The maid, moved by his consideration, supported him as they descended the stairs.

Despite being more than six months pregnant, Elissa went to the roadside to hail a taxi.

The taxi driver was very kind. Seeing two women with a child and no man around, he offered to help get Brantley into the car. Curiously, he asked, "Where's the man of the house?"

Elissa quietly answered, “He's away on business and couldn't get back in time."

The driver said casually, “What kind of man does that? He's about to become a father again yet leaves his family at such a time? Thankfully, you have someone to look out for you."

Brantley pursed his lips.

He quietly grabbed Elissa's hand, worried she might reveal to the driver that he wasn't her child.

He was anxious about others learning about his rather shameful background.

But as the driver settled into his seat, Elissa softly mentioned, "When he returns, we really need to have a serious discussion."

The driver pressed the gas pedal.

He found Brantley quite handsome and glanced at him in the rearview mirror, saying with a smile, "You son looks like you. You two really do look alike!"

Brantley tensed up once more.

Elissa gently took his feverish hand in hers.

She urged Brantley to rest his head on her shoulder.

She embraced him firmly, reassuringly whispering that he could sleep for a bit and she would wake him upon their arrival at the hospital.

Brantley snuggled closer into Elissa's hold, feeling her warmth, his cheeks growing even more flushed.

Elissa looked at him and it struck her that he was only eight years old.

Upon reaching the hospital, the driver graciously assisted them to the emergency room and charged no additional fees. He expressed his understanding of the difficulties facing the two women and the child.

After expressing her gratitude to the driver, Elissa hurried to consult a doctor.

The doctor recommended an intravenous treatment and suggested an overnight stay for observation. He mentioned that if all went well, Brantley could go home the next morning but would need another IV session the following day.

The maid handled the admissions paperwork and said, "It's just for one night, so actually no need to waste money. We can manage in the IV room tonight! Anyways, Mrs. Jones, you should head home; I'll stay with him."

Elissa replied quietly, "That won't do! It's too cold at this time of year. Brantley's condition might get even worse if we don't make sure he's comfortable. It's worth the extra expense to get him a proper bed."

The maid saw how much the private room cost for one night.

Tentatively, she asked, "Is Mr. Jones actually quite wealthy?"