Chapter 17 Chapter 17 Maxine left the hospital without looking back . She walked faster and faster , as if trying to escape from that hallway . Only when she got into a taxi did Maxine touch her cold face absentmindedly and realize she had been crying all along . She calmly took out some tissues from her handbag to wipe away her tears , feeling completely dead inside . These tears were making her stupid - better let them all out . After Maxine calmed down , her phone suddenly rang . It was the nurse who was taking care of Jessica . " Ms. Hudson , please come back quickly ! A group of people just arrived and said they'd take your daughter ! " the nurse urged . Maxine rushed straight to Jessica's ward as soon as possible . As soon as she entered the room , she saw seven or so people standing around Jessica's bed - middle - aged women in their forties or fifties . One woman in a red vest was trying to coax Jessica into her arms . But Jessica resisted fiercely and stepped back . Seeing Maxine , she cried out immediately , " Maxine ! " Maxine pushed through the crowd and ran up to hug Jessica tightly while watching those middle - aged women warily . " Who are you ?! Why do you want to take my daughter ? " she questioned . The woman in the red vest smiled awkwardly and tried to reassure her . " Take it easy ; let me introduce myself . We're staff from the Saints Orphanage ; I'm the Director , Naomi Atkins . We learned that this little girl is an orphan now , so we thought we'd bring her over for placement . " Maxine's eyes showed suspicion , and it took her a while to slightly ease her guard , but she still didn't let go of Jessica . " Saints Orphanage , the one in the suburbs ? " she asked . Naomi nodded repeatedly . " Yes , yes , have you heard about it ? Don't be nervous ; we're only taking this child temporarily because I heard you wanted to adopt her ! But until the adoption procedures are completed legally , you can't keep this child with you . " was mempe Maxine replied indifferently , " I know that , but there's also de facto adoption - this child's mother was my client before she passed away ; she once told me if anything happened to her , this child would be under my care . " That already meets the conditions for de facto adoption , which means I just need to complete the formalities within a reasonable timeframe . " Suspicion flashed across Naomi's eyes when she heard this . She glanced at her companions and remained silent for a moment as if unsure how to refute it . Maxine held the trembling Jessica in her arms , her / mind racing . It wasn't that she didn't trust state welfare homes , but the Saints Orphanage was known not to be directly managed by the government but rather run by private charity organizations , where ninety - nine percent of its staff were middle - aged women . Over the past two years , it had garnered a solid reputation , gradually becoming a well - known children's welfare institution within the city . Such organizations could easily attract people with hidden agendas , such as the person who harmed Ivanna . 10:45 Tue , 17 Jun EJ GO Chapter 17 If today's visit by them was arranged by someone with hidden agendas , then Jessica would be in grave danger . There was no way Maxine could risk it . Shortly after , Naomi signaled to her associates , and they all filed out one by one . With only the three of them left in the room , Maxine finally let go of Jessica slowly . Naomi put on a gentle smile , asking , " So you're Ms. Hudson , right ? I heard you have family . Why would you adopt this kid ? " Maxine looked at Naomi , her brows slightly furrowed , and replied coldly , " Are you really going to ask me this in front of the child ? " Naomi seemed to feel it was inappropriate as well , and her eyes showed an apologetic look . " Then let's talk outside , " she said .