill because he misses his birth mother so much." "That's not your fault. A child yearning for his mother is natural. You're not his birth mother. You could never replace her." The blunt truth cut Brenda deep. She wasn't Casper's mother, and that was a fact she could never change. Before she could respond, Marcus added, "Casper is in a fragile state right now. Don't come by unless it's urgent. If you must, call me first." Brenda's eyes widened. Because of Casper's outburst, she could no longer visit freely? Then how was she any different from the other women coveting Marcus? No, this wouldn't do! 'Casper's well-being comes first. That's final!" Marcus delivered the cold dismissal, a punishment for her lies to Casper. He'd made it clear he would never marry her, yet she'd still provoked the boy. Truthfully, he'd never wanted Brenda in his home in the first place. Brenda seethed inwardly but didn't dare argue as Marcus looked angry. With a stiff nod, she retreated. Once she was gone, Marcus turned to the butler. "From now on, don't let her in without calling me first." 'Got it!" Not long after, Kason Sherman arrived in a rush. He was Marcus's closest friend and a skilled physician. They discussed Casper's condition. Kason advised keeping Brenda away, adding, "Today's outburst suggests his bipolar disorder is worsening. This isn't sustainable." "He's been on his meds," Marcus growled. "Meds aren't enough. His core issue is psychological, an obsessive longing for his mother. Finding her might be the real solution." Marcus lit a cigarette, looking agitated. If he could find her, would he be this desperate? He'd even hired an actress once, someone who matched Casper's description of his mother. But the boy saw through the ruse instantly and had an outburst. 1610 1.63% < Chapter 11 Kason grasped the situation and let out a helpless sigh. "If all else fails, hire a child psychology expert who can also act as a nanny to stay with Casper long-term. "If Casper accepts her, she might reach him and help heal that trauma. Menu "Even if full recovery isn't possible, having her there would allow for close monitoring, prevent his condition from deteriorating, and stop incidents like today's from recurring. At the very least, when he has an episode, someone will be by his side." Marcus nodded. "Do you have anyone in mind?" "Not yet, but if you're okay with a female stranger living here, I can look." "Don't worry about me. Focus on Casper." For his son, he'd sacrifice anything. "Got it. I'll start searching." "Thanks." Just then, Marcus's phone rang."Sir, bad news. Ms. Estrada escaped!" Escaped?" Yes, sir. The building's fire alarm suddenly went off, and everyone rushed outside in a panic. Ms. Estrada took advantage of the chaos to escape." You can't even guard one woman? Useless!" Already on edge, Marcus's temper snapped. He yanked at his tie, voice dropping dangerously low. "Why did the alarm trigger?" "Someone set off smoke bombs in the basement. But the security cameras were tampered with. We can't identify who did it." A cold glint flashed in Marcus's eyes. Using a smoke bomb to stage a rescue and disabling the cameras meant she had backers, He'd just stopped suspecting her, but clearly, he'd underestimated the situation. "Track her location and bring her back." "Yes, sir!"